Prince William Living September 2012

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GAINESVILLE BALLET

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EL VAQUERO WEST

WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?

prince william living September 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Football Are you ready?

PAGE 22

Youth for Tomorrow PAGE 28

Football Munchies www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents September 2012 Vol. 2 No. 9

FEATURE STORY Football or Soccer?

Enjoy Both in Prince William ..............................4

DEPARTMENTS from the president ..................................................3 advertiser index ....................................................3

4 Photo courtesy Manassas Youth Football League

destinations Happy Trails to You… A Developing Local Resource ..............................12 on a high note Gainesville Ballet: Inspiring Youth and Enriching the Community rough Dance ..........................16 going places For One Manassas Mom, e Sweet Smell of Success ..................................20 giving back Youth for Tomorrow: Rebuilding the Hearts and Minds of Forgotten Children ..............................22 local flavor El Vaquero West Comfort Food & New Amigos in Haymarket ......26

16 Photo courtesy Gainesville Ballet

family fun Football Munchies................................................28 calendar ..............................................................32 distribution sites ................................................37

COLUMNS home & hearth ....................................................18 health & wellness ................................................24 your finances ......................................................30

26

Discover Prince William & Manassas................33 Photo courtesy Linda Hughes

tambourines and elephants Where in the World am I? ....................................35 prince william living September 2012 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Ann Marie Maher, Audrey Harman, Corinne Shumaker, Cindy Brookshire, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Denise Smith, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Mark D. Worrilow, Michelle Hurrell, Olivia Overman, Paul Keily, Stephanie Tipple Editorial Staff Cindy Brookshire, Emily Guerrero, Peter Lineberry Photography Sean Floars, Linda Hughes Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty 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 at rbarnes@princewilliiamliving.com.

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 editorial staff, either by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or by email at editor@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.

Are you a writer who would like to be published? Prince William Living is currently looking for interns. If you live in the Prince William/Manassas area and are interested in seeing your byline in this lifestyle magazine, send us an email, along with two to three writing samples. College students majoring in English and/or journalism or communication are encouraged to apply. Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and must be able to work independently. Internship is unpaid. rbarnes@Princewilliamliving.com

from the president A

s the kids head back to school and the summer winds down, many of our thoughts turn to FOOTBALL! Youth League, High School Football, Adult League and Professional Football all give ample opportunity for you to enjoy the sport, whether as a spectator or player. Meanwhile, soccer moms everywhere are busy running the kids all over for games and scrimmages. How did these sports get started, and why do we love them? Find out when you read “Football or Soccer?” by Olivia Overman. (page 4) If tailgating or watching the game on TV isn’t your idea of fun, maybe ballet is. In this month’s issue, we look at Gainesville Ballet and how they inspire youth through dance. (page 16) For something the whole family can enjoy, hit the trails! Discover our burgeoning trail system when you check out Stephanie Tipple's “Happy Trails to You… A Developing Local Resource” In this month’s Destinations. (page 12)

and food, Kristina Schnack Kotlus shows how to make Football Muchies for all your sports enthusiasts in Family Fun. (page 28) is month, writer Michelle Hurrell profiles Youth for Tomorrow as they rebuild the hearts and minds of troubled children, giving them a new lease on life. (page 22) Lastly, don’t miss this month’s columns: Tambourines & Elephants (page 35); Home & Hearth (page 18); Health & Wellness (page 24); Your Finances (page 30) and Discover Prince William & Manassas (page 33).

We hope you enjoy this month’s Prince William Living!

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living President

Once you have worked up an appetite through the above activities, El Vaquero West has comfort food and new friends waiting for you in Local Flavor by Cindy Brookshire. (page 26) For at home fun

Advertiser Index 2 Cutie Patooties ......................................................................36 ACE Hardware (Pitkin’s)............................................................18 ACTS ..........................................................................................36 Advantage Physical Therapy....................................................21 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................30 Apple FCU ................................................................................31 Audiology and Hearing Aid Center of Gainesville ................35 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................36 Bargain Relocation..............................................................10, 29 Becky Crowley/Flute and Piano Lessons ................................36 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................30 CertaPro Painters ......................................................................11 Christ Chapel ............................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................31 Cock & Bowl ..............................................................................33 Confidence Realty ....................................................................27 Cornerstone Landscaping ........................................................13 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................36 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................33 Dominion Eye Care ..................................................................29 Dominion Family Health/Sentara ............................................19 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................36 Flooring America ........................................................................5 FURR Roofing............................................................................13 Gaylord National ........................................................................7 Geico..........................................................................................24 Grasso Construction Services, LLC ........................................29 Hard Times Cafe & Cue ............................................................14 Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 ImagineDesign ..........................................................................13

Lake Ridge Nursery ..................................................................36 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................37 Lil Bit of Posh ............................................................................36 Linton Hall School ....................................................................27 Lustine Automall ......................................................................29 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 Manassas Chorale ....................................................................18 The Maids..................................................................................36 Minnieland Academy................................................................31 No Woman, No Cry ..................................................................10 Nova Digital Films ....................................................................25 Nova Music Center ..................................................................14 Occoquan’s Fall Arts & Crafts Show........................................15 Okra’s..........................................................................................11 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors ......................34 Polaris Press ..............................................................................33 Potomac Place ..........................................................................34 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................15 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................15 Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center ........................................9 Ready Hands ............................................................................34 Reiki Master ..............................................................................11 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Spirit & Life Church ..................................................................14 Stratford University ..................................................................11 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................36 Touch of Gold ............................................................................36 Vpstart Crow ............................................................................36 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ........................................................9 Your College Planning Coach ..................................................31 Youth For Tomorrow ................................................................14

prince william living September 2012 | 3

Photos courtesy Manassas Youth Football League

Football or Soccer?

Enjoy Both in Prince William

By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer

w

hile soccer and football are both sports played by millions of people around the world, there seems to be one question that pops up over and over again: Why is the world's most popular sport called soccer in the U.S. and Canada, but football in most countries? As it turns out, the official name for the sport is ‘Association Football’. Over time, the slang abbreviation became “Assoc.,” which eventually morphed into “soccer” here. Who knew?

According to Wikipedia, when association soccer was formed with its “feet only rules,” some players split off to form the Rugby Football Union, which allowed players to use their hands.

American football—where hands are used—is derived from this tradition.

Confused yet? Whatever you call it, soccer remains the world's most popular sport, played by over 250 million players in more (continues on page 6)

4 | September 2012 prince william living

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Photos courtesy Manassas Youth Football League

Manassas Youth Football League tackle football camp.

Children continue to build their skills on the Manassas Youth Football League seniors team.

than 200 countries. In any event, soccer and American football are both games played throughout Prince William with many opportunities for adults and children to play either or both. Here are just a few leagues and clubs to consider.

e organization goes beyond the sports practice and games.

According to Kapus, “We have pep rallies where all kids get introduced, we have an awards ceremony at the end of the season with prizes given for the most valuable players, and our cheerleaders take part in the Manassas Christmas parade.” e league also has guest speakers, such as Washington Redskin players, who have come out to speak with the youths.

