Prince William Living June 2012

PAGE 12

CAROL COLLINS, A CLOWN OF RENOWN

PAGE 18

PAGE 27

KATERINA’S TASTE OF GREECE

NO, I’M BETTER

prince william living June 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Summer Fun! PAGE 8

Find Your Spot: Picnicking in PWC PAGE 22

A-Advantage: Helping Those at a Disadvantage www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents June 2012 Vol. 2 No. 6

FEATURE STORY Summer Camp Fun................................................4

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

4 Photo courtesy Sean Floars

destinations Find Your Spot: Picnicking in Prince William County ......................................8 on a high note Carol Collins, A Clown of Renown ......................12 going places Cool Down with the Snowie Bus..........................16 local flavor Katerina’s is a Taste of Greece in Old Town Manassas ........................................18 giving back A-Advantage: Helping ose at a Disadvantage ......................................22

12 Photo courtesy Jennifer Garnett

calendar ..............................................................24 distribution sites ................................................29

COLUMNS home & hearth ....................................................14 your finances ......................................................20 Discover Prince William & Manassas................25 tambourines and elephants No, I’m Better ......................................................27

16 Photo courtesy Debbie Jewell

prince william living June 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, Cindy Brookshire, Carla Christiano, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Luanne Lee, Boyd Lillard, Peter Lineberry, Ann Marie Maher, Olivia Overman, Linda Ross Pugel and Denise Smith Copy Editor Peter Lineberry Photography Sean Floars, Jennifer Garnett, Linda Hughes and Tamar Wilsher-Rivas Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty, Helena Tavares Kennedy and Jennifer Rader 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.

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.

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

Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

from the publisher S

ince our launch in January 2011, Prince William Living has featured On a High Note—a department in which, each month, we showcase writers, musicians, artists and other talented individuals or groups. Prince William Living has always been a proud supporter of the arts, and I’m excited to report that, at Arts Alive! 2012, which was held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on May 6, Prince William Living received the 2012 Seefeldt Award for Arts Excellence, Business Supporter of the Arts.

Prince William Living contributing writer Cindy Brookshire was also named a winner of a Seefeldt Award for Arts Excellence.

Brookshire, who has helped to raise the profile of the local literary community throughout the county, received the Seefeldt Pioneer Award. In less than a year, she has seen a writing group she cofounded—Write by the Rails—grow from four to more than 70 writers. She also launched a Facebook page to help local writers communicate with one another and has led a multitude of networking and neighborhood events, sponsored readings and coordinated book signings. e Seefeldt Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have contributed to the strength and success of the local arts, and can be presented to any individual, arts group or business, which has advanced the arts in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

As we’ve done in previous months, this month we again salute the arts with a story. And this time, we’ve dedicated that story to a woman who has been practicing the art of, quite literally, clowning around, for years. Writer Peter Lineberry calls Carol Collins, known professionally as Bingo, “a clown of renown” in this month’s On a High Note (page 12).

Advertiser Index ACTS ..........................................................................................28 Alpha Pets ................................................................................28 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................26 Apple FCU ................................................................................20 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................28 Bargain Relocation ..................................................................29 Becky Crowley/Flute and Piano Lessons ................................28 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................21 CertaPro Painters ......................................................................14 Christ Chapel ............................................................................29 Christ Chapel Academy ............................................................28 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................10 Confidence Realty ....................................................................19 Cornerstone Landscaping........................................................25 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................28 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................25 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................28 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................28 Flooring America ........................................................................5 Fred’s Best Windows ................................................................14 FURR Roofing............................................................................25 Gateway College Funding........................................................20

Also celebrated in this month’s issue is the frozen artwork of Chris Jewell. Read about his business endeavor, Snowie Bus, in this month’s Going Places article, by Olivia Overman (page 16).

It’s June, and with the official start of summer less than a month away, what better way to celebrate than with a picnic? Discover some great places to spread out a blanket in this month’s Destinations article (page 8), by Carla Christiano.

Also in this month’s issue, learn about all the county has to offer insofar as summer camps are concerned, in “Summer Camp Fun,”

by Linda Ross Pugel (page 4).

Looking to try out a new restaurant this month? Why not check out Katerina’s Greek Cuisine, in Old Town Manassas. Cindy Brookshire profiles the restaurant in this month’s Local Flavor (page 18).

We also profile a new charity in this month’s issue—A-Advantage 4 Kids. Read about them in Boyd Lillard’s article, “A-Advantage: Helping ose at a Disadvantage” (page 22).

Lastly, don’t miss this month’s columns: Tambourines & Elephants,

by DeeDee Corbitt Sauter (page 27); Home & Hearth (page 14); Discover Prince William & Manassas (page 25); and Your Finances (page 20).

We work hard every month to bring you a great magazine— we hope you enjoy it!

Sincerely, Elizabeth Kirkland Prince William Living Editor in Chief and Publisher

Grasso Construction Services, LLC ........................................10 Imagewerks ..............................................................................28 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................27 Lil Bit of Posh ............................................................................28 Lustine Automall ......................................................................26 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................28 The Maids..................................................................................29 Minnieland Academy................................................................21 More Options Realty ................................................................28 Okra’s ........................................................................................10 PartyCo-op.com ........................................................................28 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors ........................11 Potomac Place ..........................................................................21 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................23 Prince William County Fair ......................................................17 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center..........................................................10 Prince William Public Library System......................................11 PRTC Transit/Omni Link ............................................................15 Ready Hands ............................................................................21 Reiki Master ..............................................................................26 Sassy Gifts ................................................................................28 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................28 Washington Square Associates ..............................................28

prince william living June 2012 | 3

Summer Camp Fun

a

By Linda Ross Pugel, Contributing Writer

s another school year nears its end, children are gearing up for eight to 10 weeks of summer fun. Swimming, jump rope, playing sports, and visiting water parks or museums are all among favorite summer pastimes for kids. And with a multitude of summer camps offered from one end of the county to the other, rest assured that your child can find one that caters to his or her interests and needs. Here’s an overview of just some of them.

The Boys & Girls Club “Summer camp is the best part of the year,” said Glenn Vickers, regional director of the Greater Prince William County Boys and Girls Clubs. Vickers sees children year-round at the club’s beforeand after-school program, but he particularly enjoys watching the children play summer games outside on the grounds of the three clubs in the county: Hylton Branch (located in Dale City), Heiser Branch (Dumfries), and the Manassas Branch (Manassas). All three branches of the Boys and Girls Club have camp hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., including before- and after-care hours. e five core areas that the clubs focus on, which often get referred to by their acronym, “CHASE,” character and leadership, healthy life skills, (cultural) arts, sports, and education and career development.

teamwork.

Technical things, such as how to keep stats and operate the scoreboard, are also taught.

At Boys & Girls Clubs summer camps, education, where teens are concerned, primarily focuses on career development. ere’s also a heavy emphasis on job interviews and resume skills. Vickers explained, “Teens have the option to go into different businesses throughout the county and learn what they do.” Many teens go into participating retail stores and learn about merchandising and restocking.

Susan Ficarro, daycare director at the Hylton club discussed the cultural arts portion of CHASE, which includes fine arts, digital arts, and performing arts. “It’s a time to be creative, from music to art, to computer art technology,” said Ficarro.

Summer camps at the Boys and Girls clubs in Prince William County are open to youth between the ages of five and 16. A separate teen program is held for those ages 15-18.

Sports and recreation is also a favorite among campers, said Vickers. “It’s natural for kids to run around and have a good time,” he said. Stressing the importance of fair play, like passing the ball and saying “good job,” is something that the camp staff focuses on with the camp attendees. Jump rope and three-on-three basketball games are two of the more popular activities.

