Prince William Living May 2012 by Prince William Living

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GOLFING IN PRINCE WILLIAM

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GORDOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OF WOODBRIDGE

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PARTY ON, GARTH

prince william living May 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

To Travel or Not to Travel?

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Horseback Riding Convenience PAGE 22

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table of contents May 2012 Vol. 2 No. 5

FEATURE STORY To Travel or Not to Travel ......................................4

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

4 Photo courtesy SplashDown Waterpark

destinations Golﬁng in Prince William: Numerous Courses Rise to the Fore! ........................8 on a high note Putting Smiles on People’s Faces: Gordo’s of Woodbridge Entertains All Ages ..........12 going places Amy Noone Frederick: “Wicked Smart & Divinely Kind”........................14 family fun Horseback Riding Convenience Right in Your Own Backyard ..............................16

12 Photo courtesy Sean Floars

giving back NOVA Glass Slipper: Making Dreams Come True ................................22 calendar ..............................................................24 distribution sites ................................................29

COLUMNS home & hearth ....................................................19 your finances ......................................................20 Discover Prince William & Manassas................25

16 Photo courtesy Tamar Wilsher-Rivas

tambourines and elephants Party On, Garth ..................................................27

prince william living May 2012 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living Editor in Chief and Publisher Elizabeth Kirkland ekirkland@princewilliamliving.com Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Rebecca Barnes, Audrey Harman, Ann Marie Maher, eresa McElroy, Olivia Overman, Jennifer Rader, Helena Tavares Kennedy and Stephanie Tipple Copy Editor Peter Lineberry Photography Sean Floars, Aleda Johnson Powell, Elizabeth Kirkland and Tamar Wilsher-Rivas Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Helena Tavares Kennedy, Jennifer Rader and Patty Tracy Prince William Living, the premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. e opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reﬂect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2012 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

Prince William Living 4491 Cheshire Station Plaza, PMB 55 Dale City, VA 22193 Phone: (703) 232-1758 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Advertising offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 1 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living Editor in Chief and Publisher Elizabeth Kirkland, either by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or by email at ekirkland@princewilliamliving.com. Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising. For complete advertising information, please contact Rebecca Barnes, Prince William Living president, either by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1, or by email at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com. Distribution If you are your business’ decision maker and you have a waiting room or other place your customers and employees would appreciate finding a copy of Prince William Living, please call Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes and ask about how your business can become a free distribution site for Prince William Living. Rebecca can be reached by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1, or by email at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com. By becoming a distributor of Prince William Living, your business will be mentioned on the Prince William Living website and in future issues of Prince William Living. Social Media

Subscription rate is $12 (U.S.), one year. International subscribers add $12 each year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes. Reprints and Back Issues: To order article reprints or request reprint permission, please visit the Prince William Living website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by calling Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1. For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

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from the publisher I

n last month’s “From the Publisher,” I announced that Prince William Living had been nominated for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Business Awards. I’m very excited to be able to share with all of you that, on April 18, at the Prince William Chamber’s Business Awards Ceremony held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, we were named 2012 New Business of the Year! From our many contributing writers, photographers and editors who dedicate their time and talent to Prince William Living, to our advertising staff, our designer and those who have helped us along the way, including our assistants, interns, printers and distributors, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Most importantly, though, we would like to thank our many advertisers and, of course, our readers, for sticking by our sides through thick and through thin. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you! is May, our focus is “To Travel or Not to Travel?” and the cover story, by Olivia Overman, begins on page four. In it, you’ll find lots of great ideas for places to go and things to do and see—all within driving distance of Prince William County. Want to see museums? How about an aquarium? Or perhaps amusement parks are more your style. You’ll find information about all of these places and so much more in Overman’s article. Is golf your game? Why not check out one of the many courses in Prince William? Read all about them in Stephanie Tipple’s article, “Golfing in Prince William; Numerous Courses Rise to the Fore!” (page eight). Also in this month’s issue, read about the pastime of many residents of Prince William and Greater Manassas—horseback riding—in this month’s Family Fun, by Audrey Harman (page 16).

Advertiser Index ACTS ..........................................................................................28 Alpha Pets ................................................................................28 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................27 Apple FCU ................................................................................20 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................26 Bargain Relocation ....................................................................11 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................21 CertaPro Painters ......................................................................19 Christ Chapel ............................................................................28 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................21 Confidence Realty ....................................................................13 Cornerstone Landscaping........................................................25 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................28 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................25 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................28 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................28 Fred’s Best Windows ................................................................19 Gateway College Funding........................................................20 Grasso Construction Services, LLC ........................................26 The Home Energy Detective, Inc. ..............................................7 Imagewerks ..............................................................................28

In this month’s On a High Note, by Helena Tavares Kennedy (page 12), we focus on Gordo’s of Woodbridge, a business that began with owners Gordon and Joan Freeman’s love of puppets. Gordo’s sells puppets of all kinds, including marionettes. We spotlight Amy Noone Frederick in this month’s Going Places (page 14), by Jennifer Rader. Frederick is a wife, mother, community participant and president of 60 Plus Association, a non-partisan national advocacy organization focusing on seniors’ issues. Prom season kicked oﬀ last month, and we at Prince William Living would be remiss not to acknowledge this. We honor a new charitable organization, NOVA Glass Slipper, whose founders are doing their best to make so many girls’ dreams come true, in this month’s Giving Back, by eresa McElroy (page 22). And, don’t miss our newest additions to Prince William Living—our Home & Hearth and Your Finances columns, on pages 19 and 20. In Home & Hearth, read tips on mulching and weed prevention. In Your Finances, learn how to go about preparing for retirement. Also in the May issue, read about Discover Prince William & Manassas Executive Director Ann Marie Maher’s forthcoming columns, which will highlight everything from Prince William and Manassas festivals and boutiques to the area’s history and unique attractions. Want more information about these columns? Check out page 25 of this month’s issue. Finally, don’t miss DeeDee Corbitt Sauter’s Tambourines and Elephants column (page 27), “Party on, Garth,” which is all about children’s birthday parties. You’ll ﬁnd all this and more in this month’s issue of Prince William Living. We hope you enjoy it!

Lavender Retreat ......................................................................27 Lil Bit of Posh ............................................................................28 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................28 The Maids..................................................................................28 The Manassas Chorale ............................................................10 Minnieland Academy ................................................................11 More Options Realty ................................................................28 Occoquan Craft Fair ..................................................................23 Okra’s..........................................................................................11 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors........................10 Potomac Place ..........................................................................10 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................C2 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................21 Ready Hands ............................................................................21 Reiki Master ..............................................................................26 Becky Crowley/Flute and Piano Lessons ................................28 Sassy Gifts ................................................................................28 Stratford University ..................................................................11 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................28 Touch of Gold ............................................................................28 Washington Square Associates ..............................................28 WineStyles ................................................................................26 Vpstart Crow ............................................................................28

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To Travel or Not to Travel

By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer

very year families face the dilemma of choosing where to vacation, and every year it seems prices for their chosen destination get more and more expensive. So this year, why not vacation locally and keep some of those hardearned dollars in your pockets? If someone were to say you could visit a place that had lots of history, as well as fun places for the kids, nature lovers and food connoisseurs, you may think you have to hustle to the nearest airport. Well, don’t book that ﬂight just yet—consider what is available right here at your doorstep. From Baltimore, to Washington, D.C., Prince William County to Colonial Williamsburg, we have found some attractions for all those ready to enjoy some fun, relaxation, and, importantly, some reasonably priced (if not free!) family vacation time.