Football Leagues in Prince William When we talk about football in the U.S., we are talking about a whole different ball game (pardon the pun!). Football, in all its forms, is alive and kicking in Prince William. Just ask Pat Kapus, commissioner of the Manassas Youth Football League (MYFL), known as the Manassas Sharks. Serving the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, and the Manassas area of Prince William County, the league offers two main programs for youth: tackle football in the fall and flag football in the spring. Additionally, the league offers a cheerleading program in the fall as well as a new rookie league for children as young as six, starting this fall. e MYFL also runs the Prince William County Youth Flag Football League where teams from Prince William and Fairfax County compete against each other. e tackle program is one of 24 club members in the Fairfax County Youth Football League.

“All programs are geared towards youth ages 6-16 years,” said Kapus. e organization also offers a week-long skills camp which Kapus describes as “a non-contact, shorts and t-shirts type of training where students get to experience every position, from quarterback to running back to wide receiver.” In the rookie league, young children will be taught the fundamentals of the game. “If they are not taught the fundamentals properly, they can get hurt,” explained Kapus.

Asked how he believes football has changed over the years, Kapus said the major changes have been in the training of coaches, with particular attention paid to preventing and dealing with concussions and other injuries. What has not changed is the way that parents, friends and family members come out to support the kids. “Family members are about 95% of our supporters,” said Kapus, adding, “We are seeing a lot of kids who played for years, now coming back to coach the little kids.”

6 | September 2012 prince william living

Another league, the American Pride Youth Football League (APYFL), also offers tackle football, flag football, and cheerleading in Prince William. e league had been in existence for about 10 years before being incorporated in 2010. “A group of parents took it over and made it into a more professional organization with bylaws, a board of directors and dozens and dozens of volunteers,” said John Keast, a former APYFL commissioner.

Serving more than 500 children from Woodbridge, Dumfries, Montclair, Lake Ridge, Dale City, and the easternmost part of Manassas, this league is also part of the Fairfax County Youth Football League (FCYFL) serving the Northern Virginia region, with 24 member clubs located in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and Alexandria.

According to the APYFL website, football is one of the most demanding and rewarding of all little league sports. Keast says, “All plays require everyone to know what their role is…requiring a tremendous amount of work. [One] of the challenges facing the players and coaches is the fact that football is a fall sport, a time of year when daylight ends all too early.” To overcome this, APYFL has portable lighting that can be used for games and practices.

APYFL home fields are located in Independent Hill and at Saunders Middle School, both locations where the league has a great relationship. “Last year we donated an $8,000 concession stand to the school,” said Keast. “ere is not a whole lot of corporate sponsorship for youth football, so you have to work with what you have.”

While the official football season started on August 6, some free camps were offered beforehand to ensure the kids and parents (continues on page 8)

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(continued from page 7) understood exactly what they were getting into. “Some veteran coaches will talk to the newer parents in a 20-30 minute session and provide them with as much education up front,” said Keast.

Safety is the priority, justifiably so with all the recent concerns regarding concussions.

To reduce the chance of injuries, the league uses a combination of age and weight criteria to ensure all kids are placed in the correct division. “We would not want to put a kid weighing 85 pounds up against a kid who weighs 145 pounds. Plus we take experience and how long they have been playing into consideration,” explained Keast.

As for the fans, Keast talks of the family, friends and neighbors who come out to support the youths. He said there is also a community of football fans who are not related to the players, but enjoy coming out to watch the games and root the children on.

Prince William Soccer Clubs Harness Talent Woodbridge Soccer Club is a travel soccer club established last year

by Woodbridge resident Ron Parker. After working with local soccer clubs for over 10 years, Parker decided to start his own nonprofit organization where players who loved to play soccer could come and do just that. So, operating out of his home on Spriggs Road, Parker has grown the new club to more than 150 players.

“All our coaches are US Soccer Federation (USSF) licensed,” said Parker. e USSF certifies soccer coaches, from beginning to advanced levels, to enable them to train players correctly and safely.

“We also hold license roundtables so we can share information with other coaches who have not attended the training seminars,” he added.

Known as the Strikers, the club’s mission is to make soccer affordable for all kids. “In today’s society, everything is expensive, so our goal is to bring soccer to everyone,” said Teran Judd, vice president of the club.

Home games are held at Occoquan Elementary and at Belmont Park. “We try to incorporate the kids in the community into our games. If there are kids already playing on the fields, we invite (continues on page 10)

The Differences Between Soccer and Football occer is the older of the two games, dating back to the 1800s when the rules were codified in England by the Football Association. Since then, the game has spread to almost every country in the world and reaches fever pitch every four years when the best football (AKA soccer!) team in the world is determined by the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup competition.

S

The game is played with your feet, with the goalkeeper being the only player allowed to use his hands to touch the ball. There are two goals on the field, one on either end, with the teams defending their assigned goal; the teams switch goals at halftime. Each team has 11 players on the field at a time. A game is broken down into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a few minutes usually added on at the end of each half to compensate for game interruptions, known as “injury time.” The objective of the game is to defend your goal and to score as many goals as possible in the opposition's goal. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

American Football American football can be traced back to the early versions of rugby.

According to Wikipedia, “Rutgers University and its neighbor, Princeton University, played the first game of intercollegiate football on 6 November 1869 on a plot of ground where the present-day Rutgers gymnasium now stands in New Brunswick, New Jersey, following rules closely resembling modern soccer.”

It is played with 11 players on each team, with different players for offense and defense, on a 100-yard field. A team on offense must advance the ball at least 10 yards within four downs, or plays, or possession of the ball goes to the other team. The official duration of the game is four quarters of 15 minutes each. However, due to timeouts and other clock stoppages during play, the game can last considerably longer.

American football involves a great deal of physical contact, so players wear protective gear such as helmets and padding. The object of the game is to get the ball into the end zone of the opposing team, thus scoring a touchdown, which is worth six points. Afterwards, the team attempts to kick an extra point from the opponent’s two-yard line. Teams can also attempt a two-point conversion where, following a touchdown, they attempt to score from the two-yard line.

A team can score in three ways: • A touchdown, when a player is in possession of the ball while in the opponent's end zone, accomplished by catching the ball while in the end zone or running the ball in.

• A field goal, typically used when the team is in a fourth-down situation, where the ball is kicked through the opponent’s goal post for three points.

• A safety, which is scored by the defense when the opposing team is tackled or lets the ball go dead behind its own goal line, such as by going out of bounds. The resultant score is worth two points.

8 | September 2012 prince william living

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(continued from page 8) them to join in or we will ask them to use a portion of the field,” said Parker.

Headquartered at Howison Homestead Park in Woodbridge, Prince William Soccer, Inc. (PWSI) is another soccer club providing training for youths aged four through 18. Established in 1976, this league has been working with youths for over 30 years.

“We work with beginners to the most competitive players,” said Mike Yeatts, executive director of PWSI. “We also have a TOPSoccer program where we work with mentally and physically disabled children.” is is a free program that is run by the coaches and volunteers of the club.

Yeatts was proud to say that the two most famous players from the club are Ali Krieger, who played on the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup team in Germany, and C.J. Sapong, who received the 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) Rookie of the Year Award and currently plays for MLS team Sporting Kansas City. Perhaps it is the name of the club, Prince William Courage, that helps bring out the best in players!

Yeatts described the changes he has seen in the game over the past 30 years. “Kids today are much more advanced. While I started at a young age, kids today play more often, they have more exposure to professionals [soccer players] and they imitate them,” he said. e coaches are also trained at a higher level. ose coaching the competitive teams are trained and paid as professionals.