The Prince William County Park Authority

“A lot of the activities have a specific purpose,” said Chad Merica, program director at the Hylton club. ey focus on balance and coordination for the younger kids, and, for the young and old, 4 | June 2012 prince william living

For more information, please visit www.bgcprincewilliam.org.

e Prince William County Park Authority (PWCPA) offers dozens of all-day and mini-camps at seven different locations on the eastern and western ends of the county, according to Sally Wood, general manager at the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center. e Ben Lomond Community Center in Manassas holds mini(continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 4) camps throughout the summer. Among the camps available are a dance sampler camp, where attendees learn ballet, tap jazz, and hip hop. Campers rehearse and prepare for a musical at the end of the week, which is open for parents and family members to attend.

In Lake Ridge, the Chinn Aquatics Center has a unique option that the other locations don’t offer. In addition to its 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. day camp, (with before- and after-care also available), the venue has a lunch program which offers campers a hot midday meal, milk, and two snacks. is is the third year that Chinn has offered the program, Wood said. “For some parents, it’s easy to have it all taken care of,” said Wood. “It’s a nice convenience for them.” e lunch program is $40 per week for campers.

James Long Park, located in Haymarket, will be offering several mini-camps this summer, including ones focusing on tennis, soccer, chess, and robotics. Most mini-camps are held Monday through Friday in the mornings.

All full-day summer camps through PWCPA—which also include weekly field trips—are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with before-care offered beginning at 6 a.m. and after-care ending at 7 p.m. e camps provide one counselor for every 10 children.

In addition to PWCPA summer camps, several other venues throughout the county that fall under the PWCPA’s auspices offer summer camps as well. e Brentsville Historic Recreation Center, for example, located on Bristow Road, will hold a few Civil War camps Monday through Friday in the mornings.

Located in Triangle, Camp Mawavi is open to children ages nine to 15, and is held in Prince William Forest Park. is nine-week day camp gives attendees the opportunity to experience life in the great outdoors. Boys and girls will enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, nature education and much more.

Camp Snyder, in Haymarket, is also offering an array of camps, including ones with medieval, western, and pirate themes. Each Wednesday there will be field trips to nearby Silver Lake for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. e Rippon Lodge Historic Site, located in Woodbridge, hosts a weeklong, morning-only colonial camp in July, featuring period crafts, games, and live music. “ey will get to learn what life was like for kids in Prince William County back in the 18th century,” Wood said.

For more information on PWCPA camps, visit www.pwcparks.org.

Minnieland Academy Now in its 40th year, Minnieland Academy will hold summer 6 | June 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Sean Floars

Dale City is home to the Birchdale Recreation Center, which houses an ideal camp for young children to attend, Wood said.

“Buddy Camp” is offered to five- to eight-year-olds, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. e camp runs every week in the summer, from June 18 through August 20.

Located in Triangle, Camp Mawavi is open to children ages nine to 15, and is held in Prince William Forest Park.

camps for preschoolers through school-age children throughout the season at each of its 16 Prince William County locations. is year’s theme is “Road Trip 2012: Discovering Virginia.”

According to its brochure, a typical day at Minnieland summer camp includes opening and closing ceremonies, group activities that help children develop their interests and talents, outdoor play and swimming at company-operated pools, and 30 minutes of reading time. Breakfast, hot lunches, and afternoon snacks are served.

Minnieland’s “Club Zone” affords school-age attendees the daily opportunity to pursue hobbies such as visual or performing arts, sports, science, publishing and broadcasting, or craft making.

Other summer activities may include talent shows, picnics, and intramural days with campers from other locations.

In keeping with the “road trip” theme, each facility creates a unique schedule of events. Amanda omas, assistant director at Minnieland at e Glen, in Woodbridge, said this summer’s field trips would include Manassas Battlefield, Mount Vernon, and Skyline Caverns.

“Minnieland’s summer camp was so helpful in getting my daughter to socialize with kids her age,” one parent wrote to the school. “e field trips and ‘pool days’ were always something she looked forward to. We are excited about camp this year and all the adventures it may hold.”

For more information, or to download the 2012 brochure, visit www.minnieland.com/curriculum/summer-camp-program.

The House, Inc. With a stated mission to “give direction to students that will protect their future and influence,” e House Inc., Student Leadership Center in Woodbridge is now accepting summer camp registrations for its full day and extended day summer programs.

Helen McCormick, President of e House, Inc. announced its

11-week camp for area youth, grades 4-12, from June 18 through Aug 30. Families may choose from two options: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. e House campus includes a cafe, where youth can hang with friends throughout the day. Surrounding the cafe are three high-def televisions. A den with pool tables, air hockey, and table tennis tables overlook the four NBA glass basketball systems, not to mention the grass turf sports field where dodgeball, leadership obstacle courses and team challenges take place. Laptop computers and video gaming systems are readily available for student use in its wireless campus, and a newly installed theater screen will show summer movie features.

Campers at e House will have opportunities that include a twoday private baseball camp with the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium, a private football clinic hosted by Washington Redskins players, and a week-long rowing camp on the Occoquan River with the Prince William Rowing Club, just to name a few. e House Executive Director Todd McCormick said summer camp at e House is "all about relationships and being engaged for leadership.

For more information, visit www.thehouse-inc.com or call (703) 909-5459.

The City of Manassas Park – Parks and Recreation e City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation also offers a wide variety of weeklong summer camps for preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens. Preschool and school-aged camps are held at the Manassas Park Community Center, as well as Signal Hill Park.Teen camp locations vary.

Preschool camps for ages three to five are from 8:30 a.m.-noon. and include themes such as “Super Story Adventures,” “It’s a Bugs Life,” “Construction Junction,” and “Under the Sea.” Children must be potty trained and parents are asked to pack a snack, lunch, bathing suit and a towel, as each day concludes with swimming.

School-aged programs for ages six to 12 run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and run the gamut from art and magic-themed camps to ones focusing on basketball, cheerleading, and even mixed martial arts. ere is also a set of new camps from Ideaventions, a “discovery lab for kids” based in Oakton, Va. “We teamed up with Ideaventions, and they are offering science and technology summer camps,” said Tony omas, recreation supervisor, “which give kids the chance to explore nature, invent, experiment with chemistry, build their own spy gear and much more. Days consist of labs, outdoor education, lunch, crafts and robotics.”

Teen camps are for ages 12-17 and include Leadership Camp, Film and Acting Camp, Tennis Camp, First Responder Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp and more. Teen camps are held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lead camp counselors with summer camps through the Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation are a minimum of 18 years old, and go through a weeklong training session where they learn about basic first-aid and safety. All campers, regardless of age group, should plan to pack a snack, lunch, and bring their bathing suit and towel daily, as every day concludes with swimming.

For a list of all summer camps,visit www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com and click on the “Mosaic Summer Camps Guide” on the home page.

Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission For the fifth consecutive year, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) is offering a special for teens attending camps throughout the county. e OmniLink teen summer pass is available for $30 for teens ages 13-19. e pass allows them unlimited rides on all local bus services, including any of the six OmniLink routes in the county, explained Christine Rodrigo, public relations specialist with the company.

One benefit that Rodrigo discussed is teens having the option to bring their bicycles along. “ere are bike racks on the buses, so teens can put the bike on the front of the bus, and when they reach their destination, they can ride it,” she said, noting that on occasion, the true destination might be slightly further from the actual bus stop.

In addition to bike racks, the bus can go up to three-quarters of a mile closer to the teen’s destination if there is time in its schedule to allow so. ere is an extra $1 fee for this option, and arrangements must be made in advance.

For teens opting to use the OmniLink for just one week out of the summer, or a smaller period of time, single bus fare is $1.20.

Rodrigo suggests, however, that the $30 summer pass is ideal for someone using the bus multiple times for multiple weeks in the summer. “e teen summer pass is pretty popular,” she noted. ey are currently available at six sales outlets: the treasurer’s office in the City of Manassas, the treasurer’s office in Manassas Park, Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center, Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center, Ben Lomond Community Center, and the PRTC office in Woodbridge.