Prince William County and Manassas While Washington, D.C., may be considered a mecca for tourists from all over the country, Prince William County can deﬁnitely stand proud in showcasing what is available for families to enjoy. “e ﬁrst thing, out of all the surrounding counties, like Loudoun, Fairfax and Arlington, is that Prince William County is very rich in military history,” said Ann Marie Maher, executive director of Discover Prince William and Manassas. “We also have the most outdoor areas, with the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park and Occoquan.” From hiking to camping to tracing your roots, if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there are opportunities galore throughout the county. Want to get up close and personal with local history? How about taking part in the once-in-a-lifetime events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Second Manassas/Bull Run at Manassas 4 | May 2012 prince william living

National Battlefield Park? From Aug. 24-26, events such as artillery demonstrations, period music and lectures will be held to commemorate the battle that saw Union and Confederate soldiers converge in a battle that lasted three days. “While the first Manassas [battle] started the Civil War and we had a huge kick-off [to commemorate this], this will be a little more intimate,” Maher said. ere’s something for everyone during the City of Manassas/ Manassas Museum 2012 program, with everything from book talks, aimed at children, in June, to scavenger hunts, and interactive portions of each exhibit designed for kids. e Manassas Museum System includes numerous historic sites that are “great place[s] for families to explore,” said Lisa SievelOtten, historic interpreter at the Manassas Museum. Mayfield and Cannon Branch Earthwork forts were both built during the Civil War, and are open and free each day. e Historic Manassas Railway Depot has a small gallery of railway memorabilia, and is a great place for little ones to watch trains arrive through the old trainmaster’s window. It’s open every day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is free. e Manassas Industrial School/ Jennie Dean Memorial tells the story of a remarkable pioneer in African-American education. In addition to the museum sites, this summer Manassas will hold concerts, ice cream socials, movies and other events at the Harris Pavilion. “e annual Railroad Festival is June 2nd, and gallery walks and Battle Street Live performances will be scheduled throughout the summer,” said Sievel-Otten. As for dining during your trip to Manassas, there are many restaurants in Old Town to whet your family’s appetite, from Foster’s Grille’s burgers to the now-famous Okra’s, where the First

Photo courtesy Discover Prince William & Manassas

Manassas, where they are preparing to have a splashing good time. With a 770-foot lazy river, waterslides and even a man-made beach spread across 13 acres, the whole family can cool down. e park also features special events, which include organized play dates every ursday morning, Mommy Mondays, and a Father’s Day special, where dads get in free when they bring their kids.

Camping at Prince William Forest Park.

Lady and then-nine-year-old daughter Sasha dined last year, to Carmello’s. Jennifer Buske, communications specialist at Discover Prince William and Manassas, suggested a night out at Prince William Forest Park—“where history and nature unite.” e park can be great fun for the whole family. Built in the 1930s, the park’s rustic cabins were once used by the Oﬃce of Strategic Services during World War II. “In the morning, walk or bike some of the 40-plus miles of trails and don’t forget to sign up for the junior ranger program—one of 20 across the nation to be part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside Initiative,” Buske said. (Visit www.visitpwc.com for more details.) Or, check out the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Triangle, where the family can interact with uniformed marines and try activities such as lifting a Marine’s backpack, boarding an amphibious vehicle and then helping defend your position from the enemy. Stop for lunch at one of the two restaurants in the museum: the Devil Dog Diner is set in a cafeteria-style atmosphere serving hot dogs and pizza, while Tun Tavern recreates an 18th-century tavern with table service. While at the tavern you may be lucky enough to hear the story behind the large painting hung within, depicting famous Marines from the founding of the Corps to the present day. e museum is open daily, except for Christmas Day, and admission is free. (Check it out at www.usmcmuseum.com/index.asp.)

If your idea of summer fun includes a water park, why not check out SplashDown Waterpark, located on Ben Lomond Park Drive in

The Nation’s Capital Having Washington, D.C., and all it has to offer at our doorstep is a definite plus for families in Prince William and Greater Manassas. From the 19 Smithsonian museums, to the Capitol building (reservations recommended), the White House, and the shops and streets of historic Georgetown, the nation’s capital is a place filled with history, both past and present. is summer, why not take the family into the city and spend some time in the Smithsonian museums, all of which are free. Some of the world’s best animal and nature photos will be displayed at the Museum of Natural History through early next year. A family favorite, the museum offers everything from dinosaur skeletons, to tropical fish, to the 45-anda-half carat Hope Diamond. e Butterfly Pavilion on the upper level allows visitors to walk among hundreds of butterflies as they flutter freely in their simulated natural environment. (Note: this enclosure costs $6 for adults and $5 for children 2-12.)

Photo courtesy Olivia Overman

Leesylvania State Park is another great destination. ere, you can spend some quality time outdoors with family and friends. Enjoy hiking one of the five trails in the park and then relaxing on the beach after a picnic. According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the park picnic area features a halfmile stretch of natural sand beach on the Potomac River. While swimming is not allowed in the tidal water, many people take advantage of the water to ride jet skis, launch motorboats or sailboats, or fish off the 300-foot pier. e park recently installed a two-mile fitness trail featuring stations where people can work on strength, cardio and stretching. According to www.visitpwc.com, for just $3, the park will be renting out field packs this year that contain “materials visitors need to do everything from bird watch and insect hunt to sketch nature and identify rocks and fossils.”

Sports fans in Prince William and Greater Manassas can also enjoy the summer by taking in a minor-league baseball game at Pﬁtzner Stadium in Woodbridge, where the Potomac Nationals play. A great game, good food and a family atmosphere will deﬁnitely provide great fun for the whole family. Ticket prices are reasonable, and those who choose to go on Monday night can purchase grandstand tickets and hot dogs for just $1.

Dinosaur bones at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Another favorite with families is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Located at 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW, this museum is a must-see for visitors to Washington, D.C. According to the Smithsonian website, the museum has “the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft among (continues on page 6) prince william living May 2012 | 5

(continued from page 5) Photo courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

some 50,000 artifacts that range in size from Saturn V rockets to jetliners to gliders to space helmets to microchips.” While at the museum, take some time to look at the display of hundreds of artifacts there, from Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis to space shuttles, including the Apollo 11 command module. ere is also plenty for the kids to do in the “How ings Fly” gallery, where they can perform numerous hands-on experiments. (More details can be found at www.nasm.si.edu.) e best way to get around Washington, D.C., and the metropolitan region is to take the Metro subway system. You can purchase a multi-trip farecard if you plan to stay for a few days. Metro also oﬀers a one-day pass valid after 9.30 a.m. on weekdays. Another option is a seven-day pass. Operating hours commence at 5 a.m. and end at midnight Monday through ursday, and run from 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.

On the Fourth of July, guests walk the streets where Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, once walked and celebrate more than 250 years of freedom with family programs, music from Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums, and fireworks.

Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA Once the capital of England’s largest and most populated colony, Williamsburg, Va., became the seat of our young nation’s ideals of liberty, independence and personal freedom. Located just 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., today Colonial Williamsburg blends history with modern amenities to create the largest living museum in the U.S. Penna Rogers, communications manager at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, provided details of some of the newest events that take place there: the alternate reality game “RevQuest” that challenges participants to solve a mystery that could change the course of history in Revolutionary War-era Williamsburg, to guests partaking in a march to the courthouse where troops are reviewed before the Siege of Yorktown, to an evening program called “Cry Witch” where guest are invited to “question the witnesses, weigh the evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of Grace Sherwood, ‘the Virginia Witch.’” ere are plenty of things for families to do, but make sure you check out the family package options that could include nightly accommodations at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and tickets for general admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and art museums, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA. (Visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com for more information.) Busch Gardens is a well-known theme park with more than 50 6 | May 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

ere are so many things to do and see in the nation’s capital that you may want to stay awhile. Hotels can add up, though, especially when you need a few rooms for the family. One option for families to consider is to stay in a hotel in Prince William County, which can cost a family a third of the price of a downtown hotel, and you do “not have to worry about buses and kids running onto the streets when you come home at night,” said Maher. “Plus we have plenty of things for the kids to do at night, like Laser Quest and the IMAX theater at Potomac Mills Mall.” Getting into the District is also made easy during the week with the Virginia Railway Express train, and Amtrak trains also stop at the Woodbridge train station. “RevQuest: Sign of the Rhinoceros” is an alternate reality game that challenges participants to save the revolution. Players must solve a mystery that helps to avert a crisis that could change the course of history in Revolutionary War-era Williamsburg.

rides and attractions, live music shows and plenty of food and entertainment for the whole family. Set in more than 100 acres in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens includes themed areas representing England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. is is deﬁnitely a place of fun and excitement for those carefree days of summer. A word of warning, though: make sure you enjoy plenty of refreshments during a hot summer day at the park, as walking through 100 acres can take its toll!

National Aquarium, Baltimore Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium boasts three pavilions with more than 16,000 animals. Its location is ideal for driving the family as it is within easy walking distance of a number of parking garages. Tickets for the aquarium can be purchased online prior to your visit, which will deﬁnitely save you some time when you arrive. Exhibits change, but this summer the aquarium is boasting the following exhibits: “Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance,” “Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes,” and “Open Ocean Shark Walk.” A 4D Immersion eater combines a short ﬁlm with

unique sensory eﬀects. Tickets are priced at around $25 per adult and $20 for children age 3-11. (Check out the diﬀerent programs available at www.aqua.org for more details.)