Football or Soccer? ere are a lot of football and soccer leagues to choose from in Prince William; you could almost say we are a little spoiled.

Whichever league or club you choose, it appears that safety will always be the top priority, followed by coaches who care about the players and the game, and, most importantly, care about having fun.

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.

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destinations

Happy Trails to You… A Developing Local Resource

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

i

“We manage 64 park sites, some of which are not developed yet," said Dianne Cabot, public relations manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation. "We have two fitness centers: Chinn Aquatic and Fitness Center and the Dale City Recreation Center.

We also have community centers, such as Veteran’s Regional Park that is like a community center… three [18-hole] golf courses and one nine-hole golf course, one marina, plus another small lake, which are fishing spots. So there’s a lot to do.” She went on to say that with all of these recreational options, there was still one thing missing—a trail system. It was requested in a citizens needs assessment several years ago, and has been a topic during strategic planning discussions. Residents have also directly asked local leaders for the trails, speaking to the Board of County Supervisors and calling the Parks and Recreation office with their requests.

Photos courtesy Prince William Park Authority

f you’re looking for something active to do in Prince William, consider heading to one of the many trails in the community. e trails are a work in progress, being built in response to the needs of many residents looking for a safe place to walk, run or even ride horses. e project is being funded and constructed by the newly formed Department of Parks and Recreation. Formerly called the Park Authority, this new county department oversees 4,000 acres of parkland and several recreational facilities, including the new trail system.

Community members volunteer their time to build the trails.

dealt with and it just takes a little bit of time. It takes money in order to buy the property, or time for someone to donate the property.”

Cabot said that the citizens were specific about the type of system that they wanted, explaining: “A trail system that was multipurpose, that not only people could walk on, but they could ride a bike on, they could push a stroller on, or they could ride their horses on. So that is slowly being developed – we’ve made a lot of really good progress over the last couple of years. Probably the most well-known section of it is a section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that runs through the Woodbridge district, down along the Potomac.”

is trail system is truly a community effort, with local organizations and residents coming together to make this vision a reality.

“It takes a lot of hands to build a trail, and it’s all being built by volunteers, maintained as best they can by the Parks and Recreation staff – so we have a lot of really great partners in the trail building and trail development,” said Cabot, adding, “ere’s the Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition [PWTSC] that have been fantastic partners, a huge supporter – they do much of the sweat equity that goes into the trails. ere’s also the Trails and Blueways Council, providing the vision and the outreach and support to other organizations. ey make donations through the Parks Foundation, towards the granting.”

After these findings, the county set to work on building the trail system, but it will take time for full completion. “ere are large sections of the trails that have been cleared and built out, " said Cabot, "but there are still connecting sections that need to be

For those looking to help, there are regular monthly trail-building days spearheaded by Zoe Vitter, president of the PWTSC. “e support for the trails also comes from regular citizens, like you and me. It’s going out on a trail-building day; you go out with

12 | September 2012 prince william living

different people…ey can be a means of transportation…Trails can also be a way for everybody from avid hikers to children who may have never set foot in the woods before to experience the natural environment, and even a way for older generations to reconnect with pastimes they abandoned years ago.”

your boots and your work gloves and your sunscreen on and you pull weeds and the guys bushwhack and we put down stone gravel–and we build a trail,” Cabot said of the community effort.

Alongside the trails there are also waterways that draw kayakers from other areas. “ere are a lot of kayakers that will come from all over the Eastern seaboard to plop their kayak in the Occoquan River and start down the trail,” Cabot said, noting that the new trails will allow residents to be more active right in their own “backyard.”

Mike DePue, the planner for the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as a founding member of the PWTSC, created the plans for these trails and believes that they are an essential part of this community. “Trails are the everyman amenity within a park system in that you do not need to be part of a team, have a specific skill or be in great physical shape to use them," he said. "You just need the desire to get out of your house and move…they can serve completely different purposes to

Residents can already choose from many completed trails, with locations throughout the county meeting a variety of recreational needs. ese initial trails are receiving positive feedback. Local resident Bonny Geris says of her experience, “I enjoy trail running more than road running, because it keeps me engaged, more focused. I see wildlife and beautiful scenery along the way. e trails are often a lot softer than the road, placing less strain on bones and joints…I like to trail run in a group. Luckily, there are nice groups to join and have fun with.” e Parks and Recreations website, www.pwcparks.org, provides detailed information on the existing trails and other facilities that it maintains. So spend a day with your family walking on a local trail, or kayaking down the waterway, and take in the full beauty of Prince William.

Author Stephanie Tipple is a college student, journalist and community leader. She resides in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at stipple@princewilliamliving.com.

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on a high note

Gainesville Ballet: Inspiring Youth and Enriching the Community Through Dance

By Audrey Harman and Paul Keily, Contributing Writer

16 | September 2012 prince william living

f

rom a young age, Maria-Monica Koo has been immersed in the world of ballet. Introduced to it by her mother, who owned a ballet school for twenty years in South Korea, Koo is now the artistic director of her own studio, Gainesville Ballet School.

Photos courtesy Gainesville Ballet

After attending the prestigious Sun Hwa School of the Arts in Seoul, which is often compared to America’s Julliard, Koo moved to Washington, D.C., at age 13 to study at the Kirov Academy of Ballet on a full scholarship, where she trained for six years. She later danced with the Buffalo City Ballet and the Colorado Ballet Company.

Koo opened Gainesville Ballet School in 2005. She said she chose Gainesville because “my parents live in Virginia, and when I did a search, there were no schools dedicated solely to ballet in Gainesville.” To reach the studio’s goal of providing "the highest level of ballet training,” Koo instructs her students in the Vaganova method, which emphasizes a “continual flow of the body, with coordinated positions for the head and arms.” is method helps students prepare for professional dancing. Student Jessica Shalvey, 15, said, “is technique has already helped many of the students, including myself, audition for once-in-alifetime performance opportunities. Being at this studio has given us the perfect basis for a professional future in ballet.” rough her school Koo seeks to offer education in the art of ballet to young dancers of all ages and skill levels. It is her hope that students will “learn to express [themselves] through ballet.”

Haymarket resident Lauren Loomis, a parent volunteer, said that Koo has a remarkable technique. Loomis added that that everyone who attends the school is “like a family” and that Koo makes it possible for children of every background, including ones with special needs, to have access to the arts. Parent Lisa Gellene, a resident of Haymarket for 11 years, noted that Koo "works hard to help each girl feel as though she has a special part in each production.”

Currently students range from three years old to eighteen, and there are four different companies organized by experience level. e classes are arranged by age, and skill level. ere are summer camp programs available as well. Parents volunteer in various ways and older students help younger ones with proper positioning and choreography, contributing to the tight-knit environment. e majority of the students that attend Gainesville Ballet are from Prince William, but the school attracts a number of students from around Northern Virginia. e studio now serves approximately 140 students and 30 ballerinas in its Youth Ballet Company. e recitals are organized by about 30 parent volunteers and no staff. is June, Gainesville Ballet held its first spring production that featured a two-part performance, A Children’s Coppélia and Class Demonstration. In addition to being the studio’s first public spring recital, it was also the first ballet to be held at the year-old Patriot High School in Nokesville. In previous years the spring

This June, Gainesville Ballet held its first spring production.

recital was held in-studio. e studio’s Ballet Mistress, Onica Hobbs, had an instrumental role in training the younger children for the performance. e double-feature production was made up of a presentation of the Vaganova style of ballet and a modified version of the 1870 ballet Coppélia, about a doll that seemingly comes to life, highlighting the original ballet’s second act. Students from many public and private schools in the surrounding area danced in this spring’s production. is unique performance showcasing the community's young ballet talent drew family and friends from throughout the region and across the United States to view the performance.