For more information, visit www.prtctransit.org, where you will find all timetables and maps, or call (703) 730-6664.

Linda Ross Pugel is a 30-year resident of Prince William County, and currently resides in the Lake Ridge area with her husband and son.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College. Ross Pugel can be reached by email at lpugel@princewiliamliving.com.

prince william living June 2012 | 7

destinations

Find Your Spot: Picnicking in Prince William County

By Carla Christiano, Contributing Writer

w

hen was the last time you went on a picnic? If you’re like most people, it has probably been awhile.

Still, on a pretty summer day, you’ll find a few folks spreading their blankets in a park to eat their lunches. For them, a picnic is a rare chance in a hectic world to enjoy the outdoors.

“It’s something the whole family can do together,” said Linda Schultheiss, of Manassas, who was one such picnicker at Rippon Lodge. Karyn Quinn, also of Manassas, agreed, and said, picnicking “lets you enjoy a moment of sanity.” We have great picnic spots here in Prince William County. Here are just a few.

Prince William Forest Park Prince William Forest Park, a 15,000-acre national park near Triangle, is an often overlooked spot for a picnic. You can park

yourself at a picnic table under a rustic wood shelter at the Pine Grove picnic area near the visitor’s center, or head to the Telegraph picnic area about a half-mile farther away. Both locations have tables and grills, but Telegraph can be reserved for $80 per day from dawn to dusk, and even has a ball field.

Your picnic choices are not limited to just the designated picnic areas. Park volunteer Sue Lefever suggested the .4-mile Piedmont Forest Trail, which is made out of recycled rubber and is handicap accessible, as a good spot to take a picnic. If you want something even more isolated, you can wind your way along the 12-mile Scenic Drive under a canopy of trees. At Carter’s Pond, you can sit on benches made from split logs and just listen to the birds calling. Ranger Jenn Kays said that parking lot I off the Scenic Drive is also a good place to relax. Although there’s no picnic table or bench there, you have a view of the creek and waterfall. “You can stop and find a nice little rock and plop yourself down, and have a sandwich,” she said.

Prince William Forest Park Triangle, VA (703) 221-7181 www.nps.gov/prwi Cost: $5 per vehicle for 7 days

Manassas National Battlefield Park Although picnickers who left Washington, D.C., to watch the first battle of Manassas in 1861 never actually made it to the battlefield, today’s visi8 | June 2012 prince william living

tors to the 5,000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park can picnic in two designated areas: Stuart’s Hill on Featherbed Lane and the Brownsville picnic area off Groveton Road. e park limits picnicking to those areas because such recreational activities “are inconsistent with the legislative intent and contemplative nature of most areas of the park,” according to Ray Brown, chief of interpretation and cultural resources.

Manassas National Battlefield Park 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA | (703) 361-1339 www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm Cost: $3 for adults for three days, free for children under 16

Miss Rivershore Have you ever wanted to explore the Occoquan River by boat? For those who want to take their picnic on the river, there is Miss Rivershore, a 50-foot pontoon boat certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry up to 46 passengers, according to its operator, Mark Perry. Boat tours are generally from April to November on Saturdays from noon to five, and Sundays noon to one hour before dusk.

Perry, who has been piloting the Miss Rivershore for eight years, said that people should consider taking their picnics on a boat “because it makes this affordable ride even more cost-effective.”

He said that his passengers are allowed to do just about anything—though they cannot bring beer or wine on board because he sells those beverages and sodas on the boat.

Miss Rivershore Occoquan, VA | (703) 498-4348 http://missrivershorecharters.com/ Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child for 1-hour tour

Rippon Lodge Situated off Route 1 near Neabsco Creek, the site of Rippon Lodge has formal gardens, walking trails and cemetery. Site manager Rebecca Super said the site is open from May through October and there is no charge to be on the grounds. ere is, however, a $5 fee to tour the house. Although no grills are allowed and there is no picnic shelter, there are a few picnic tables scattered around and picnickers are welcome to spread a blanket anywhere but the cemetery. In addition, Rippon Lodge also offers catered picnics for groups of 10 or more (40 people maximum) with advance reservations and a fee of $25 per person.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA | (703) 499-9812 www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/publicworks/hp/Pages/ Rippon-Lodge.aspx Cost: free for the grounds, $5 for house tour Other historic sites: www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/ publicworks/hp/Pages/default.aspx

Creeks and the Potomac River, the park boasts a half-mile beach on the river, a boat launch, hiking trails, a kids’ playground, and four reservable picnic shelters. ere are also additional picnic tables scattered throughout the trees with great views of the river.

Weekends at the park can get very busy, according to park manager Karen Lambey. “If you want to use one of our picnic tables, come out early,” she said. You can use the park’s grills or bring your own. And you are not limited to just the picnic shelters or tables: “You are certainly welcome to picnic anywhere in the park. We have people who fish and like to picnic on the shoreline,” Lambey said.

Leesylvania State Park 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA | (703) 730-8205 www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lee.shtml Cost: $2-$3 per vehicle daily

Harris Pavilion Harris Pavilion will host a variety of musical acts from military and swing bands to Beatle tribute groups and acoustic trios Wednesdays through Sundays from June through August. And the best part: it’s free.

“It’s a gift that the city gives us,” said Anna Marie Robinson, general manager of Harris Pavilion. “We do a variety of music that appeals to every age group and every background. So come out and hang out. Bring your friends and family. Bring your spread and have a picnic.”

On Saturday nights, tables are provided at Harris Pavilion, “so you don’t even have to bring a blanket,” Robinson said. And on Sundays, you can get ice cream for dessert. e Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas, VA | (703) 361-9800 www.harrispavilion.com Cost: free

Prince William County Parks Living in Prince William County, it’s easy to take our county parks for granted. Yet with more than 50 parks encompassing almost 4,000 acres, there is probably the perfect place for a picnic nearby. ese parks range in size from small neighborhood parks like Lancaster Park in Woodbridge, which offers basketball courts and horseshoe pits, to full-service facilities like James S. Long Regional Park near Haymarket or Ben Lomond Community Center in Manassas, which have soccer fields, tennis courts, and lots of amenities. Yet no matter what park you visit, you will find a bit of green space (perfect for a picnic) and will save a bit of green too.

All county parks are free to Prince William County residents.

Leesylvania State Park

Prince William County parks (703) 792-7060 http://pwcparks.org/ParksFieldsTrails/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Across Neabsco Creek from Rippon Lodge is Leesylvania State Park, one of the most picturesque parks in Prince William County. Situated on 542 acres between Neabsco and Powells

Carla Christiano, a native of Prince William County, works as a technical writer and editor for Unisys. She holds an M.A. degree in English from George Mason University. prince william living June 2012 | 9

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prince william living June 2012 | 11

on a high note

Carol Collins, A Clown of Renown

By Peter Lineberry, Contributing Writer

f

or Carol Collins, known professionally as Bingo—or more often nowadays as Safari Bingo—entertaining young children comes naturally. A former sixth-grade teacher and 25-year veteran of clowning around, the Gainesville resident and business entrepreneur has performed thousands of times at local children’s parties, schools, malls, and the like.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Garnett

And so, on a crisp sunny morning in March, she arrived at PACE West School in Haymarket with the tools and tricks of her trade. Khaki jacket and pith hat? Check. Butterflies affixed to glasses and ladybug on nose? Check. Hedgehog, hamsters and “Lolli-Pup” in their travel carriers? Check, check, and check. On with the show!

In Performance About 20 children—most of the school’s enrollment from kindergarten to fifth grade—filed into the gym at PACE, a school for students with emotional and behavioral problems.