Travel Today With today’s challenging economy, you would be correct to assume families have had to cut back on the vacations they take. at change has been to reduce the number of yearly vacations taken, from two or three a year to, in many cases, just one. is is the trend Debra Overing, owner and travel agent at Classic Travel Inc., in Tackett’s Mill has seen over the past couple of years. Other changes have seen families “taking shorter trips, like four nights/ﬁve days, and this is probably because of the cost,” said Overing. While the all-inclusive packages to Disney World and the Caribbean remain popular, “there has been a big increase in the number of family reunions. Families are planning a single trip to be with family members and are connecting in exotic locations,” Overing said. Asked about tips for cutting vacation costs, Overing’s response was to book early. “Yes, you may ﬁnd some last-minute deals, but these will be limited,” she said. Pointing out the advantages of booking through a travel agent, Overing continued, “If your vacation is subject to a promotional rate after you book, you will get the promotion.” Plus, after a deposit is paid, people can pay through installments, thereby making the cost of the vacation a little easier to handle. If looking to vacation within driving distance, there are some nice local resorts, from the beaches to the mountains, said Overing. e Four Seasons and Seven Springs Mountain resorts in Pennsylvania are both a three- to four-hour drive from northern Va. e Greenbrier, located in West Virginia, is another great family resort, said Overing, as is Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. Other places Overing mentioned include Pennsylvania’s Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, where there are fun outdoor activities like zip lining, and the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg. “e best way to travel to these places is to drive, even with the price of gas,” she said.

To Travel or Not to Travel? “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things,” Henry Miller, the American writer and painter, once said. So, while some people concern themselves with traveling long distances to faraway exotic places, take a minute to explore what is around you. You don’t have to go far to experience something great. Once people realize what is on oﬀer locally, they usually say ‘why didn’t we know?’ said Maher. So, leave the BlackBerry and laptop behind and get away from the hustle and bustle, without having to break the bank!

A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman has written articles for a number of online and print publications. She lives with her husband and son in Woodbridge. Overman can be reached by email at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living May 2012 | 7

destinations

Golfing in Prince William: Numerous Courses Rise to the Fore!

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

s the weather warms and the spring season is fully upon us, pro golfers and amateurs alike will be clamoring to make tee times at one of the many golf courses in the area. Prince William County is home to a number of award-winning golf courses, both public and private, including Old Hickory, Stonewall, Forest Greens and General’s Ridge. If you are looking for prime golfing on the eastern end of the county, consider the Old Hickory golf course, located in Woodbridge behind the McCoart Building, right around the corner from where the Potomac Nationals play ball. Old Hickory has won many accolades, including being among the “Top 100 Must-Play Courses” by GolfStyles Washington. Old Hickory offers an 18-hole championship course created by architect Tim Freeland. e course also offers promotional rates and lessons, featuring a military discount rate for weekday golf games. e natural beauty of the site is a noted attracting factor for local golfers, with pines, maples and oaks dotting the landscape. On the western end of the county, towards the Lake Manassas area, there are two well-known golf courses—Virginia Oaks Golf Club and Stonewall Golf Club. Virginia Oaks, rated one of the best golf courses to play by Golf Digest in 2008 and 2009, was designed by Pete Dye Jr. in 1995. Located in Gainesville off Interstate 66, Virginia Oaks is an 18-hole, par 71/72 challenging course that the whole family can enjoy. is course is managed by Billy Casper Golf, a Virginia golf management company. Billy Casper Golf currently operates and owns 120 golf courses nationwide and was brought in to manage the public county golf courses by the Prince William County Park Authority. e newest golf course in the county is Stonewall, designed by Tom Jackson, and is expected to be included in the prestigious list of top 100 courses throughout the region. is publicly owned, 18hole course is a part of the Virginia Golf Trail. e Virginia Golf Trail initiative, created by the state legislature, is a collaborative effort to publicize top-notch golf courses, pairing them with local restaurants and tourist venues throughout the state of Virginia. According to Rick Washco, communications and service director for the Prince William County Park Authority, “e

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GOLF TIPS ext time you head out to the links, keep these tips from PGA golf expert and Forest Greens General Manager Tom Coffman in mind, and you’ll be sure to shave a few strokes off your score:

1. Don't grip the club too tightly. The grip is our only contact with the club and the grip pressure is a big factor in the golf swing, and one that’s often overlooked. If you grip the club with a death lock, chances are you won’t allow the club to properly release. That not only robs you of power, but it also prevents the club from squaring up at impact, causing all sorts of directional problems. The forearms and shoulders tighten up, making it tough to swing fluidly. There are lots of good analogies you can use to help get an idea of the right amount of grip pressure, such as holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out. If you were to try to quantify it on a scale of one to 10, think

Virginia Golf Trail links golf courses [like Stonewall] that are three-and-a-half-star golf courses with wineries and restaurants.” Jeanna Hilton, director of sales at Stonewall Golf Club, said that despite its relative youth, Stonewall is “one of the more popular golf courses, with a Patriot Club [membership] program and ballroom for golf outings and events.” Further down Rt. 66, golfers will find the Bull Run Golf Club, created by Rick Jacobson, in Haymarket. Bull Run Golf Club offers recreation and historical background, with the course being located near Civil War battle sites. Much like Old Hickory, Bull Run, with its 18-hole championship course, has been named one of the “100 Must-Play Courses” by GolfStyles. e course is created to be playable by golfers of all handicaps, with its wideopen fairways being kind to those of us who hit it a little crooked. If you’re looking for waterside views when you’re on the green, then Osprey’s Golf Club, located in Woodbridge, is the course for you. e 18-hole, par 70 course, designed by Preston Caruthers and Bob Mortensen in 1997, is nestled into an area near the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Osprey’s has undergone a “facelift” in recent years, with modifications to its layout that were made in 2000, and in 2009 earned a spot on the “Top 100 Must-Play” list in GolfStyles. And a venture near the Manassas line will bring you to Westfields Golf Club, in Clifton, designed by popular pro Fred Couples. Westfields has had the distinction of being named one of “America’s Top Golf Courses” by the Zagat Guide for nine consecutive years, as well as “Top 25 Must-Play,” by GolfStyles. e course has a focus on traditional elements and is set apart from distracting roadways and residential areas, so golfers can focus purely on the game. Prince William County has also invested in golf as a viable form of recreation for its residents, with county-owned golf courses dotted all through the area. If you’re looking to tee off at one of these courses, then take a look at Forest Greens or General’s Ridge. ese courses, both maintained by Billy Casper Golf, are

of 10 as being as tight as you can hold the club and one as just barely hanging onto the club. You want to hold the club with a grip pressure of about four. That will give you a solid connection to the club and still allow you to swing properly. 2. It’s not all about your arms. To help start the backswing, try to think of it as turning your back to the target. Or, think of just putting the golf club behind your back. It’s as if you are winding up a spring before you release. 3. Alignment is often overlooked when we play golf. We can’t see how we are lined up when we play. Practice with a club on the ground between the feet and the ball; line the club up pointing towards the target. This will get the body used to lining up in the correct way.

“three-and-a-half-star, 18-hole championship courses,” said Washco. Both Forest Greens, located near Quantico and I-95, and General’s Ridge, in Manassas Park, are part of the Virginia Golf Trail, ranking at the same level of many privately run golf course facilities. Forest Greens opened its fairways to residents in 1996. is course, created by Clyde Johnston, is 18-hole, par 72 and draws in golfers from the county and beyond, garnering a rating of four stars from Golf Digest. In addition, Forest Greens offers golfers PGA instruction and lessons for all ability levels. General’s Ridge Golf Course is a par 72 that is built in an area adjacent to some of Virginia’s rich Civil War history. e Manassas Park course offers golfers an opportunity to play on a sprawling layout with excellent scenery, as well as a driving range with covered hitting bays. Like many golf courses in the county, General’s Ridge offers professional instruction and lessons to golfers who are looking to step up their game. Both Forest Green and General’s Ridge are community gems, as they offer golfers the opportunity to play on challenging courses, while paying an affordable price. And if you’re new to golfing, or you want to work on your short game, then Washco recommends nine-hole Lake Ridge Golf Course, which is also maintained and operated by the Prince William County Park Authority. is compact facility, located in Lake Ridge, allows new duffers the chance to play on a course without feeling the pressure of the more expensive options. It’s also ideal for those short on time who want to get in a few holes after work or on the weekend. A great place to learn the game, the Lake Ridge Golf Course also offers instruction from golf experts and tournaments for local residents.