Koo also has her students perform a full-length Children’s Nutcracker. is year marks the Gainesville Ballet School’s seventh performance of the holiday classic. Koo said she plans to continue to hold two events a year and will most likely schedule additional performances of A Children’s Nutcracker this December as it has become a highly popular area tradition.One hundred dancers were involved in the production last year, and with the possibility of an added performance, twice that number may have a chance to take the stage this December. Executive director of the Buffalo City Ballet, Marvin Askew, has performed as a guest dancer the past few years.

Koo has worked relentlessly to become a renowned performer and award-winning artistic director of her own ballet school.

Her enthusiasm for ballet shines through in her dedication to providing an exceptional learning environment for her students, allowing ballerinas of all skill levels to receive the close attention needed to progress into talented dancers. ese efforts paid off for both the students and for Koo, when Gainesville Ballet School won a 2012 Seefeldt Award from the Prince William County Arts Council for Outstanding Arts Organization. e Seefeldt Awards “honor individuals and organizations who have contributed to the strength and success of the arts in the Greater Prince William Area,” according to the Prince William County Arts Council 2012 media release for the (continued on page 24) prince william living September 2012 | 17

home & hearth

THE MANASSAS CHORALE

Modern Flooring: Green is more than a Color

Celebrate the Seventies!

One hundred auditioned voices "Top of the charts" songs from the 1970’s

By Denise Smith, Design and Sales Consultant, FA Design Build, Woodbridge hen selecting products for the home, sustainability can be just as important for today’s consumers as style and affordability. One of the largest purchases a homeowner can make is flooring, so it is no surprise that companies are offering more economical green choices than ever before.

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Best Broadway tunes from that decade Award-winning Chorale, Chorale Ensemble, Outstanding Soloists and Instrumentalists

An extremely popular home fashion trend, bamboo flooring offers much more than style. As grass, its rapid growth requires very little pesticides or fertilizers. Flooring-quality bamboo is harvestable in only six years whereas most hardwoods used in flooring require 50 years of growth.

Strand bamboo is extremely hard—twice as hard as oak, making it a good choice for active homes with children and pets.

Cork is another ‘green’ material that has recently become a popular choice with interior designers because of its beautiful textures and rich color tones. Cork is harvested in a way that does not damage the tree. Only the outer bark is removed, which regenerates in nine years. It has natural antimicrobial properties and is sound-absorbing and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

As consumers become more ecologically aware, the use of wool in wall-to-wall carpeting is undergoing resurgence in popularity. The sheep used for carpet production can be sheared yearly, making wool a renewable resource. As the prices for petroleum-based products have soared, the gap between wool and man-made fibers has narrowed. Wool is also naturally stain resistant, extremely durable and fire retardant.

While petroleum-based carpet fibers may not be considered the most environmentally friendly flooring option, some of the major carpet manufacturers have made strides toward sustainability in this realm as well. Shaw’s Anso nylon is made with recycled material and is formulated to be easily recycled again at the end of its lifespan. The facility that manufactures Anso controls the entire cycle of fabrication to lessen the environmental impact. SmartStrand is another revolutionary carpet fiber, created by Dupont and found in the company’s Sonora carpet line. Thirty percent renewably sourced, SmartStrand is made in part from corn sugar.

As homeowners explore stylish and sustainable flooring options, they will find that these days, green is more than just a color.

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

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going places For One Manassas Mom, The Sweet Smell of Success

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

i

f you think that stay-at-home moms can’t run a creative and successful business, then you haven’t met Angie Barrett, owner of Suds 'N' Such–a local soap-making business. is 32-yearold Manassas resident and mom of two daughters—9-year-old Cassandra and three-month-old Alexandria—made Christmas presents for family members for many years, and in 2006 decided to make her own soap. Barrett’s family loved her soaps so much that they urged her to go into business. She began selling her homemade soaps at craft shows and on Etsy, a website well-known for connecting customers with artists and manufacturers of handmade items.

You may be imagining the white blocks of soap that you purchase at the store, but think again. While Barrett began with traditional looks and scents to her soaps, she is evolving her products to make them fun and appealing. "At first, I did the melt-and-pour kind of soap," she said, "and then I decided I wanted more control over the ingredients, so I started to make them from scratch. For those I use olive oil and coconut oil. ey’re about 99% natural; the only thing that’s not natural is some of the fragrances. I do use some synthetic fragrance oils. en I make the novelty soaps, like ice cream sandwiches and popcorn and pizza–things like that.”

In order to maintain the integrity of the small, homemade feel of her products and to make sure she has time to excel in her role as a stay-at-home mom, Barrett has decided to not use a traditional storefront setup, instead continuing to do a majority of her business online and at craft shows, primarily in Woodbridge, like Gar-field High School’s craft show. “A lot of the business comes from the local craft shows, and then I have a Facebook page and a Twitter, which helps to get the word out for everybody. Family and friends are also very helpful,” Barrett said.

While her company image and products evolved, Barrett stresses the importance of unconventional ideas: “I’ve been adding lip balms, soap sticks and solid perfumes. is is more of the homemade aspect, the fun aspect, you know–fun scents, fun shapes.” When asked about her top-selling item, Barrett commented, “e most popular is the Soap to Go–it’s soap in a 20 | September 2012 prince william living

tube. It’s portable, you can stick it in your purse, stick it in the gym bag. I customize it for every order; the customer lets me know what scent they want.” e idea is a hit, as her customers just can’t seem to get enough of her innovative and unexpected offerings.

“My first order from Suds ‘N’ Such was a birthday present for my mom,” said Megan Belniak. “I wanted something unique, and I found Suds ‘N’ Such owner Angie Barrett cupcake-shaped soap! As mixing the ingredients for her homemy mother began to use made soaps. the soap, I knew it was an exceptional product—not just beautiful to look at but functional as well. e soap smelled delicious and formed a thick lather. Since then, I have ordered from Suds ‘N’ Such on a regular basis. I have given Suds ‘N’ Such products of both soap and lip gloss as gifts, and even my most chemically sensitive friends are able to enjoy; the soap is mild but cleansing and comes in a rich variety of scents. Her lip gloss is super tasty—chocolate-covered cherry is my favorite!”

Many of Barrett’s products are also special to her customers because of their homemade feel and their ability to be used by those with sensitive skin or other illnesses that make it hard for some to use traditionally manufactured soaps. “I am addicted to Angie’s soaps. I won’t use anything else," said Trisha Metz, Barrett’s sister.

“I have celiac and Angie makes sure I have plenty of gluten-free options that not only smell good, but are natural or organic or

Photos courtesy Sean Flores

delightful and sweet scent that engulfed my living room with a soothing aroma.”

Barrett also gives back to the community as part of her business beliefs. “Every April I do an autism fundraiser for Autism Awareness Month," she said. “I sell puzzle-shaped soaps, and I give 50% of the sale to the Autism Society of America.” While she doesn’t have a family member with autism, she believes it is a worthy cause, and has committed to do the fundraiser on a yearly basis.