Whether coincidence or not, they passed by a quote by E. E. Cummings written on a hallway bulletin board: “e most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” For these kids, this morning would not be wasted.

Collins bills her standard hour-long act as an “animal comedy magic show,” and the show indeed has elements of each. As they arrived in the gym, the children sat on a rainbow-colored parachute, with their teachers circled behind them, as Safari Bingo immediately captured their attention by making giant bubbles with a wand and attempting to envelop volunteer children in them. Soon, with “Who Let the Dogs Out” playing in the background, Lolli-Pup, Collins’ two-year-old Maltese/Yorkie mix, or “Morki” in clown terminology, appeared, and scampered among the kids, basking in their attention among outstretched arms. She danced on her hind legs—in a pink tutu, naturally. en orny, a year-old African pygmy hedgehog, emerged from 12 | June 2012 prince william living

Carol Collins, accompanied by Thorny, recreates her Washington Post cover photo from 2001.

a small cloth bag that appeared deceptively empty, and the young audience responded with shouts of delight. Later, a spinning pinwheel created an optical illusion that made one youngster’s head momentarily expand.

As the hilarity ensued, the kids also learned to count to three in Japanese. ey also learned what hedgehogs eat (“Children—just kidding!”) and how they protect themselves in the wild. And they learned the meaning behind Safari Bingo’s button “I.Y.Q.Y.Q.R.” (hint: sound it out slowly) . From their laughing and from the number of hands that continued to go up throughout the gymnasium, the children were all very clearly enthralled with every minute of Safari Bingo’s presentation.

Balloons provided another source of entertainment. Collins had brought several pre-inflated sets of long green and brown balloons that the kids enjoyed twirling—everyone took a turn. en she twisted them all together into a large coconut tree, added a yellow monkey clinging to the trunk, and presented the

finished product to the principal. e grand finale featured racing hamsters Popeye and Princess, with hamster wheels that had been fitted into plastic racecars.

Children lined up and made two sets of tunnels with their legs while others cheered and waved pom-poms, and then the teachers took a turn. Collins’ emcee patter was directed at her young audience, but she also ad-libbed a few zingers for the grown-ups, as when one of the hamsters lost its way: “You’re driving backwards—this isn’t Florida!”

“ey had a great time,” said PACE West Principal Mary Ellen Garduno. “I was pleased with how she incorporated vocabulary that they should know, how to care for the animals... I was impressed with how much she included, so that the kids kind of got that along with the fun part.”

Students at PACE receive daily bonus points for completed schoolwork and good behavior, which they may use for purchases at the school store, as well as added assembly time.

Collins promised to return to the school monthly to meet with smaller groups who have earned these points and show them more about her craft.

“It was really fun watching the show, but it was also even more fun watching the kids’ reactions,” Garduno said. “Our students don’t always pay attention really well, and they were pretty in tune with what was going on.”

It’s all in a day’s work for the 68-year-old Collins.

At Home When searching for Collins’ home in the sprawling active adult community of Heritage Hunt, just look for the “Welcome to the Nut House” sign out front, and listen for Lolli-Pup’s friendly yap.

Collins lives with her animal troupe, which is to say her pets, and runs her business and website from the Gainesville house she’s called home for the last eight years. She is the owner and operator of Newventur Entertainment, at which she represents not only herself but more than 50 similar entertainers throughout the Washington, D.C., region. Need a face painter, magician, stilt-walker, or a cavalcade of clowns for a party or corporate event? She knows them all, and she’ll take care of the booking and paperwork for you.

Collins averages more than 150 personal appearances a year, evenly split between private and public functions. She books more than 500 additional shows for others. Some of the county venues where she has performed include the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Madigan’s Waterfront in Occoquan, where she’s a regular on Easter and Mother’s Day, and numerous elementary schools, day cares, and assisted living facilities. And although she counts on referrals and word-of-mouth for much of her business,

Collins’ roots in clowning began in the 1970s, when she and her adopted daughter went trick-ortreating dressed as “Bingo and Bongo.” “I started from scratch,” Collins said. “Yeah, I looked foolish, but that’s how you learn.” One thing led to another, and soon she and her then-husband, also in the clowning business, were running “Bingo and Buddies,” a talent booking agency in Maryland.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Garnett

Feedback from the show was positive. “You are excellent at what you do!” wrote one teacher. “e kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed every minute!”

Collins also knows the value of self-promotion—she hands out colorful business cards at every opportunity.

Clown paraphernalia— figurines, posters, magazines—can be found in all corners of Collins’ neatly-kept home, but certain rooms stand out more than others. In one, Collins keeps equipment like the portable balloon pump that inflates her soon-to-be sculpted creations. en there’s an upstairs storeroom where she hangs up many of her costumes: the Easter Bunny, with a kazoo hidden in its carrot; a gorilla suit for the occasional comedy gram; an ornate Mother Christmas outfit that she has donned for many years for her performances at the Inn at Little Washington.

Pictures on Collins’ stairwell commemorate special moments from her past: giving First Lady Nancy Reagan a red rubber “nose transplant” at a White House picnic; posing as a clown extra with Tom Selleck on the set of the 1989 movie, Her Alibi; in full Bingo regalia on the cover of the Washington Post Weekend section in 2001, holding one hedgehog with another on her shoulder, atop the headline “Let Us Entertain You.” When asked about a particularly memorable on-the-job anecdote, Collins recalled her three years with the Clown Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. One day in the intensive-care unit, on a mission to cheer up kids with serious and often terminal illnesses, she met Mattie Stepanek, who, suffering from muscular dystrophy, achieved national acclaim as a young poet and peace activist. “As I was trying to decide what I would do to make him laugh,” she said, “he squirted me with a trick flower. He made me laugh first!”

A former aerobic dance instructor, Collins keeps fit and limber by ballroom dancing at least once a week and taking Lolli-Pup on multiple daily walks. And she can be as animated in everyday conversation as when she is in character, showing that her profession is an ideal extension of her personality. “is business is a blessing,” she said. “We bring smiles to people. How good is that?” (continues on page 15) prince william living June 2012 | 13

home & hearth

residential. commercial. interior. exterior.

Letting Light In Without Letting Energy Go

By Denise Smith, Design and Sales Consultant, FA Design Build, Woodbridge indows should enhance the appearance of your home, allowing natural light into your space as well as providing protection from the elements and external noise. If yours aren’t doing these things, it may be in your best interest to replace them.

W

Purchasing new windows can be a confusing—and expensive—process. But few home improvements provide such immediate gratification. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (www.energy.gov), replacing old, inefficient single-paned windows with new energy efficient double-paned clear glass can result in $446 in energy savings yearly.

It may seem unusual to hear a salesperson make a quick assessment about the quality of your current windows by asking if you woke up to them fogged over. But don’t be surprised to hear Susie Stout of Fred’s Best do just that.

Located here in our county, Stout and her partner William Davey know that on some early summer mornings condensation on the exterior side of windows can be a good thing. This means your windows are doing exactly what they should—keeping the warmer, moist air out.

Even when you're in need of new windows, though, the process of finding the right company for the job can seem daunting. A few simple steps can greatly improve your chances of working with a reputable and reliable company.

■ Ask for referrals. Question friends, family and neighbors who have gone through the process who they used and what kind of experience they had.

■ Do your research. Visit sites like Angie’s List, Washington Checkbook and Yelp to find out what others are saying, but remember that when reading reviews on the Internet, the truth tends to lie in the middle. Weed out the glowing praise and the angry rants and concentrate on reading those comments that represent a “average experience.”

■ Be very clear when making appointments for estimates.

Set a concrete beginning AND ending time for home visits and hold your ground. If the sales pitch runs over the time allotted and you are not ready to make a decision, be firm and ask the sales person to leave.

■ Try to buy local. Some quality windows are manufactured right here in Prince William County.