Author Stephanie Tipple is a college student, journalist and community leader. She resides in Woodbridge. She can be reached via phone at (571) 358-7999. prince william living May 2012 | 9

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on a high note Putting Smiles on People’s Faces:

Gordo’s of Woodbridge Entertains All Ages By Helena Tavares Kennedy, Contributing Writer

ore than 17 years ago, Gordon and Joan Freeman were on vacation in Florida when they walked into a puppet store. It was at that moment that their fascination with and love for puppets began. ey purchased their very ﬁrst puppet—a hound dog—that day, and entertained themselves with it on their long drive back home to Virginia. Gordon stuck the puppet out the window to entertain passersby, and had car and truck drivers laughing and smiling as they drove up I-95. When they arrived home in Woodbridge, Gordon and Joan went back to their usual yard sale shows selling other items, but did so with a twist—Gordon brought his hound dog puppet out during slow periods at the yard sales. When the puppet caught shoppers’ eyes, though, they expressed more of an interest in buying that than in buying any of the other items at the Freemans’ yard sale. And that is where the couple’s love of puppets turned into a business, which they named, simply, “Gordo’s.” ey purchased more puppets from Florida and began selling them at their yard sale shows, and soon they expanded to street festivals and schools.

Photo courtesy Sean Floars

Gordon and Joan then added marionettes to their oﬀerings, which sold out quickly. In fact, the biggest challenge for their business so far has been keeping up with demand, especially for the most popular marionettes—feathered birds. Gordon hypothesized that they are the best-selling ones because they are two-legged instead of four-legged, making them easier to control and requiring less practice and patience, thus making them very popular among kids and adults who just want to have some fun—and fast.

For All Ages One might think that puppets and marionettes would attract a niche audience, but Gordon indicated otherwise. “It’s not just 12 | May 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Sean Floars

One might think that puppets and marionettes would attract a niche audience, but Gordon indicated otherwise. “It’s not just kids that are drawn to the puppets and marionettes—it’s adults too!”

kids that are drawn to the puppets and marionettes—it’s adults too!” he said. “Adults will sometimes say they are buying them for their kids but will end up playing with them and getting their own too.” Gordon said what he likes best about running his puppet business is “being outdoors, interacting with the kids and adults alike, and putting smiles on their faces.”

can get into. He also spends a lot of time showing oﬀ his favorite marionette, the rainbow ﬂamingo, because, as he put it, “when you make him walk, people down the street turn their head.” While there’s no storefront for Gordo’s, the family soon plans to add a list of street festivals where they’ll be selling their wares to their website. For more information on Gordo’s, visit their website, at www.gordosllp.com, or call (703) 680-4629.

In the Local Community While Gordo’s participates in a variety of street festivals and craft shows in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, they are very active in Prince William County. One craft show that Gordo’s has participated in for the past 13 years is in Dale City, at Holy Family Catholic Church. You can find him there every year, amidst jewelry and other craft vendors, and he is the only vendor that sells puppets and marionettes, which attract many of the youth in the church. Toni Papp, director of the Youth Ministry, said that while toddlers and teens alike love the puppets, middle schoolers are especially attracted to the marionettes and figuring out how they work. She said that Gordon takes the time to interact with the children and show them how to maneuver and control the marionettes. Gordo’s has become a popular mainstay at Holy Family Catholic Church’s annual craft show and Papp even purchased a green lizard puppet for her youth ministry office, which she says has become a sort of mascot for it.

A marketing director and recent MBA graduate, Helena Tavares Kennedy has written a variety of articles for local and national publications. She has lived in Manassas with her husband and two children for over 10 years. She can be reached at hkennedy@princewilliamliving.com.

Looking to the Future As time has gone on, Gordon and Joan’s business has become more and more of a family one. eir son, Michael Huber, is also helping out, ﬁnding craft shows, festivals and other events in which they can participate. Huber, who said the best thing about the business is “bringing back an older, almost lost, form of fun to kids,” began helping out in 2004 when his dad got sick and couldn’t attend all of the shows anymore. Huber now spends a lot of time researching street festivals and goes to every one he

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Amy Noone Frederick: “Wicked Smart & Divinely Kind” By Jennifer Rader, Contributing Writer

f there were ever a person who could seemingly stretch 24 hours into 48, it would be Amy Noone Frederick. As a wife, mother, community participant and the president of 60 Plus Association, a national advocacy organization on behalf of the elderly, Frederick is constantly in action making hours and minutes count. After graduating in 2000 from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., with a degree in government studies, Frederick packed up her car for Washington, D.C. With little money, few family contacts and a focus on politics and senior issues, moving to the nation’s capital was like stepping off of a cliff for Frederick. Knowing her interests was one thing but acting upon them was big. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew it was something where I would have an impact,” said Frederick. Armed with a strong work ethic that “if something needs to be done, you do it and with hard work, you can achieve anything,” Frederick moved forward with a short-term plan in her mind. She figured she would be in Virginia for a few years and return to Pennsylvania to run for office.

Photo courtesy Aleda Johnson Powell

Upon her arrival in the District of Columbia, Frederick immersed herself in national politics by joining 60 Plus Association which, at the time, was a young advocacy organization representing senior citizens on such issues as Social Security, Medicare, repealing the “death tax” and independent living. Founded in 1992 by current chairman James Martin, 60 Plus Association, which is now in its 20th year, serves approximately 7.1 million members, ﬁlling a void other senior advocacy groups leave open in the democratic process. Uniquely, there has never been a membership fee to join 60 Plus and members are enthusiastically referred to as “activists.” It is successfully funded through corporate partnerships, private 14 | May 2012 prince william living

donations and events, as the organization does not seek taxpayer subsidization to operate.

And move 60 Plus Association forward she did by adding two million members among other achievements and prompting Martin and colleagues to point out that, in a town and atmosphere where most people earn a living by talking, Frederick is a doer. As president of the organization, Frederick likes to be a driver behind the scenes. Admittedly she will never ask someone to do something she would not do herself. She is strongly dedicated to the association’s mission, traveling throughout the country, her laptop as her office. She has gained respect on Capitol Hill quickly as a consultant on national issues, most pertaining to elder care and multi-generational concerns. Locally, in Prince William County, there are a number of 60 Plus “activists.” With more than seven million members, the organization always touches the local level because there are people involved from every zip code across the nation. In this regard, Frederick teaches them to be their own advocates and empower caregivers on seniors’ behalf. According to Martin, “Amy is a tireless advocate for our cause, a thorough tactician with a rare insight and a keen understanding of how to get things accomplished.” In September 2011, Frederick was awarded the “Buckley Award” by the Young Conservatives Coalition (YCC). e Buckley Award is named on behalf of the late William F. Buckley, founder of National Review and a major influence in the modern conservative movement. According to YCC, the award recognizes individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 “who have made a significant contribution to the conservative movement at large in the past year.” In response to being awarded the Buckley Award, Martin added, “(Amy) is clearly a superstar on the national scene and I believe she is just getting started.” In addition to leading the largest conservative senior advocacy group in the nation, Frederick is on the board of the National Foundation of Women Legislators, a non-partisan education foundation whose mission is to provide strategic leadership development, effective governance and networking among state and national leaders. She is the treasurer of her homeowners association and, during Sean Connaughton’s term as chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, served on the

Photo courtesy Aleda Johnson Powell

Growing up, Frederick’s grandparents were a large part of her life and continue as major influences in her work to this day. Her grandfather was a veteran, her grandmother an accountant. Black and white pictures of the two are affectionately displayed on the living room wall of her Montclair, Va., home. Living through her grandmother’s experience and family history with Alzheimer’s disease remains a constant motivation. It still strikes her how her grandmother worked to maintain a vibrant mind when the disease first threatened, by going online to research and working on mental exercises before finally succumbing to the disease in February 2010. at same year, Frederick was promoted to president of 60 Plus. In the organization’s 2011 Annual Report, Martin stated, “From the time she first came aboard fresh out of college nearly 12 years ago, Amy displayed an instant knack for moving the Association forward.”

Amy Noone Frederick finds more and more women have discovered the work/life balance, and she attributes her success to a strong support system and her drive to her mother.

Commission on Aging, an advisory panel appointed by the board for the Prince William County Oﬃce on Aging. She and her family are also members of All Saints’ Church in Woodbridge.