For Barrett, the best part of running her business is the opportunity it gives her to be a stay-at-home mom. “I’m proud to offer highquality products that are fun to use,” she said. “My products have been sold to customers in all 50 states, over 20 countries, and have been in the hands of celebrities such as Rachael Ray and Tyra Banks. Being a mom business owner has provided me the opportunity to stay home with our now 9-year-old daughter, and again with our newborn. I look forward to our future as the business and our family grows.”

Author Stephanie Tipple is a college student, journalist and community leader. She resides in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at stipple@princewilliamliving.com.

An assortment of soaps made by Angie Barrett.

When It Comes to Do You Have the

shaped the way I want them to be. I try to keep a pile on stock, but if I run out I scrounge up every last piece in the house and make it last until I can get more shipped to me. My husband thinks I’m ridiculous about it, but I can’t go back to manufactured chemical bars anymore.”

Metz also said that Barrett’s soaps are perfect for children. “I have gotten many of my friends addicted as well. Kids love it too; it’s a great way to get them to want to wash their hands or take a bath!”

And these customers aren’t the only ones who are recognizing Barrett and Suds ‘N’ Such for their excellence. In April 2012, Barrett was ranked 184th nationally in the “Top 200 Leading Moms in Business” competition by Startupnation.com, owing to votes from customers and supporters. “I signed up...I didn’t expect to win or anything and filled out the forms. I ended up winning place 184 out of 200,” Barrett excitedly said. is honor has reinforced her passion for making soaps, and according to one of her customer’s, K.T. Zamora, Barrett is going to continue to expand her product line: “Angie started Angie’s Suds ‘N’ Such as a hobby but she turned it into a successful business that captivated the internet and regional creative communities. Angie is branching out to soy-based candles. Recently I had the privilege to try her new fragrance prototype scent candle. It has a very

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giving back

Youth for Tomorrow:

c

Rebuilding the Hearts and Minds of Forgotten Children

By Michelle Hurrell, Contributing Writer

During the 1982 National Football League players’ strike, Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs used his downtime to minister to at-risk youth in Washington, DC. is experience led him to the belief that getting at-risk children out of their current environments offered them the best chance for a brighter future. In 1983, Gibson incorporated YFT, purchasing 134 acres of land in Bristow. Opening its doors to residents in 1986, YFT has grown from a small group home for troubled boys to a 215-acre campus that includes residential programs for boys and girls, a Virginia-accredited secondary school and a diagnostic assessment center. ere are two specialty programs for young women: “Girls on a Journey,” offering a new start to human trafficking victims, and “Mommy and Me,” where pregnant teens and young families can live together. According to Dr. Jones, up to 60 percent of each child’s services are funded by private donors. For this reason, fundraisers like the Annual Country Fair and Auctions are instrumental. is year’s fair will be held at the YFT campus, adjacent to Linton Hall Road, on Saturday, October 6.

Photos Courtesy DG Photography

hildhood should be a time of innocence: a time to chase fireflies and play outside until the streetlights come on. Unfortunately, some children must battle adult issues such as abuse, poverty and neglect.

Youth for Tomorrow (YFT) is a non-profit organization, based near Manassas, dedicated to healing these children. Dr. Gary Jones, chief executive officer, states that these injustices coupled with a “possible internal chemical imbalance or learning disability are not of a child’s creation.” At the same time, Dr. Jones and his staff know that to break the cycle of dysfunction, children must take responsibility for any resulting negative behaviors, such as drug abuse and delinquency. is is where YFT comes in.

Part of the Youth for Tomorrow 215-acre campus in Bristow, where troubled children can make a fresh start.

who oftentimes are on the fringes and are the ones who aren’t necessarily socially accepted by others because they’ve had traumatic experiences in their lives.”

Negative behaviors born from a history of trauma threatens relationships with fellow residents and house parents, but once trust is established, positive behavioral changes typically follow. e children learn a routine of school, chores, homework, counseling and free time that teaches discipline.

In speaking with one 14-year-old resident, a metamorphosis was evident. Since entering the residential program, her activities changed from shoplifting and running away to playing basketball and braiding hair. Now enrolled in the YFT school, she intends to join the Air Force, attend Spelman College and eventually become an OB/GYN.

e house parent concept, conceived of by Gibbs, is the cornerstone of the residential program. A married couple manages each YFT home, offering children protection, education and love.

For some children, this will be their first experience with having a constant and nurturing presence in their lives.

A culture of caring is modeled from the top down. Dr. Jones says, “I try to express to these children that I love them like my own.” e busy executive always makes time for them, whether it is purchasing a camera for a young shutterbug or even keeping in contact with a former resident serving a 10-year prison sentence.

YFT does not give up on children.

Program Director Dr. Courtney Gaskins said, “I love that I can come to a place where I can see kids be with people for the first time who accept them. I think there is a place for young people

e newest YFT program is a diagnostic assessment center in Woodbridge. Funded by a Potomac Health Foundation grant, the center is on track to serve up to 3,000 citizens within five years.

22 | September 2012 prince william living

Youth for Tomorrow was born of then-Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs’ dream of providing a caring environment for at-risk youth.

Services include mental health evaluations, trauma-specialty therapy, and case management. Dr. Jones explains that the traumaspecialty therapy is crucial, saying, “ey have suffered some unspeakable trauma in their lives…Some of our kids have seen their mothers shot, their fathers killed.” He added that counseling could help to keep terrible events from destroying the future of these children.

Williams emphasized that a student’s attitude is key to success at YFT. “No one wants to leave their homes and go there and follow the rules, but you can come in with an attitude and leave with nothing at all, or you can come in with an attitude to learn and leave with more than what you came with,” she said. Williams plans to be a probation officer or a U.S. Marshal, with a goal of becoming a judge.

Another integral part of YFT is the secondary school attended by both campus residents and day-school students. It is fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF), so all credits are transferable and accepted by higher learning institutions. YFT teachers are certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia and trained to help children dealing with trauma. Each graduate can apply for the Dr. Gary L. Jones Scholarship, which pays up to $10,000 per year towards the cost of college, apprenticeship or trade school.

Williams’ success story demonstrates that when one invests time and money into a disadvantaged or mistreated child, the cycle of despair may be broken. John F. Kennedy said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

YFT takes this to heart.

e 14 students who graduated this June have gone through an immense transformation; in addition to holding a high school degree, they have escaped poverty, abuse and crime. Two YFT alumni graduated college this year.

One, Liesha Williams, earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia State University. Said Williams, “I’ve learned about the meaning of unity, of family from my house parents, the Clarks, and the school staff…My guidance counselor, Jean M. Jones, and Dr. Jones helped me through everything, [such as] graduating from VSU and finding housing.” YFT prides itself on its aftercare program, which provides graduates with resources into adulthood.

Dr. Jones added: “We are committed to enriching the lives of the children placed in our care. To enrich the children’s lives, you have to have exposure to a spiritual foundation; you need to inculcate simple values of life: honesty, integrity, faithfulness, respect for others, reverence for country. And if you accomplish that, you save a soul and redirect a life forever.”