Denise Smith is a design and sales consultant for FA Design Build, in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at dsmith@fadesignbuild.com.

14 | June 2012 prince william living

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(continued from page 13)

“Are You a Clown?” “No, I’m an Elephant in Disguise!”

Every ursday night is Family Night at the Manassas Chick-Fil-A on Liberia Avenue, and it is usually the restaurant’s busiest night of the week, according to general manager Nancy Bean. Between 6 and 8 p.m., a long line of children eagerly await, with their parents, the zany balloon creations of BBow the Clown, a.k.a. Bobby Dymond of Dale City, also a veteran performer. Collins booked this gig, as well as many others, for him. When asked about Collins, BBow described her as “spontaneous, wacky, whimsical, entertaining, charismatic...” He grasped for more adjectives, concluding that she is “a very close friend, an excellent businesswoman, and I love her to death.”

BBow serves as guest of honor several times a month at the Liberia Avenue Chick-Fil-A, but this used to be Collins’ weekly gig, and she still performs there on the last ursday of each month. ere, she is Bingo, in an outfit made up of equal parts of red, blue and yellow, with striped socks, oversized shoes and an undersized top hat. As she crafts flowers, hummingbirds, seahorses and pirate swords from balloons, she swaps knockknock jokes with some of the children, and coaxes smiles from the more timid ones.

She responds to silly questions with sillier answers and sooths crying infants with nothing more than a grin and a balloon. It is clear that the difference in age between her and her young fans means nothing here—they are all on the same wavelength, no matter which character she portrays.

Collins shares a story about one young boy who asked Safari Bingo why she wasn’t dressed in more traditional clown attire.

“Well, did you laugh today?” she asked him.

“Yes,” the boy told her. “at’s what a clown does.”

Learn more about Carol Collins and her band of merry misfits at www.partyco-op.com.

Peter Lineberry, copy editor for Prince William Living, has lived in the county since 1999.

He can be reached by email at plineberry@princewilliamliving.com.

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going places

Cool Down with the Snowie Bus

t

By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer

While kids may be a little hesitant when they see what looks deceivingly like a school bus approaching them this summer, they will be very pleasantly surprised when Chris Jewell and his Snowie Bus show up. Jewell, a fourth year architecture student at Virginia Tech, is currently the main man on the bus. Asked to describe what exactly the Snowie Bus is, Jewell said, “e Snowie Bus is a ‘pimped out’ vehicle that serves shaved ice.” Fitted with all the modern conveniences like air conditioning, sinks and running water, Snowie Bus is fully equipped to serve customers their favorite flavored shaved ice all day long.

While the flavors the owners of the Snowie Bus possess total more than 50, the bus itself features 12 flavors on any given day, and certain flavors will always remain: blue raspberry, pink bubblegum, fresh strawberry, lemon-lime, cotton candy and Tiger’s Blood (a mix of strawberry and coconut), according to Jewell. Even if they don’t have your favorite flavor one week “if we get enough suggestions we will have it the next week,” he said. Anybody for some Bug Juice? Just ask the people of Snowie Bus of Virginia.

How about Piña Colada, Maui Wowee, or a Godzilla ice? ese crazy flavors are available all summer long in three different sizes— 16 | June 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Debbie Jewell

hat cool, tingling sensation that sends shivers down your spine as your favorite flavored ice melts in your mouth on a long, hot, humid day in July...oh, what am I talking about and where can I get this, you say? From the Snowie Bus of Virginia, of course, and it’s coming to a neighborhood near you!

With its flavored shaved ice and its soon to be incorporated ice cream in snow, all brought to you in a bright yellow bus, Snowie Bus of Virginia is sure to yield screeches of delight from kids during those steamy dog days of summer. So look out for the big yellow bus coming your way!

small ($2), medium ($3), and large ($4). And the best part is you get to choose and pour your own flavors!

Jewell and his family started their business in the summer of 2010 as a way to help pay for student loans, as well as to create a successful business. e idea originally came from Dwayne Jewell, Chris’ father, who during “my sophomore year at Virginia Tech had been doing a ton of research and pitched a couple of ideas to me, from a small ice cream stand to the mobile unit we have now, that is Snowie,” said Chris.

Chris’ father always had an interest in getting into the ice cream business and saw Snowie Bus as a business venture they could make work as a family. “He offered to finance the business if I did all the groundwork. So I created our logo, shirts, website, business

washed they gave out free snowies. “ey came to my twin sons’ birthday party, even came to their school and gave free snowies to the entire classroom and staff,” Campbell said.

Snowie Bus does a lot of fundraising and offers not only lots of fun but offers a professional and very well run business, according to both Davis and Campbell.

Photo courtesy Laura Berdak

The Future is a Very Bright Shade of Yellow “e primary months of business are from March to November, depending on the weather,” Jewell said. “However, we now offer indoor events, so any time of the year is possible,” he said. is year, as well, Snowie Bus has expanded its operations to include an additional trailer, the Snowie caboose. So watch out! cards and marketing material, joined the (Prince William) Chamber of Commerce and attended all the meetings as well as the Young Professionals Group of Northern Virginia,” said Chris.

Giving Back While Snowie Bus is a business venture started to make a profit, Chris is proud of their ability to give back to the community. “e amazing part of the business is the amount we are able to give back,” he said. Snowie Bus has been able to help raise thousands of dollars for youth sports leagues such as Manassas Park Little League, Fauquier Babe Ruth League, Fauquier Flag Football League, schools such as Manassas Park High School, Osbourn High School, and churches such as the New Hope Church in Lorton and the Manassas Assembly of God Church. Chris was proud to say they have also worked with SERVE, the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Family Service that helps individuals and families get back on their feet, as well as taking part in the BB&T’s Community Outreach program. “For SERVE, last year, we gave everything away from snowies to Snowie Bus bracelets but if [an] organization is trying to raise money by hosting a gettogether of some kind for the public, then we charge the general public and profit share,” Chris said.

“My brother, Cody Jewell, is still young and will be starting his first year of college next year…but in the future I see him playing a vital role in the growth of the company as he learns more about networking and business in general,” said Chris. And when Chris himself graduates and becomes a fully-fledged architect, the business, he said, will continue on and be operated by his father and brother, with Chris playing a less significant role.

According to their website and Facebook page, Snowie Bus has the “fastest and best melt in your mouth shaved ice in the business” and from all accounts, this may just be true. “is is not just a snow cone,” said Campbell. “It’s a snowie. I will not eat anything else but a snowie.”

To find out more about Snowie Bus of Virginia visit their website at www.snowieofva.com or search for them on Facebook.

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

Sara Davis, board member on the Fauquier County Roller Hockey League, has worked with Snowie Bus for the past two years. “ey have come out maybe 30 or 40 times, Davis said. “e kids look forward to them coming out.” Davis and the hockey league work with Snowie Bus in their fundraising events with the Bus giving back 20 percent of the proceeds they make. “I could not say enough good things about them,” Davis said.

Stacie Campbell, cheerleading coach at Osbourn High School in Manassas, came across Snowie Bus while at a grand opening of a Walgreens. “You can’t help but notice that big bus,” she said. After telling Jewell about an upcoming cheerleading fundraising event for Osbourn, the relationship was cemented and has grown ever since.

“Two weeks before school starts Snowie Bus is out on a Friday night fundraising at an Osbourn football game,” said Campbell— and, once again, donating 20 percent of their proceeds. ey do birthday parties, carnivals, festivals; they even attended an Osbourn fundraising car wash where after they had the bus prince william living June 2012 | 17

local flavor

Katerina’s

is a Taste of Greece in Old Town Manassas

r

By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

estauranteur George Avlonitis and his wife Katerina love cooking their native dishes for patrons of cozy Katerina’s Greek Cuisine in Old Town Manassas.