Family Balance Although Frederick had initially intended to return to Pennsylvania to run for office, she instead, through Martin, met and married former Virginia delegate Jeff Frederick, in 2001. e couple shares a love for public service and have been partners in Virginia political circles. During her husband’s term, Amy was the youngest political spouse in Virginia. Jeff served in Virginia politics until November 2011, when he returned to the private sector to head up his own company. e Fredericks continue their strong supportive partnership despite the change in roles. e couple has three children, ages five and under, and make it work despite not having family in the area. Amy takes an enormous amount of joy and pride in being a mother. “My number-one job is my kids,” she said. Amy has experienced the criticism and double-standard of being a full-time working mother. Mary Jo Shufelt, a former Prince William County teacher and volunteer at 60 Plus Association, met Amy and Jeff while volunteering on one of Jeff’s campaigns. She sat on the Virginia education committee for Jeff, then on the Commission on Aging advisory board with Amy, and has kept in touch with the family ever since. Shufelt said, “Even though she’s busy and working, she’s a doting mother.” A big believer in proper nutrition, it’s not uncommon for Amy to come home late in the evening and get the blender out to prepare a batch of organic baby food or wash and bag healthy snacks for the week. And, Friday afternoons are reserved as “Friday Fundays” for her children as much as possible. Amy’s children have accompanied her on travel, as their schedule permits. She has also taken them to CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, held annually in Washington, D.C. (continues on page 18) prince william living May 2012 | 15

family fun

Horseback Riding Convenience Right in Your Own Backyard By Audrey Harman, Contributing Writer Park in Haymarket, and Valley View Park in Nokesville. Nokesville Park has two and a half miles of natural surface trail and a sand-based ring, James S. Long has three and a half miles of trail running along the Catharpin Creek and a sand-based ring, Silver Lake has three miles of trails, and Valley View has a 1.8mile trail loop. e sand rings at Nokesville Park and James S. Long Park both have access to the trails. e only time horseback riders are not permitted on the trails is when they are muddy, because, as Cabot points out, “this will quickly cause erosion and make the trails impassable.” So make sure you take note of the weather a few days before you plan your ride.

f your family owns or leases horses in Prince William County, you don’t have to go very far to get oﬀ the farm for a little change of scenery. Within the county, there are several parks that operate and facilitate horseback riding-friendly trails and equestrian rings where you can either practice or host shows. ese trails and facilities make it very aﬀordable and accessible for you and your family to go riding together or for riding clubs or groups to meet up and enjoy outdoor riding. Dianne Cabot, public relations manager with the Prince William County Park Authority and a 15-year resident of eastern Prince William County, said there are many families involved in the trails; “All you need is a horse.” County parks that have equestrian trails and/or rings are: Nokesville Park in Nokesville, James S. Long Regional Park in Haymarket, Silver Lake Regional

16 | May 2012 prince william living

e county-oﬀered riding locations are consistently maintained by the park authority partnership of Trails & Streams Co. and the Nokesville Horse Society, and are free for entry and public use. As Cabot put it, the groups that maintain the trails are “instrumental in the development and maintenance of our equestrian amenities.” To reserve the equestrian rings at James S. Long Regional Park and Nokesville Park, call Mark Spencer at the Ben Lomond Community Center, at (703) 361-7126, or email mspencer@pwcparks.org. To rent and reserve the rings for a half day (7 a.m.-noon or 1 p.m.-6 p.m.) is $100; for a full day, it is $175. “At this time, the trails get moderate activity,” said Cabot. “However, equestrian rings are used extensively on the weekends by local equestrian enthusiasts, such as the Nokesville Horse Society.” e Nokesville Horse Society (NHS) is a service organization with the goal to educate and promote equestrian activities within Northern Virginia. According to their mission statement, the NHS is “resolved to keeping the horse in the horse community!” ey host trail rides monthly and diﬀerent events

Photos courtesy Tamar Wilsher-Rivas

The equestrian ring at James S. Long Regional Park.

Robyn Ervin is a Prince William County resident of 20 years and a Criswood Farm and Tack Shop employee.

like shows and parades throughout the year. You can ﬁnd out more about membership and events on their website (http://nhsinc.tripod.com). e rings are also reserved by groups wanting to hold shows, so plan your reservations well in advance if you wish to use them on the weekends in the warmer months.

Fabian often rides the full battleﬁeld-looping trail, which crosses Routes 29 and 234 twice, making for a comfortable three-hour ride. e picturesque setting combined with the constant maintenance of the trails makes for a great family outing. “I highly recommend coming out and riding parts of the trails or walking them,” said Fabian.

ere are also horse trails that Manassas National Battlefield operates and maintains with the help of NHS. e park has approximately 21 miles of designated horseback riding trails carefully identified to protect the natural resources of the park and the historical aspects. e Henry Hill Visitor’s Center offers maps for their “bridle” trails, which are marked in yellow. e four trails which operate are Main Bridle Trail (10 miles, about 2.5 hours), Brawner Farm Loop Trail (8.2 miles, about 2 hours), Portici Bridle Loop Trail (3 miles, about 45 minutes), and Matthews Hill Bridle Loop Trail (5 miles, about 45 minutes). ere is designated horse trailer parking in the Brownsville Picnic Area and limited parking at Portici. ese trails are also shared with pedestrians, so make sure you read the park’s rules and regulations for equestrian trail use on their website (http://www.nps.gov/mana/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm). Julia Fabian, an employee of Innisich Acres horse farm and, since last summer, a resident of Prince William County, enjoys the proximity and availability of the Manassas Battlefield equestrian trails. “e barn I ride out of is actually located right behind the Stone House on the Manassas Battlefield,” she said. In fact, the street Fabian lives on has two access points to the trails, and the loop the horse farm uses takes about an hour to complete. Fabian claimed the trails are “quiet and calm” and great for meandering or cantering, whichever pace you prefer. “I’ve ridden in all sorts of weather,” said Fabian, “taking visiting friends out on the trails and accompanying younger riders and horses so they can get used to the trails.” Fabian spoke of how they often run into other riders along the battlefield. “It makes such a nice picture to see the happy horses trotting along trails lined with gorgeous flowers and everything looks like some painting of paradise.” Fabian said the trails are well maintained. e riders “rarely have to worry about poison ivy or big deadfall trees,” she said.

Even if you don’t have access to your own horse or don’t have the ability to transport horses out to any of the county equestrian trails or riding rings, it doesn’t mean horseback riding isn’t an option. Group or private lessons are available at various riding facilities throughout Prince William County, like Four Winds Farm in Nokesville, Windy Meadows Horse Farm in Nokesville, or Criswood Farm and Tack shop, with locations in both Manassas and Gainesville. Robyn Ervin, a Prince William County resident of 20 years and Criswood Farm and Tack Shop employee, said Criswood has its own land with trails that can be used by people who board, lease, or take lessons at its facilities. “is option is convenient for us so we don’t have to take the horses off the property,” explained Ervin. Families show support for one another by participating or cheering each other on in the spring and fall horse shows. Criswood also offers birthday parties and, said Ervin, “sometimes we even have anniversary parties or husbands and wives take lessons together.” Horseback riding in Prince William County is very accessible for you and your family, whether you own a horse or not. Check one of the mentioned parks near you for how to access the fields and rings at www.pwcparks.org, under the “Find a Trail” section. If you don’t own a horse but would still like to ride, look into one of the county lesson facilities nearest you for lessons, parties, or summer camp opportunities for you and your family.

Author Audrey Harman has a B.A. in English and Spanish from Hollins University and is currently working towards an M.A. in publications design at the University of Baltimore. She resides with her family in Woodbridge. Harman can be reached by email at aharman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living May 2012 | 17

(continued from page 15) As a result, Amy finds her children benefit from these experiences. ey are comfortable interacting with anyone on their own terms and she hopes, as they get older, they will find inspiration from these experiences to really go after their own goals. “Why am I going to hide the fact that I am a mom?” asked Amy. “Family is why I’m where I am.”

Friends Complete the Support Circle Despite maintaining a packed schedule, Amy keeps very dear friends, many of whom started out as colleagues and developed a greater bond throughout the years. Kim Bellissimo, founder and CEO of Base Connect, a direct mail fundraising firm in Washington, D.C., called Amy one of her favorite people—very warm and approachable. Bellissimo said Frederick is true to herself. “I admire her loyalty in the commitments she makes to friends and other people,” Bellissimo said. “[Amy and Jeff] are nice people with a good heart,” said Shufelt, a Prince William County resident. “Sometimes when people get elected, personalities change, but they didn’t.” Of working with Amy, Shufelt feels she’s a very good leader but very genteel about it—not overbearing, “She’s a bright young lady,” Shufelt said. “She sticks to the basics while all the time moving forward.” Pam Pryor called Amy “wicked smart and divinely kind.” A public affairs consultant from Arlington, Pryor was the chief of staff for former Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts and in 2001 was named one of the 100 most powerful women in Washington by Washingtonian magazine. According to Amy, Pryor helps her keep perspective. “She encourages me and challenges me to be a better leader and person,” said Amy. Pryor had known Martin for several years and began working on projects with the 60 Plus Association. During that time, Pryor and Amy’s paths would cross. For Pryor, when Amy came into her life, it was as if she had always been a part of it. She described Amy as “wise beyond her years.” Pryor added, “In political towns, kindness is sometimes in short supply. She’s kind and strong.” Millie Hallow, director of external affairs for the National Rifle Association and co-chair of CPAC, knew of Amy for many years. Hallow watched Amy’s actions from afar, becoming closer friends in the last five years. Amy and Hallow have developed speakers and panels together for the annual CPAC. “I just respect her energy, intellect and competence,” said Hallow. “I have yet to have a scenario where Amy says no.” Hallow explained Amy’s leadership style as “unflappable,” finding Amy involves herself in the solution in a very active way. As vice president of the National Foundation of Women Legislators, Hallow nominated Amy to become a board member of the organization. She was selected by the membership earlier this year. “She is exactly the kind of go-getter this board needs,” said Hallow. How Amy spends her quiet time may also indicate her ability to achieve this level of accomplishment. While she enjoys golfing, 18 | May 2012 prince william living