Youth for Tomorrow staff and volunteers reach a hand out to troubled youths, offering the love and support they need to reach their full potential. In this way, the program serves as a reminder that hope is a renewable resource. To learn more, visit www.YouthForTomorrow.org or call 877-YFT-4KIDS. Michelle Hurrell is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.

She can be reached at mhurrell@princewilliamliving.com.

Central to Youth for Tomorrow's success is the residential program with “house parents” providing love and guidance. prince william living September 2012 | 23

health & wellness Football and Stretching very fall you see people getting into gear and in shape for football, donning pads and huddling up.

These athletes prepare for tackling and speed, but how much do they stretch beforehand? Many young athletes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully understand the importance of stretching and the right technique.

E

The stretches below focus on muscles commonly found tight on football players. Each stretch should be held for 30 seconds and repeated three times.

(continued from page 17) Seefeldt Awards.

Koo is considered nothing less than inspirational by her students.

Eleven year-old ballerina Molly Cesanek said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope to become a professional dancer one day and then become a teacher because I want to help others become as good as a dancer as they can be, just like Miss Maria is doing with me.â&#x20AC;?

Details on Gainesville Ballet Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes and upcoming performances can be viewed at www.gainesvilleballetschool.org.

Author Audrey Harman has a B.A. in English and Spanish from Hollins University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Publications Design at the University of Baltimore. She resides in Woodbridge with her family and can be reached by email at aharman@princewilliamliving.com.

Author Paul Keily is currently a senior English major with a concentration in Creative Writing at the University of Mary Washington. He splits his time between Fredericksburg and Manassas.

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

Standing Hamstring Stretch: Place the heel on the edge of a stair or stool, keeping the hips square. The knee should be straight as you bend at the hips, not the waist, until a stretch is felt along the back of the thigh.

Standing Quadriceps Stretch: Bend the leg that is being stretched at the knee and grab the ankle. Keeping the knees together, press the heel to buttocks and keep hips straight. The stretch should be felt across the front of the thigh.

Standing Quadratus Lumborum Stretch: This muscle is located along the side of the trunk above the hip crest.

While standing, cross one foot in front of the other, and reach with the same side arm, making a â&#x20AC;&#x153;C.â&#x20AC;? The stretch should be felt on the side with the outside curve.

Latissimus Dorsi Stretch: Kneel in front of a stool or table.

Place elbows on the surface and gently lean away, feeling the stretch across the back, shoulder blades and underarms.

This is just a quick guide to proper stretching and which muscles to focus on. Other important muscles to stretch are calves, hip flexors, glutes and various arm muscles.

Stretches should be gentle. If done too aggressively, the muscle can become strained. Finally, warm up before stretching, as a warm muscle will be more pliable.

Corinne Shumaker received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University and works with Advantage Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Manassas and Gainesville. She can be reached at 703-753-1005.

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prince william living September 2012 | 25

local flavor

El Vaquero West

Comfort Food & New Amigos in Haymarket

By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

t

hink of your favorite comfort food. For customers of El Vaquero West in Haymarket, it comes in warm plates with the authentic flavor of central Mexico and prices that are easy to swallow: a speedy lunch of taco, enchilada and your choice of rice or beans for $4.55; or a combo dinner platter of a chalupa, chile relleno and beans for $7.15. Add a chilled bottle of Dos Equis and you’re in cielo (heaven). “is is what I eat every day,” said restaurateur Hector Plasencia, who worked many years in restaurants before starting his own in Haymarket. “If I don’t eat rice and beans and tortillas, a little later on I feel hungry again. It’s good food for you.”

e style here is Central Mexican home cooking, with fresh ingredients like corn, beans, tomatoes, meat and seasonings that evoke the ancient origins in Teotihuacan and the Toltec culture.

For example, tacos de carne asada features traditional flavor combinations such as chopped, marinated roast beef, onions, cilantro, green hot sauce and beans on corn or flour tortillas.

Chori pollo is two chicken breasts covered in cheese dip sauce and chorizo (Mexican spiced sausage) and served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole and tortillas.

“We change it a bit to Americanize it, but most of it is authentic,” explained Plasencia. “e guacamole and the salsas are homemade like we used to make in Mexico. We marinade and cook the meat 26 | September 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy Linda Hughes

In three short years, El Vaquero West has become one of the commercial draws of Haymarket; the local gathering place where everyone is greeted as amigos and the staff keeps the chips and salsa coming while you choose from almost 200 items on the menu.

Prices range from $3.50 for cheese nachos appetizers to $16.00 for the all-out fajitas del mar, which features fish, scallops and shrimp cooked with bell pepper and onion, served with a small salad, guacamole and sour cream.

Family-owned El Vaquero West serves authentic Central Mexican dishes.

with a little more black pepper or garlic. It takes someone who’s been cooking these dishes for a long, long time, to make them taste this good.”

Hector Plasencia grew up in Central Mexico and immigrated with his brothers Manuel, Armando and Mauricio to California. After five years, they found themselves forced to split up to seek better jobs. Hector and one of his brothers migrated to North Carolina; the other two came to the Charlottesville area of Virginia. ey lived apart for several more years, working in American restaurants and saving their money.

Eight years ago, the four brothers came together again and opened a restaurant in Orange, Virginia: El Vaquero West. A vaquero is a cowboy, but one that’s more horse whisperer than gunslinger.

Manuel manages that location. Armando has since opened another El Vaquero West in Monticello and brother Mauricio opened another in Locust Grove. With Hector managing the Haymarket location, all four brothers have done well by staying true to the menu – authentic central Mexican food at reasonable prices – fajitas, quesadillas and burritos and seafood dishes featuring shrimp, scallops, tilapia and tuna steaks.

Haymarket resident David Magill, his fiancée, Virginia Cross, and Magill’s extended family are regulars at El Vaquero West, as are many other locals. “It’s the neighborhood restaurant. e staff is really nice and you feel like they want you to come back,” said Cross.

Plasencia credits his nephew Mauricio Plasencia with creating the atmosphere of welcome, saying, “He used to be shy. Now, he feels like this is home and all his friends are coming in.” El Vaquero West stays busy, especially on weekends from 5 to 9 p.m.

Customers can wait at the bar for tables and enjoy a 32-ounce “monster beer” or frosty margarita until a table is ready.

“Word continues to spread – the line to be seated is out the door and parking is at a premium,” said David Leake, mayor of the Town of Haymarket. “El Vaquero West is an asset to the town.

We are pleased to have them right here in Haymarket and wish them much continued success.”

El Vaquero West is located on the main thoroughfare in Haymarket at 14910 Washington Street. Open daily, Monday through ursday, 11 am to 10 pm; Fridays, 11 am to 11 pm; Saturdays, 11 am to 10 pm; and Sundays, 11 am to 9 pm.

Reservations are accepted for parties of 10 or more, call 703-753-0801.

Manassas resident Cindy Brookshire is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Prince William Living magazine.

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family fun

t

Football Munchies

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer

here’s a slight chill in the air, there are sharpened pencils in backpacks, crisp apples are turning ripe in the nearby mountains; these signs can only mean one thing: It's time for some football!

Whether you root for the home team or have a slightly more longdistance relationship with your favorite football franchise, involving your children in game-day preparations can be a great way to enjoy some family fun this fall.

Start off by planning a few family-friendly snacks that your children can help prepare. One of the easiest is a football sandwich. Use store bought pumpernickel bread and trace the outline of the crust away. Cut the bread to a point so you’re left with a football shape. Fill with your favorite deli meats or cheeses.