Since it opened in 2011, customers keep coming back for appetizers like stuffed grape leaves (dolmades), crispy Greek bruschetta, spinach and feta spanakopita wrapped in filo pastry; entrees like charbroiled chicken, lamb or layered eggplant moussaka; and desserts like baklava or the warm, creamy filowrapped custard galaktoboureko. For drinks, favorites range from iced coffee to Greek wines like the popular Kourtaki or Paranga.

Long-time Manassas resident Priscilla Saboe gave it a thumbs up.

“I have eaten at Katerina’s and it was fabulous!” she declared. A parishioner at Nativity of Our Lord Orthodox Church in Manassas, Saboe helps with the flavorful Old World Festival at the Harris Pavilion each September. “e food at Katerina’s is homemade. e restaurant was nice and clean. e staff was very attentive. Prices were just right. I’ve brought friends with me and each time everyone has had a wonderful meal.”

Appetizers run $5 to $10; entrees, $11 to $23; desserts start at $3.50. e restaurant is located at 9212 Center Street, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to closing time: 9 p.m. Sunday-ursday and 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday.

Debbie Haight, executive director of Historic Manassas, Inc., is delighted to have another destination restaurant in Old Town’s repertoire. Customer reviews on TripAdvisor.com recently rated four Center Street restaurants in the Top 20 for Manassas: ai 18 | June 2012 prince william living

Photography by Linda Hughes

“Honestly, I don’t care about all the hard work,” says George of his big menu for a little place. e cuisine is not simple and takes a lot of prep time. “I’m doing this from my heart. When I ask, ‘how’s everything?’ and a customer says, ‘amazing,’ that makes my day.”

Since restauranteur George Avlonitis and his wife Katerina opened Katerina's, in Old Town Manassas, in 2011, the place has been a hit.

Secret (#19), Carmello’s (#12), Okra’s Cajun Creole (#3) and Katerina’s Greek Cuisine (#1). Google Maps gave Katerina’s 5 stars; Yelp.com, 4 stars.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a great selection of one-ofa-kind restaurants,” says Haight. “e best part is being able to sit down for a meal and engage in a conversation with the owners.”

And George Avlonitis, patrons will tell you, loves to talk to his customers, and share the couple’s back story: how they both grew

Photography by Linda Hughes

up in families that owned restaurants in the U.S. and on the island of Corfu; about their friends, Pete and emy Veltsistas, owners of City Tavern, who brought George back from Corfu to manage their City Grille on Balls Ford Road; how George built the bar patio/waterfall still featured there, even though the restaurant is under new ownership. George credits Pete and emy with the foundation and courage to start his own place.

But especially, George loves Katerina. Spend five minutes with the couple, and you can see why he couldn’t leave Corfu without her.

Besides the 33-year-old’s stunning beauty and languorous accent, it’s the way they look at each other. It’s the kind of love story you want to be around because it resonates in the food, the wine, the bouzouki music smoothing over the clash of cutlery and the vivid mural of their beloved Corfu that artist Nancy Daugherty painted, so they could be with its Byzantine churches, wide beaches and deep blue Ionian Sea daily.

“We looked as far as Alexandria for a location,” George says. “One day Katerina was walking down the street in Old Town Manassas. ‘is little place over here, that’s nice,’ she says.’” He trusted her instincts to stay in the historic district and “go Greek all the way” with their menu. It took 14 months to ink the contract; then friends and family helped remodel the dining area and install all new kitchen equipment. After last summer’s extreme heat, new air conditioning was added as well.

And then there’s the ultimate: George’s Greek chicken. He debones it fresh, marinates it in extra virgin olive oil, seasons with fresh herbs, and then charbroils it on an open grill.

George and Katerina took their first day off, closing the restaurant on Pascha (Greek Orthodox Easter) in April. is summer, they plan to close several weeks to visit family on Corfu. ey got the idea from Nicholas Georgalas, owner/chef at Samos Restaurant in Baltimore, which packs in customers daily despite inconveniences of long lines and no credit cards (there’s an ATM nearby). George explains, “I asked him, ‘How do you do this?’ and he told me, ‘is is nothing. I close and I go to Greece for a month every year. People love us. ey know we’ll be back.’ When he said that to me, it stuck in my mind. Life is short. Family comes first.”

He looks at Katerina and you just know—they love what they’re doing. And 50 years from now, he’s still going to be calling her his bride. After all, he didn’t name it George’s Place.

Cindy Brookshire is a freelance writer with fond memories of the now demolished Nick’s Seafood Pavilion in Yorktown, Va., founded by Greek immigrants Nick and Mary Mathews in 1944, where notables John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett once dined.

Patrons must park on-street or in the parking deck a few blocks away until after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, when they’re allowed to use a neighboring lot; on weekends there is adjacent parking. George is awaiting city approval to enclose his patio and create a waiting area, hopefully by winter. Despite these inconveniences, many a customer has already experienced George’s generosity.

The Point

“ey don’t want to hear you’re sorry,” says George. “I do the right thing, and people appreciate that. I do this with all my heart. I give and it comes back to me.” ere’s that love again. Simple. Like George’s pure and authentic tzatziki sauce for souvlaki and gyros. “A lot of places buy the tzatziki because it’s labor intensive,” he explains. “e other half uses sour cream because it’s cheap, and then the great recipe you once had is nothing. I make the Greek strained yogurt for my tzatziki. My customers appreciate the flavor and freshness.”

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your finances Five College Financial Aid Assumptions to Avoid

COLLEGE FUNDING The Gate to Your Your Financial Financia Future

By Luanne Lee, Gateway College Funding n today’s economy, more and more families are depending on financial aid to help pay for college, but unfortunately, the financial aid process is fraught with myths, misconceptions and assumptions that can cost a family tens of thousands of dollars in lost financial aid dollars. To help you navigate through these pitfalls without falling through one, we’ve come up with a top-five list of financial aid myths and assumptions you should avoid:

I

1. All financial aid is free money. Financial aid is broken into two categories: gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid is the kind of financial aid that never has to be paid back, and includes such things as scholarships, grants and work study. Self-help aid is the kind that must be paid back, and includes such things as federal student loans, federal Parent PLUS loans and private student loans.

2. Your awards are renewable. Always contact the school’s financial aid officer to ask if that $20,000 scholarship is renewable. If it is only available for the first year, what is your plan to cover the cost for the following years?

3. We make too much money to qualify for financial aid.

Every student is eligible for some financial aid, no matter what income their parents earn, as long as they file the FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 4. Our child is 18 so is now independent. According to www.FAFSA.gov, a child is not considered independent until they reach the age of 24, can financially provide more than 50 percent of support for a dependent of their own, is a veteran of the Armed Forces, or has completed their undergraduate studies.

5. We have so much debt we will easily qualify. Financial aid is determined by household income and assets, the ages of the parents, how many live in a household and how many students who live there are attending college.

Nowhere on an application for financial aid is the question “how much debt do you have?”

For more information, visit www.finaid.gov, www.usnews.com/education, or www.gatewaycollegefunding.com Luanne Lee has been assisting and educating individuals and families in the proper use of insurance, mortgage and retirement planning since 1996. She is a registered licensee of College Planning Relief, a College Planning Relief Specialist, and a certified member of the Association of College Funding Advisors and National Association of College Funding Advisors.

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A-ADVAnTAGe: Helping ose at a Disadvantage

By Boyd Lillard, Contributing Writer

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Last May, the 22-year-old company established A-Advantage 4 Kids, a nonprofit with the mission “to raise funds and make grants to benefit individuals and families with an emphasis on children and youth who have special needs, such as medical, educational, housing, recreation, or other quality-of-life needs that warrant assistance,” according to board member and treasurer Chris Johnson. e early seeds of the nonprofit grew out of founder and chairman of the board Bob Biberaj’s work to raise funds for children from economically disadvantaged families to participate in youth sports clubs. “Every parent had money to buy lunch and drinks ," said Biberaj. "But then we realized that kids, especially local kids, had all kinds of needs, and so we decided to concentrate on that. You would be shocked how many kids have needs and are left without.”