gourmet cooking and hosting friends for dinner, she finds moments in her days for centering herself. “I love to run, mostly to clear my head and start my day,” said Amy. In fact, this spring she trained with a group of moms from the Montclair community to run the Rugged Maniac, a 5K obstacle-course event, in Richmond, Va. On the calmer side, Amy reads before retiring for the day. She is currently reading e Help, by Kathryn Stockett, and 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper. And, when her schedule allows, she escapes land and enjoys sailing. “Water is where I find my peace,” she said. Amy finds more and more women have discovered the work/life balance, and she attributes her success to a strong support system and her drive to her mother. Her advice to women is to not be discouraged, and to keep positive people in your life who love and believe in you. “Be bold, be feminine and embrace all of it,” asserted Amy. What does the future hold? While friends and colleagues have no doubt Amy can and will go far, she keeps her future open to fate. Pryor, being a veteran in political circles, believes Amy could go a number of ways and be successful. “She is humbly unaware of her future,” she said. Pryor feels she could grow 60 Plus Association into something that far surpasses other senior advocacy groups, or follow her heart and hold office in Virginia government along with her husband. “e world is her pearl,” said Pryor. “She could go anywhere, do anything.” Hallow, as well as Pryor, sees Amy being in the White House in some capacity. She described her as an “unsung story” and attributed Amy’s ability to focus on family, work and community to her husband, Jeff. Shufelt unapologetically summed it up: “She’s a woman, she’s worked hard and done well. I feel if we had more women like her, the world would be different.” However, Amy is a big believer in “everything that happens does so for a reason.” “When the opportunity presents itself, the decision will be made,” she said. By all appearances, Amy has punched through that seemingly perpetual glass ceiling by keeping a positive attitude and a strong circle of support. She knows you can be a wife, mother, and have a career with balance, and always refers to her first priority. “Above all, I’m teaching my children, especially my girls, that they can have a successful career and be good mothers,” said Amy. “If I can instill that sense of confidence in them as they grow up, I’ve done my job as a parent.”

A nonproﬁt development director for 10 years, Jennifer Rader now works as a freelance writer and consultant. She lives with her son and husband in Manassas and can be reached at Jennifer.Rader@verizon.net.

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Mulching & Weed-Prevention Tips By Terri Stevens, Contributing Writer pring is a great time to refresh your garden, and mulching is one way to do just that. When it comes to mulching, while there are different ways to do it, we recommend using natural wood mulches, rather than the dyed varieties, as many of those are made from “CCA” (Chromated Copper Arsenate) products or construction materials, and CCA is a carcinogen. Mulches that are true wood products carry labels identifying them as certified by the Mulch and Soil Council. The purpose of mulch is to add organic matter and enrich the soil by decomposing. Some dyed mulches can steal nitrogen from the soil and cause nutrient deficiencies in plants.

Be careful when mulching not to create a mulch mound that meets and touches the trunks of trees and stems of plants. It is best to see the tree “flare,” where the roots begin at the base of the tree and for the mulch to not touch the stems/trunks of the plants.

Keeping Weeds at Bay One natural way to help keep weeds at bay is to lay newspapers down in the beds and wet them before mulching. A few layers of yesterday’s news goes a long way in suppressing tomorrow’s weeds.

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Pruning Be careful not to follow the common practice of “Crape murder” with your plants. It is not necessary to prune so hard. Prune to remove old blooms, crossing or interfering branches, and to improve shape.

Fertilizing More is not better! And often, much of the “more” ends up in our waterways. Do not over-fertilize your plants, but instead follow manufacturer recommendations. And consider slow-release fertilizers if you’re using a synthetic fertilizer, as they are less likely to make it to water sources. Organic fertilizers are good options. Be careful to follow directions carefully to provide optimum nutrients to your plants.

Planting When installing new plants, be sure when taking them from their containers to loosen their roots system. Use a knife or edge of a shovel to break the tangled roots or gently massage them with your hands, otherwise the roots won’t be able to properly take in water and nutrients. Often, plants from the growers can be “buried.” Root flare should be exposed and visible. If not, gently pull the soil away until you can see the flare. Terri Stevens is the owner and designer at Cornerstone Landscaping, located in Haymarket. Visit them on the Web at www.cornerstonelandscape.com.

prince william living May 2012 | 19

your finances Aging Gracefully

COLLEGE FUNDING

By Rebecca Barnes, Prince William Living President y the year 2030, the number of adults ages 65 and over in the Commonwealth of Virginia will have doubled from 900,000 today to more than 1.8 million, according to Older Dominion Partnership (www.olderdominion.org). In a 2011 Virginia Age Ready Indicators Benchmark Survey, older adults ages 65+ in the Prince William area are more likely than the statewide average (51% vs. 38%) to be financially prepared for retirement. And while we can be proud that many of us have prepared for retirement, what about those who haven’t?

“The biggest risk our aging population faces is not living too long, it is running out of money,” said Whitlock Wealth Management’s Advisor Bennett Whitlock. While every retirement situation is different, there are steps you can take now to prepare: 1. Set a goal. Ask yourself what type of retirement lifestyle you want. 2. Increase your savings. Max out your retirement plan at work. 3. Track your investments and progress. 4. On at least an annual basis, review all your expected sources of potential income for your retirement. While each and every one of us has the capacity and ability to do this on our own, consider seeking out a trusted professional who can help you. “I always ask my clients how they would prefer to spend their time throughout retirement,” said Whitlock. “Would you rather spend your time continuously watching the stock market, tracking the economy and monitoring your portfolio, or spend quality time at the beach, traveling, on the golf course or with friends and family?” We all know the old saying “people do not plan to fail, they fail to plan.” As the aging population continues to grow, the need to plan is more important than ever. Looking for more information to help you plan for your future? Whitlock Wealth Management’s site has retirement calculators and other great tools. Visit them on the Web at www.ameripriseadvisors.com. For more information on aging, visit www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/aaa/ Pages/default.aspx.

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giving back NOVA GLASS SLIPPER:

Making Dreams Come True By Theresa McElroy, Contributing Writer

rom is a cherished moment in any high school student’s life. As they say, prom holds memories that last a lifetime. But sometimes, due to economic hardships, students ﬁnd it diﬃcult to take part in the prom experience. Enter NOVA Glass Slipper.

Beck is very involved with other donation programs in the area, including Connie’s Coats for Christmas. “I had worked with the Board of Supervisors in Occoquan for one of my donation organizations and that was where I came in contact with Alyssa,” said Beck. “She asked if I knew of any organizations she could donate some of her old dresses to. After we both researched, we found that there was no donation organization anywhere close by that accepted formalwear. It was then that we decided to form our own program—NOVA Glass Slipper.” “It seems most women have dresses thrown in the back of their closet that they can only use once or twice, so we decided to take a shot at forming our own donation program,” said Edson, a Lake Ridge resident who is working toward a master’s degree in public administration at George Mason University. After all the planning and paperwork was ﬁnished for NOVA Glass Slipper, Beck and Edson hit the ground running to get the word 22 | May 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Elizabeth Kirkland

NOVA Glass Slipper is a non-profit organization that was formed to help young girls take part in their high school prom, even if financial situations hold them back, by providing prom dresses, shoes, purses and accessories. Founded by Connie Beck and Alyssa Edson just before the first of the year, the organization is already thriving. us far, they’ve collected more than 200 dresses from various individuals throughout Prince William and Greater Manassas and beyond.