When you top your sandwich off, use one half-inch and three quarter-inch pieces of string cheese to create the “laces” on your football. Kids can help assemble sandwiches, and even picky eaters should be able to find some kind of filling that appeals to them. If your family isn’t big on pumpernickel, change your lineup to grilled cheese trimmed into football shapes, and repeat the string cheese topping. e toasted bread will mimic the football’s color, but can still be made from white or soft wheat bread.

Another fun football snack that the kids can help with is a field goal seven-layer dip. Even older toddlers can help spread ingredients into the pan. My recipe follows, but you can use any dip as long as the final layer is green lettuce or guacamole.

Field Goal Seven Layer Dip 1–14.5 ounce can vegetarian refried beans 2 very ripe avocados, mashed with a fork or potato masher 8 ounces Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with one taco seasoning packet 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 2.5 ounce can of sliced black olives, drained 2 scallions, chopped 2 cups shredded lettuce Additional sour cream or Greek yogurt Red and yellow cherry tomatoes 4 flexible drinking straws Ttape or rubber bands

28 | September 2012 prince william living

In a 13x9 glass dish, layer the ingredients in the order above, using a spatula as necessary. After arranging the shredded lettuce, fill a small zip-top baggie with ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Snip just the very corner of the baggie with kitchen scissors, and use it to pipe yard lines onto your dip in the same layout as a football field. Next, arrange yellow and red cherry tomato halves cut side down as opposing “teams” in the formation of your choice.

For the goal posts, cut the flexible ends off of your drinking straws.

Using the tape, secure two drinking straws together at the cut end, and then bend them up into a goal-post shape. Trim the excess length off the long end of the straws with kitchen shears and then attach the upper u-shaped portion to the long end of one straw and insert your “goalposts” into either end of your dip.

For a final fun recipe, look ahead for the week’s game and prepare pretzel snacks using the colors of the teams playing. is is also a great snack to make if you have opposing loyalties in your house.

In our home, we have a fairly even split among New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers fans, so we could do these snacks in red, white and blue versus green and gold any week of the season and have happy campers.

Pretzel Melt Players 1 Bag of Wilton candy melts in your team’s primary color M&Ms in your team’s secondary color 1 bag of square or round pretzels is recipe couldn’t be simpler or more kid-friendly. Preheat your oven to 225. Line a cookie sheet with foil and have your child line up pretzels as close together as possible and then place a candy melt on top of each pretzel. An adult should place the cookie sheet carefully in the oven so that the candy melts stay in place.

Bake for about four minutes until the candy melts have just started to melt, but do not let them melt fully. Remove from the oven. Depending on the age of your child, you may opt for the next step to be adult-only; use your best judgment. Place an M&M on top of each candy melt, moving quickly.

I hope you and your family have a great time enjoying the season together, and that you try cooking with your child, whether you’re a football fan or not!

Kristina Schnack Kotlus and her husband reside in Woodbridge with their three children. She is a born and raised Prince William native and the owner of PwcMoms.com, a resource for parents in the Prince William County area.

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prince william living September 2012 | 29

your finances Hedging Your Bets with Real Estate

By Mark D. Worrilow, Confidence Realty eal estate investments are a time-tested way to hedge against inflation and build a long term portfolio for later years. Property ownership is a foundation, pun intended, of the US economy and it is the “American Dream.” In addition to steady returns, rental properties can afford many tax benefits. While depreciation deductions along with rental income may complicate tax time, the benefits may well make you an early retiree. Additionally, there are measures that allow you to expand your real estate investment and delay capital gains.

R

If you are just getting started, a good trick is to find properties that already have tenants in them. This reduces the cost of repair and remodeling at the outset and reduces costs due to vacancy and commission. Also, look for the potential rent to equal 1.25 times operating costs (ie, mortgage, maintenance). If the ratio is lower than this, you will want to look for a different property.

One of the downsides to real estate investments is the lack of liquidity. If you have a CD, stocks, etc., it is relatively easy to tap into these funds to pay for emergencies. Need a transmission? Turn to your mutual funds. With real estate, it is not like you can take a door, two windows and fridge to pay the mechanic. Yes, you can take out a line of credit on your equity, but that is not exactly an overnight transaction either. On the other hand, the benefit is that you are forced to maintain this as a long term investment.

Leading up to the market downturn in 2006, many people used their residence and/or investment property as ATM cards, taking out lines of credit or cash-out refinances.

When interest rates went up or property value went down, banks called their lines of credit and these homeowners were in trouble. An investment property must be viewed as just that; an investment. The idea is to build equity over the years.

I would recommend investment property to most people, with the caveat that real estate investment is not for the faint of heart or the investor that wants to turn straw into gold. Yes, it is possible to turn a profit in just 24 months, it is just not probable. To investigate this type of investing, start by talking to a trusted REALTOR® as well as a financial advisor who can discuss tax strategies.

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September 1st 6:30 p.m.– 8 p.m.

Harris Pavilion 9116 Center Street | Manassas Back by popular demand, the Center for the Arts presents the SummerSounds Concerts - a free series of concerts offered in partnership with Micron Technology and the City of Manassas. e popular concerts will take place on Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy great music with your friends and neighbors! All concerts are held at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas.

Visit to the Center‘s website at www.center-for-the-arts.org/ summersounds or call 703-330-2787.

Town of Dumfries Fall Festival September 8th 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Garrison Park 17755 Main Street | Dumfries Celebrate the fall season at the 12th annual Fall Festival in Dumfries. e event will feature wine tastings, a talent competition, kids' corner, food and craft vendors.

Family History Day – WWII Weekend September 8th & 9th 11a.m.- 4 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road | Woodbridge Admiral Black, the last owner of Rippon Lodge, was a WWII veteran and survivor of Pearl Harbor. Learn about daily life of soldiers in the European and Pacific eatres. World War II living historians will portray Axis and Allied soldiers. ey will discuss their equipment, armaments and historic military vehicles. Learn about the home front and the many ways that citizens supported the war effort.

View collections of original WWII artifacts. e event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission Free, $5 donation suggested. Prince William Historic Preservation Contact Phone 703-499-9812. www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation 32 | September 2012 prince william living

Bluegrass at Brentsville September 15th 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd. | Bristow,VA Enjoy the lively sounds of a bluegrass band on the grounds of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre while sampling local wines and food. Guided tours of the historic buildings will be available throughout the day.

Admission Information $10 per person, under six free. www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

No Woman, No Cry2nd Annual 5K Walk September 15th 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Freedom High School 15201 Neabsco Mills Road | Woodbridge Stop the silence of domestic violence.

Donations benefit the Jenny VaughnBates Memorial Trust Fund and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Pre-register at www.mwmc.org Online registration is $25.