For two years prior to establishing A-Advantage 4 Kids, he had been organizing golf tournaments to raise funds to provide kids with clothing, equipment, and other resources to play sports.

According to treasurer Johnson, “He recognized the opportunity to make it a bigger thing.”

Biberaj went to each now-board member and presented his idea which is now the basis for the nonprofit. e original board consisted of Bob Biberaj, Susan Windle (secretary and A-Advantage employee), Buta Biberaj (an attorney in Leesburg and Bob’s sister), and Jim Davis (a District of Columbia police officer). Zade Parsons and Bob's nephew, Adam Biberaj, later joined the board.

On May 3, 2011, A-Advantage 4 Kids was born. e organization handles operations out of the heating and air conditioning company's Manassas Park office.

22 | June 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy A-Advantage 4 Kids

s the technician’s van for A-Advantage Heating and Air Conditioning pulls away from your home it might leave a bittersweet feeling. e sweetness comes from now having an AC in good working order for a summer that promises sweltering heat; the bitter from writing that check or getting that credit card swiped. But one probably wouldn’t guess that the local business, at some point, could write just as big a check out to them.

Last year's golf tournament benefiting A-Advantage 4 Kids was a huge success. The next tournament is scheduled for June 1.

Since then, the organization has held seven golf tournaments. e fee to participate is $125, which includes 18 holes of golf and lunch. e events have been hosted at General’s Ridge Golf Course in Manassas Park. Of the funds raised, all but 15 percent goes to charity. e 15 percent is then allocated for seed money to host the next event. Additionally, the organization has received matching contributions from American Express.

“Each one of us, independently, have our own charities we donate to," said Johnson. "I’m a United Way contributor and Children’s Hospital contributor. From a corporate standpoint, we’re still trying to get our feet wet.”

Last September’s tournament proved to be quite successful for AAdvantage 4 Kids. According to Johnson, $22,000 was raised. Of the recipients of the organization’s work, no one probably could be more happy than Haymarket Police Chief James Roop. Roop’s wife has multiple sclerosis, his daughter Emily was diagnosed with leukemia, and he is a doting grandfather to Emily’s son Wes, whose father is not in the picture.

Said Roop: “I didn’t know the folks at A-Advantage. ey found me through the town clerk when I stopped by the station one day,

boss is the president, but I’ve been here a very long time. I have known Bob and some of his family members for a long time. is is my way of doing a couple of things per year to help some people out,” said board secretary Susan Windle.

“Everyone who works for the organization is a volunteer,” added Biberaj. “No one gets paid. If you can’t give it all away then why give it to somebody? At least with us, if you give $100, you know all $100 is going to go to somebody. And we’ve got some great people working with us, and that always makes it work.”

Biberaj said he hopes the organization will be able to help even more people over time. He also plans to sponsor more diverse means of raising funds, such as an end-of-the-year holiday gala.

Regarding the grant he and his family received, Roop said, “We’ll use it however we need it. But the bottom line is it’s for Wes’ education. If she (Emily) doesn’t need it for anything, I’ll put it in Wes’ account, and we’ll take it from there.”

sat down, and talked to her. Charity for Emily and Wes? I said ‘Why not?’ She’s a single mom and he’s...just the greatest kid. Wes is 10. He called me the other day; they made him Safety Patrol.

Bob (Biberaj) is such a great guy. If they ever need anything from the police department, I’d be more than happy to do anything.”

He continued on about his grandson. “e last time I talked to Wes about his career choices, it was a dragonslayer, an astronaut, or a policeman…and he just threw the last one in for my benefit. I’m not sure where we’d send him for dragonslaying.”

e organization desires to keep its focus on local families in both Prince William and Fairfax Counties. In fact, one of the recipients of funds raised in the September golf tournament is the child of a single mother, whom Biberaj knows from the Fairfax Stars AAU basketball program. e funds raised will help him further his education at Marymount University.

Author Boyd Lillard studied religion at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. He has worked as a contributing writer and editor in the nonprofit field and currently resides in Dale City.

“I took care of the paperwork for the Sept. 30 golf tournament. My

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Pick up “Spotlight on Prince William,” a community guide and directory. Call 703-368-6600 to find distribution locations.

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calendar Manassas Chorale “Mozart and More” Concert June 1, 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle | Manassas e Manassas Chorale presents “Mozart and More,” showcasing 100 auditioned chorale singers, orchestra, guest soloists, and a children’s honor chorus comprised of area youth. Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment, featuring Mozart’s “Requiem.” Concert with a Cause: Please help support Caton Merchant House (a full list of donatable items is at our website). Partial funding for the Manassas Chorale is provided by the Prince William County Park Authority, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the City of Manassas. Tickets available online at www.hyltoncenter.org, by phone at (888) 945-248, or at the Hylton Center Box Office. For more information, visit www.manassaschorale.org, or call (703) 335-1013.

18th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival

june

June 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Historic Manassas, Inc. 9366 Main Street | Manassas e 18th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is a FREE family celebration of the rich railway history that Manassas has to offer. Manassas Junction was the site of both the 1st and 2nd Battles of Manassas during the Civil War and of the nation’s first military railroad. Attracting more than 30,000 individuals from the Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas, festival attendees can enjoy a day of train fun for the whole family. For more information contact Sarah McHugh at (703) 361-6599, email smchugh@historicmanassasinc.org, or visit www.visitmanassas.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 Rain or shine, this quaint and charming former mill town will welcome more than 24 | June 2012 prince william living

350 juried artists and crafters at the Historic Occoquan Spring Arts and Crafts Show. Enjoy food and live entertainment that’s fun for the entire family. And, while you’re there, be sure to drop by the Prince William & Manassas Visitors Center at 200 Mill Street in Occoquan. Shuttle bus service is available; admission is free. Visit www.occoquan.org for more information.

A Children’s Coppélia and Class Demonstration June 2, 2-5 p.m.

Patriot High School 10504 Kettle Run Road | Nokesville Gainesville Ballet School presents A Children’s Coppélia and Class Demonstration at Patriot High School’s new 1200-seat auditorium. About 100 local children will perform the ballet at the newly-constructed, state-of-the-art public school in Nokesville. For more information, contact Gainesville Ballet School at (703) 753-5005. Ticket prices start at $15, with discounts for seniors, students, scouts and children under age four. Tickets are available on the school’s website at www.gainesvilleballetschool.org.

Haymarket 2nd Annual Car Show and Family Festival June 16, 1-6 p.m. (festival) and 6-9 p.m. (concert) Washington Street | Haymarket Visit Haymarket June 16 when Washington Street will be lined with hot rods, classic cars and street machines for the second annual Car Show & Family Festival. Relax in the car show beer garden or bring the children for kidfriendly events. For more information, visit www.townofhaymarket.org.

8th Annual Manassas Wine & Jazz Festival

June 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pfitzner Stadium 7 County Complex | Woodbridge Take part in an event that celebrates all wonderful things to see and do in greater Prince William (Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park). Enjoy live music, food vendors, petting zoos, baseball... ere’s something for everyone! Admittance is free.

For more information, visit www.pwchamber.org/grandslamfest.

June 17, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. e Loy E. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street | Manassas Now in its eighth year, the Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival is held on Father’s Day at the Harris Pavilion, located in the heart of historic Old Town Manassas.