Prince William Public Library Foundation board member and Mary Kay independent beauty consultant Lori Bauckman-Moore (left) and NOVA Glass Slipper founder Alyssa Edson show off some of the dresses collected for the NOVA Glass Slipper’s “Gown Gala,” held March 31 at Occoquan District Supervisor Mike May’s office in the Tackett’s Mill Shopping Center.

out about their organization. “First we had to inform the high schools in the area of our organization and mission,” said Beck. “Once they were all on board, we marketed through the word of mouth to everyone we knew and posted ﬂyers all over town. We

also managed to get our name in some local newspaper advertising spots.” Due to other obligations, Beck has stepped back from the organization, but Edson remains deeply involved. Haylee Bergmann, of Occoquan, had her mother donate two of her old dresses. “ere are so many ways to give back to this community, but this organization really hit close to home,” Bergmann said. “I have so many cherished memories from high school and prom that I still think back on. It’s amazing how a dress can change a girl and make her feel important. Every girl needs a night to be a princess and feel important, and I love the fact that I can be a part of that.” Edson said, “We live in a very giving community. We’ve had so many people donating dresses. We’ve even had a sorority at Radford University, in southwestern Virginia, asking to donate their sorority function dresses to our organization. One of their members heard about our project through a family member in the area which shows that our name and mission is spreading further and further.” Edson said NOVA Glass Slipper has dresses in all sizes and styles, “so that girls are not forced into one dress, but actually have a choice.” Girls who wish to receive dresses from NOVA Glass Slipper can register for the program at local high schools. e girls are then set up with their own time slot to come in to try on dresses. “We wanted to make it a personal experience,” said Edson. “We didn’t want anyone feeling embarrassed about using a donated dress, since high school can be a cutthroat community, especially when it comes to big events such as prom.” Woodbridge resident Michelle Williams, a 2006 graduate of GarField High School, said what NOVA Glass Slipper provides is nothing short of amazing. “I’ve heard of similar organizations in large cities, but it is so nice to have a program like this close to home. I know a lot of girls could have used something like this when I was in high school because many people do not realize that if you aren’t the same size as a neighbor or family member you are kind of out of luck of finding a dress for school dances, especially prom. is is also a really nice way for women to give back to the community in a way that they know their donations are directly impacting someone in a big way.” NOVA Glass Slipper held their first “Gown Gala,” during which teens were able to try on dresses, on March 31 at Occoquan District Supervisor Mike May’s office in the Tackett’s Mill Shopping Center. One of the rooms in the office had been completely transformed into a mini boutique, complete with donated shoes, purses, jewelry and, of course, dresses. Prince William Public Library Foundation board member and Mary Kay independent beauty consultant Lori Bauckman-Moore brought lipstick, powder, blush, eye shadow and other makeup samples for the girls. “ey deserve the royal treatment,” she said. And that’s exactly what they’re getting. “I had a friend who was so excited she went out and bought dresses for it,” Bauckman-Moore said.

representative from Woodbridge, brought in several dresses and pairs of shoes to donate: “I have so many [dresses] and would love to see the look on someone’s face who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have one.” Lake Ridge resident Bryanna Altman, who serves as president of the Prince William Public Library Foundation, had crossed paths with Edson at the Occoquan District Supervisor’s office where she works on a number of occasions. When she found out about NOVA Glass Slipper, she thought that creating some kind of a partnership between the Prince William Library Foundation and NOVA Glass Slipper would be a great idea. As a result, for the Library Foundation’s annual gala, “Blue Jeans and Diamonds,” which is set for Oct. 27, Altman plans to ask guests to bring donations for NOVA Glass Slipper. “Catherine,” a DSS caseworker who brought one of her clients to the March 31 event, said NOVA Glass Slipper will give many young women the opportunity to experience something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. “Without this remarkable volunteer service, these young women would be unable to attend their first prom or any prom,” she said. For more information on the non-profit organization, visit www.novaglassslipper.org. eresa McElroy, who grew up in Lake Ridge, is studying business marketing at Shepherd University. She can be reached by email at tee_mcelroy@hotmail.com.

HISTORIC OCCOQUAN’S SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW HISTORIC OCCOQUAN’S SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

JUNE 2ND AND 3RD HISTORIC STREETS FILLED WITH UNIQUE CRAFTERS, SHOPS, GALLERIES, FOOD VENDORS AND RESTAURANTS 10 AM TIL 6 PM SATURDAY 10 AM TIL 5 PM SUNDAY RAIN OR SHINE FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING Continuous bus services ($4 round trip) from Satellite parking. Children under 13 ride free. I-95 to Exit 160. Follow signs to Parking. More info at: (703) 491-2168 www.occoquancraftshow.com IN THE STREETS OF HISTORIC OCCOQUAN, VA

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calendar 6th Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit the Arc of Greater Prince William May 4, 7:30 a.m. Old Hickory Golf Club 11921 Chanceford Drive | Woodbridge Take part in long drive contests, a closestto-the-pin competition, raﬄes, and enjoy a great day of fun, all to beneﬁt the Arc of Greater Prince William. For more information, visit www.arcgpw.org or call (703) 670-4800.

Caregivers’ Support Group May 4, 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Area St. omas United Methodist Church 8899 Sudley Road | Manassas Join us for a candid discussion of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other related disorders on Friday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. at St. omas United Methodist Church in Manassas. e event is free and open to all in the community. Call (703) 361-8841 for more information or for directions. e Caregivers’ Support Group meets the ﬁrst Friday of each month.

may

Arts Alive! May 6, Noon–6 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle | Manassas Enjoy a FREE day of family fun and entertainment, including live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities and much more! For more information, visit www.pwcartscouncil.org.

Dumfries Charter Day May 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Town of Dumfries 3944 Cameron Street | Dumfries,VA Honoring the 260th year as the oldest chartered town in Virginia, Dumfries Charter Day is a family-friendly celebration with continual live entertainment and performances, living history demonstrations, games and contests, craft and food vendors, community groups, Weems-Botts Museum open house and more. Admission is free. www.townofdumfriesva.gov 24 | May 2012 prince william living

Family Day at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Prince William County Armed Forces & Memorial Day Event

May 12, Noon–3 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jeﬀerson Davis Highway Triangle,VA Bring your kids to the museum so they can make their own Marine Corps model airplanes. For more information visit Website www.usmcmuseum.org or contact Dennis Hostetter at (703) 6846116 or dennis.hostetter@usmc.mil

May 19, 2 p.m. Freedom Park at the County Complex 1 County Complex Court | Woodbridge e Armed Forces & Memorial Day event honors those Prince William County residents who lost their lives ﬁghting for our country. is year three new names will be added to the roll of honor: Sean Callahan, Sean Cutsforth and Robert Kelly. e event is open to the public.

Falcon 5K May 19, 8 a.m. one-mile fun run; 8:20 a.m. 5K run/walk Holy Family Catholic School 14160 Ferndale Road | Dale City Register online at www.active.com. You must be registered to run or walk. Pick up your race packet Friday, May 18, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at VA Runner, located at 14210 Smoketown Road, or pick them up at the Holy Family School Gym the morning of the race, anytime between 6:30 and 7:45 a.m. Awards will be given out to the top three male and female overall; age group awards will also be handed out following the race. For more information, email Falcon5k@holyfamilydalecity.org, or call (703) 670-3138, or (703) 960-7357.

Master Gardener Plant Sale May 19, 9 a.m.–Noon Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery 9535 Linton Hall Road | Bristow is “Saturday in the Garden,” taught by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, will be held at the Teaching Garden at St. Benedict Monastery. e program is free; registration is requested. A children’s program is oﬀered concurrently with each Saturday in the Garden program. Space is limited. A registration form is required to complete registration for children’s programs. Coinciding with this Saturday in the Garden is the Master Gardener Plant Sale. e title of the Saturday, May 19 program is “Put out the Welcome Mat for Pollinators & Harvesting Rain Water with Rain Barrels.” e title of the children’s program is “Rub-a-dub-dub— Birds in a Tub.”

23rd Annual Steak ‘N’ Stake Dinner May 21, 6 p.m. Manassas Boys & Girls Club 9501 Dean Park Lane | Manassas Join the Prince William/Manassas Boys & Girls Clubs as they honor stakeholders and celebrate 45 years of serving the youth of Prince William County. Funds raised from the Steak ‘N’ Stake Dinner go towards supporting the Prince William/Manassas Boys & Girls Clubs’ youth development services, allowing them to enhance programs, expand their reach, and increase the number of youth they provide a safe and positive experience to every day. Many of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ most esteemed community leaders and business associates will be in attendance to honor the youth of Prince William and Manassas. Be a part of the celebration by giving your ﬁnancial support to the ongoing operations of the Prince William County/Manassas Boys & Girls Clubs. Tickets are $100 for individuals, $500 for half tables and $1,000 for full tables. Visit www.bgcprincewilliam.org or email Carolyn Brodeur at cbrodeur@bgcgw.org for more information.

Bird Walk at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area May 27, 8–11 a.m. Merrimac Farm, Stone House Visitor Center 10520 Deepwood Lane | Nokesville,VA We’ll look for birds and other wildlife, especially butterflies and dragonflies, as we travel through the uplands to the edge of the floodplain, covering a variety of habitats, including open fields and woodland edges. Everyone is welcome. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars

Discover Prince William & Manassas

VisitPWC.com

s the executive director of Discover Prince William & Manassas, the region’s tourism and marketing agency, I am thrilled to announce our new partnership with Prince William Living magazine. Just like the magazine’s staff, our goal is to inform you about all the wonderful attractions and events our community has to offer. As part of our partnership, I will write a monthly column to highlight everything from our festivals and boutiques to our history and unique attractions. This month, however, I want to tell you a little about who we are and what we can do to help you. We are your onestop resource to connect you, your visitors or your business to Prince William and Manassas! We provide complimentary event and tour planning services for both individuals and groups. We can do everything from help find that special venue for a wedding, meeting or reunion to create personal tour itineraries. We also provide relocation packages.

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Ann Marie Maher Executive Director Discover Prince William & Manassas

Our door is always open, so please visit us Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, in Manassas. Or, stop by our Visitor Center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 200 Mill Street in Occoquan. Exploring Prince William and Manassas is a fascinating experience for people of all ages and we are available to help make the most of your time here. Remember, this is where our nation’s history unfolded; now let America’s story become yours.

and cameras. Admission is free. For more information, contact Kim Hosen 703499-4954 or visit www.pwconserve.org.

Historic Occoquan Spring Arts and Crafts Show June 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. June 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Town of Occoquan Foot traﬃc only as this quaint and charming former mill town welcomes more than 350 juried artists and crafters. Enjoy food, live entertainment and family fun. Rain or shine. Shuttle bus service is available. (Don’t forget to drop by the Prince William & Manassas Visitors Center at 200 Mill Street in Occoquan.) Admission is free. www.occoquan.org

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tambourines and elephants Party On, Garth By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter Spring is here, and the bugs and April showers have proved that the earth continues to spin on its axis. I look forward to the changes that each spring brings. Of course, I also look forward to the winter months, though unfortunately, the fervor of Christmas shopping sometimes gets in the way of fireside hot cocoa and wonderland sledding. While still crawling out from under the weight of the holidays, I sought the prophetic powers of the Pennsylvania groundhog and desperately hoped for cloudy skies. Let there be spring! Regardless of my allergies, I yearned for the fresh scent of grass and for the colors of budding flowers. So what if I rub my eyes until they almost pop out? Allergy symptoms can be subdued; send in the nasal spray! I have several seasonal allergies. I take over-thecounter meds to allay most of the symptoms—except for one—that torture me. The one allergy for which I cannot seem to find help is the child’s birthday party. I hate preparing for birthday parties. Whether I am guest or host, the cost and time spent on a child celebrating another year causes me shortness of breath and occasionally hives. I simply do not understand them. Theoretically, a child’s birthday party should consist of cake, ice cream, goody bags (woe to the mom who forgets the thank-you bribe for attending the party) and simple activities. The games are preferably supervised with minimal potential danger. “Pin the tail on the donkey” and “beat the candy out of the piñata” may not be politically correct, but they are certainly more traditional forms of fun. The children then run amok, the house is a mess for a day, but then it’s over, until the next kid’s birthday. I cannot recall the last time I attended a traditional party, but do not be alarmed; I have a bad memory. I sweat with the recollections of festivities meant to one-up the Joneses. Parties have become just shy of a three-ring circus. Chucky the hormonally-challenged mouse, giant moon bounces, bowling, pony rides and themed parties involving swordplay are just some of the celebrations I have attended with at least one of my children, and mind you, my

oldest is only 10. One sultry summer night a friend confessed to throwing a $700 princess tea party for her seven-year-old just because...well, she could not come up with a reason. Six years later she says it was beautiful but a waste of money. Really? I never would have suspected. No longer do these parties include only the young friends of the birthday celebrant. Neighbors, coworkers and estranged family members are also invited. Turning a year older requires many gifts--at least enough to offset the cost of the party. Even a five-year disparity between the birthday boy and my son didn’t prevent the invitation from coming in the mail…and Facebook…and Evite. These parties included grandparents who had been given a day pass from “the home” and single friends who had no children. I fully acknowledge that many people love children who are not theirs. I know I do—in fact I adore my friends’ children. I love spending time with most of them. But what would possess me to want to squander three hours in the general proximity of that child when he is distracted by children his age? What can a kid do who is two or three times the age of a preschooler? How fun is it for a grandfather who is so anxious with the cacophony of joyous squeals that he has to be wheeled into another room? Why not have two special events: a quiet “family and close friends day” and a separate, more enthusiastic one for the future “juvies” of the country (within reason, of course). If nothing else, the bar is being set too high too quickly. What if you spend hundreds of dollars on an elaborate, glitter-filled bash packed with exotic animals and talented acts for an eightyear-old? What happens when that spoiled child graduates from high school or gets married? What if college has to be skipped altogether because the best party ever was thrown a decade earlier with all the higher education money spent on goody bags? At minimum, the following year is going to be a tough act to follow! So when spring comes, and I have finished

paying off the bills from an earlier season, you can find me perusing the local drugstore’s aisles, searching for a cure to the common—or uncommon—birthday party. DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living.

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Prince William Association of Realtors 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue | Woodbridge

Mason Enterprise Center 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147 Manassas

Prince William Public Library System–Independent Hill Neighborhood Library 14418 Bristow Road | Manassas

Mason Enterprise Center 14059 Crown Court | Woodbridge

Prince William Public Library System–Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library 12964 Harbor Drive | Lakeridge

The Merit School of Prince William 14308 Spriggs Road | Woodbridge Minnieland at Ashland 5555 Assateague Place | Manassas Minnieland at Braemar 12700 Correen Hills Drive | Bristow Minnieland at Bristow 10368 Bristow Center | Bristow Minnieland at Cardinal 10910 Feeder Lane | Woodbridge

Prince William Public Library System–Nokesville Neighborhood Library 12993 Fitzwater Drive | Nokesville

Prince William Public Library System–Dale City Neighborhood Library 4249 Dale Blvd | Dale City Prince William Public Library System–Dumfries Neighborhood Library 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza | Dumfries Prince William Public Library System–Gainesville Neighborhood Library 4603 James Madison Highway | Haymarket Prince William Public Library System–Potomac Community Library 2201 Opitz Boulevard | Woodbridge Prince William County Tourist Information Center 200 Mill Street | Occoquan Safeway 2042 Daniel Stuart Square | Woodbridge Safeway 4215 Cheshire Station Plaza | Dale City Safeway 4240 Merchant Plaza | Woodbridge Safeway 2205 Old Bridge Road | Woodbridge Safeway 12821 Braemar Village Plz | Bristow Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 9540 Liberia Ave | Manassas Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 14000 Shoppers Best Way | Woodbridge Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 4174 Fortuna Center Plaza | Dumfries Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 10864 Sudley Manor Drive | Manassas The Sign Shop 2603 Morse Lane | Woodbridge Stratford University 14349 Gideon Drive | Woodbridge Town of Haymarket 15000 Washington Street | Haymarket Town of Occoquan Town Hall | 314 Mill Street | Occoquan Town of Dumfries 17755 Main Street | Dumfries Town of Quantico 415 Broadway Street | Quantico

Prince William Public Library System–Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave | Manassas

Wawa 15809 Jefferson Davis Highway | Woodbridge 13355 Minnieville Road | Woodbridge 2051 Daniel Stuart Square | Woodbridge 14461 Lee Highway | Gainesville

Prince William Public Library System–Central Community Library 8601 Mathis Ave | Manassas

Wegmans 8297 Stonewall Shops Square | Gainesville 14801 Dining Way | Woodbridge

Prince William Public Library System–Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Dr. | Woodbridge

prince william living May 2012 | 29

Time saving. Heart saving. Life saving.

The HEART & VASCULAR CENTER at

The Heart & Vascular Center at Prince William Hospital has been designed to care for heart attack patients in our community. Featuring an on-site, 24-hour heart catheterization lab, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open whenever arteries close. We have also been nationally recognized for the treatment of Heart Failure and Acute Myocardial Infarction by The Joint Commission, and we are proud to offer vascular surgery and advanced treatments for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. If you or someone you love suffers a heart-related medical issue, turn to the experts at Prince William Heart & Vascular Center.