Featuring headline jazz artists, this event is an intimate and relaxing afternoon of tasting and purchasing wines from awardwinning Virginia wine artisans. VIP tickets are available online for a limited time for $45 each and include early entrance into the festival (starting at 10 a.m.), access to the VIP area and a private wine tasting. Advanced tasting tickets are $20 (price will be $25 at the door), and include entrance into the festival for tastings at 11 a.m. Non-tasting tickets are $10 each and include entrance to the festival. For more information contact Sarah McHugh at (703) 361-6599, email smchugh@historicmanassasinc.org, or visit www.visitmanassas.org. Tickets may be purchased online at http://historicmanassas.mymediaroom.co m/wire/events/viewevent.aspx?id=11944.

YSBC 4th Annual Golf Tournament–VA Oaks

Great Gatsby! It’s a Lawn Party!

June 10, 9 a.m. Tee Time Virginia Oaks Golf Course 7950 Virginia Oaks Drive | Gainesville e Youth Sports Booster Club is holding its 4th Annual Golf Tournament to assist in funding youth sports competitive programs. $95 per person/$375 per foursome. Entry fee includes 18 holes, cart, range balls, greens fees, a.m. coffee and lunch. Prizes, contests, 50/50 raffle, door prizes. Contact Paul Feciura at (703) 244-4599 or email JBCcoach@aol.com

June 20, 7-9 p.m.

Rippon Lodge 15520 Blackburn Road | Woodbridge Celebrate the first day of summer by sipping mint juleps on the porch of Rippon Lodge. Break out the summer whites, wear your long pearls and play a round of croquet. Enjoy popular food and drink of the time, dance, and play cards. Vintage clothing and cars encouraged. Program sponsored by the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation. Cost: $25 per person. Not appropriate for children under the age of 12. For more information, visit www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation.

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tambourines and elephants no, I’m Better

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter

Self-esteem: everyone needs some. The goal of the modern parent and teacher and guardian is to make sure the child in their charge grows up with a healthy sense of being. It is almost impossible these days to feel bad about who you are, what you have done or what you have not accomplished. It no longer matters; there are few consequences. Couldn’t get your homework or chores done? I am sure there is an excellent excuse that may or may not involve a TV show, the weather, an organized event or even a sibling. The general negative influences and weight of mankind’s evil side can easily distract one from completing anything.

A long time ago, or at least a couple of decades, self-esteem was simply psychological mumbojumbo. I remember my mom used to tell my sister and me that she would not overindulge us with compliments because it would make our heads too big. Her plan not to spread unnecessary accolades pleased me since an oversized head sounded like a torturous consequence of superfluous kindness. I already had enough teenage angst as evidenced by my short skirts, knee socks, lazy eye, coke bottle glasses, braces and Pippi Longstocking braids.

(No one even needs to know the era in which I was raised because there is no time frame in the history of adolescence that this could be even remotely considered acceptable.) The horror of adding a potentially enlarged noggin would have been the proverbial nail in the high school coffin of unpopularity. Thankfully, she was concerned enough about our welfare to not super-size our skulls. Unfortunately, our popularity never really had a chance with or without large heads.

Mothers are not as considerate today. Although they want to make sure their children never have any doubt about their talents, even if these abilities have not yet been identified, they do not fully comprehend the potential dangers associated with such high levels of confidence.

Regardless, popularity is usually a coveted lifelong goal starting in elementary school, and parents want to make that goal easily attainable.

But, in my day, schools were more of a caste

system. It was difficult to raise oneself to level of revered but it is certainly easy to fall from the graces of the in-group.

children who were in obvious need of a positive role model. Apparently she told him that he could sit there all year, all alone.

Today, I honestly do not know many children who do not believe in their own popularity regardless of the truth. Kids today find it difficult to find fault in their own behavior and place the blame on others starting early in life. I recently spoke to a friend whose precocious young son attends a strict school in the northeast and is an phenomenal example of this recent trend.

While the story was being retold in minute detail, his mom did indeed find a note, tucked in his “take home folder.” Unfortunately, it did not extol the virtues of the lad, his behavior or his genius. In fact, a signature was required and a meeting was requested.

He is admittedly very cute. His whims have historically been indulged because his family does not ever want him to feel insecure. A fundamental cornerstone to their parenting philosophy includes frequent compliments and gifts, especially name brand items. The uniforms at school, though designed to create an academic atmosphere which discourages distraction and a focus on material items, also creates an impersonal environment where a student does not feel special, or stand out.

So, after the first week of school, at this prestigious institution for which she is paying an enormous amount of money, her son came home and announced that he was not only the most popular child in the class but was also quite obviously the teacher’s favorite student.

He was very proud of his accomplishments so early in his academic career.

I have taken this lesson to heart and though it may sound extreme, this example has reinforced for me the importance of not overcomplimenting anyone. So, if you are ever wondering if I think your work is fabulous or if I think you are wonderful (no doubt are both true), but you do not suffer from an enormous head that is difficult to balance, you can thank me later. I know, I’m awesome.

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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Mom, my friend, was also proud, questioning him about the rest of the day’s events while simultaneously rifling through his monogrammed backpack in search of a note, a card, a gold medal or a trophy that would give her the little details she needed to post this incredible achievement on Facebook and Twitter and the family blog.

While wolfing down the sweet goodness of Oreo cookies, he explained his moment of glory. After only half the day had passed, the teacher had apparently found his behavior so doggone cute that she actually moved his little desk right next to hers, away from the other

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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: Appliance Connection 13851 Telegraph Rd, Suite 101 Woodbridge Big Lots 13969 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge Christ Chapel 13909 Smoketown Rd. Woodbridge City of Manassas 9027 Center St., Manassas Clairmont School and Childcare Center 3551 Waterway Drive, Dumfries Common Grounds/Freedom Fellowship Center 4320 Dale Blvd., Dale City Edgemoor Art Studio 12616 Lake Ridge Drive, Woodbridge Edward Kelly Leadership Center 14715 Bristow Rd., Manassas Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 14397 Hereford Rd., Dale City Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 238 Potomac Ave., Quantico Golds Gym 12550 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge

Minnieland at Braemar 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow Minnieland at Bristow 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow Minnieland at Cardinal 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge Minnieland at Cloverdale 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge Minnieland at Dale City 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Dominion Valley 5255 Merchants View Square Haymarket Minnieland at Gainesville 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville Minnieland at Heathcote 15040 Heathcote Blvd, Gainesville Minnieland at Heritage Hunt 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville Minnieland at Montclair 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair Minnieland at Occoquan 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Rippon 2100 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge Minnieland at Technology Drive 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas Minnieland at The Glen 4290 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

The House, Inc. Student Leadership Center 14001 Crown Court, Woodbridge

Minnieland at Wellington 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas

Laser Quest 14517 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge

Minnieland Corporate Offices 4300 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

Manassas Christian Academy 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas

Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road

Manassas Christian School 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas Manassas Park City Schools One Park Center Court, Suite A Manassas Park Manassas Park -Parks and Recreation 99 Adams Street, Manassas Mason Enterprise Center 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147, Manassas Mason Enterprise Center 14059 Crown Court, Woodbridge The Merit School of Prince William 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Ashland 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas

Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road Old Bridge Preschool 3966 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School 17700 Dominican Drive, Dumfries Prince William Association of Realtors 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge Prince William Public Library System–Independent Hill Neighborhood Library 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas

Stratford University 14349 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge

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

Town of Haymarket 15000 Washington Street, Haymarket

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

Town of Occoquan Town Hall | 314 Mill Street, Occoquan Town of Dumfries 17755 Main Street, Dumfries

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

Town of Quantico 415 Broadway Street, Quantico

Prince William Public Library System–Central Community Library 8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas Prince William Public Library System–Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge

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

Prince William Public Library System–Dale City Neighborhood Library 4249 Dale Blvd., Dale City

Wegmans 8297 Stonewall Shops Square Gainesville 14801 Dining Way, Woodbridge

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

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