Haymarket Day September 15th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

15000 Washington Street | Haymarket Haymarket Day! e annual town festival with parade, food and hand-crafters includes fun activities for the entire family. Enjoy live music and entertainment, trolleys, hot air balloon rides and a petting zoo. Admission free. www.townofhaymarket.org

2nd Annual Bands, Brews and Barbeques Festival September 15th 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Main Street | Old Town Manassas Event will occupy Main Street and Battle Street from the railroad tracks to Center Street, as well as the Center for the Arts/Mackey's Parking Lot. Don't miss out on Bands, Brews, and BBQ Festival! in Old Town Manassas. is event features barbecue, a variety of brews, a local BBQ competition, live entertainment and a number of specialty vendors. www.visitmanassas.org

Old World Festival September 15th 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Loy E. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street | Manassas is festival will feature ethnic foods, crafts, and music from Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Lebanon, and the U.S. Children's games, face-painting and cake walks will be happening throughout the day. Admission Information Free. www.harrispavilion.com

Capital Steps September 22nd, 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center Based in Washington, D.C., e Capitol Steps have entertained audiences for more than 30 years with clever political musical parodies that lampoon those on both sides of the aisle. e ensemble has become a treasured institution both inside and outside the beltway - even by the targets of their irreverent satirical humor. e Capitol Steps packed the Hylton Center's Merchant Hall when the troupe first performed there in 2010 and now it returns this fall with hilarious new material just in time for Election Day.

10th Annual Harvest Festival September 22nd 11 a.m – 7 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road | Woodbridge Rippon Lodge has a long and diverse past from its Colonial America beginnings until today. Lectures and demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day including local history, gardening, and nature groups.

Enjoy music, food, crafts, kids games and activities. House and cemetery tours will be offered all day. Admission Information $7 per person, free for children under six. www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

Historic Occoquan’s Fall Arts & Craft Show Sept. 29th 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 30th 10 a.m -5 p.m.

Occoquan Historic streets filled with unique crafters, shops, galleries & restaurants. September 29th & 30th Free admission and Parking.

Continuous bus service ($4 round trip) from satellite parking. Children under 13 ride free. For more information visit www.occoquancreftshow.com or call 703-491-2168.

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ave friends coming to town for a girls’ weekend? You can entertain them right here at home, with these ideas H for escaping from your busy schedule to spend a weekend relaxing, shopping and being pampered in Manassas and Prince William.

Post-pampering, explore Old Town Manassas. Visit Creative Brush to watch local artists at work or find a Ann Marie Maher unique gift at Whimsical Galerie. You can also savor a meal Executive Director Discover Prince William & Manassas al fresco at Monza, City Square Café or Okra’s Cajun Creole. For the “grand finale” of your day, take in a performance at the stunning Hylton Performing Arts Center, just up the Parkway.

Spend the next day discovering Historic Occoquan—one of Northern Virginia’s hidden gems. Uncover a new cookbook at Salt & Pepper Books or grab afternoon tea at the Pink Bicycle Tea Room. Get creative with your friends, making pottery at Paint Your Heart Out. Sample Virginia wines at Olde Dominion Wine Shop and then stroll down the cobblestone sidewalks for dinner on the river at Madigan’s Waterfront, which often features live music.

Check out “Discover Prince William & Manassas” on Facebook or Twitter or at www.visitpwc.com for more girls’ weekend ideas.

Ann Marie Maher is the executive director of Discover Prince William & Manassas.

For more information about what’s going on in Prince William and Manassas, visit www.visitpwc.com.

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Begin your day with a trip to Haymarket and the Winery at LaGrange. Sip wine in the 18th-century home that now serves as a tasting room and winery, and then take a bottle outside to enjoy breathtaking views of the Bull Run Mountains. Next, head to Tranquility Day Spa & Salon and let them pamper you and your friends with facials, massages and manicures. This locally-owned spa treats its clients like royalty, providing topnotch service and offering cheese, crackers and cupcakes.

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tambourines and elephants Where in the World am I?

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter In a world of steadily progressing technology, where anyone can be found because of Facebook posts and GPS tracking, I have been falling increasingly behind. Somehow I am sliding off the grid although it seems impossible.

A couple of years ago, my son and his friends found a stray dog near our home. They tried to convince me that the pup was smiling.

Their fawning and pleading was followed by my stern tones that we were not going to keep him, due in part to the fact that he had a collar indicating he was already part of a family. Our own mutt was staring out the window during this turmoil, growling about the potential dangers of this stranger while asking for an equal amount of dog delicacies, and requesting a few minutes alone with the interloper. Instead, we put the lost hound in the car and took him to the local animal shelter where the three children proudly, but sadly, handed him to the woman who promised she would find Fido’s family.

The dog continued to be cooperative and gentle; he followed commands that indicated that he had been trained and had lived with patient people. He showed neither fear nor anxiety and kept still as the staff electronically scanned him looking for an identifying, embedded microchip that would tell the shelter to whom the dog belonged.

The process was painless and seconds later we were assured that the cute little critter would be with his adoptive family that night. It was amazing: The wonders of ever-evolving technology. Clearly, when a microchip can be used to help a canine communicate, everyone and anyone should be able to be located – except me.

Although a non-verbal mutt can find his way home, my friends can attest to the fact that getting in touch with me can be more than just a little challenging.

At home I use a landline phone. I have an email address, a Facebook account and not just a cell phone, but a smartphone. Through

that magical piece of equipment, I can theoretically access all previously mentioned forms of communication in addition to texting.

There should be no reason that someone can’t find me. Operative word: Should.

Many years ago, when I was in charge of cardiac research in a large teaching hospital, I was always on call. The hospital had to get in touch with me whenever a potential research study candidate needed to be evaluated. It seriously affected my social life. I am sure they would have preferred if I had slept there, but I had animals to feed at the townhouse in which I stored my seldom used furniture. So, I was bequeathed a primitive form of electronic leash called the “pager.”

All one needed to communicate with me was the access phone number. Simply call it and punch in your phone number. Minutes later, my pager would relentlessly squawk and squeal and vibrate. I would be required to get in touch with the inquiring party immediately.

Because of this equipment, I was unable to hide from anyone at any time. I felt trapped.

One endless day, while I was in an elevator off to visit yet another patient, my professional wardrobe managed to disguise my near cracking edge. I wore heels, a suit, a lab coat embroidered boldly with my name and a laminated badge complete with color photo that was only slightly better than those taken

by DMV.

Time passed, jobs changed and one day I gratefully turned in my pager so I could slip back into the world of anonymity.

Gradually, we entered the age of cells phones, and computers that can wander from room to room, and letters that don’t need stamps, and social media. People found me again. It started out so exciting and wondrous, like Christmas every day: A new gift of old friendships and an easier way to keep in touch. How fantastic! Soon, it too became overwhelming but there was no way I could hide from everyone just because I was tired of being spammed. Or could I? Alas, in this era of beeps and dings and electronic hums, I have simply turned down the volume. I am not hiding necessarily, just getting some living done away from the computer. So, if you want to get in touch with me, just leave a message.

I will get right back to you….

DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living.

There I stood, alone, and as the doors slid open to reveal scores of family members and healthcare professionals, I was yelling at the pager in my hand. “What could you possibly want from me now?! I haven’t slept in days.”

Naturally, the pager didn’t answer but my look of surprise could not have been greater if it had. I only vaguely noted the concern in the eyes of the waiting crowd because I was too busy hiding my credentials and scurrying down the hall as the pager bellowed again. prince william living September 2012 | 35

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Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations:

distribution sites

Appliance Connection 13851 Telegraph Rd, Suite 101 Woodbridge

Minnieland at Gainesville 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville

Big Lots 13969 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge

Minnieland at Heathcote 15040 Heathcote Blvd, Gainesville

Christ Chapel 13909 Smoketown Rd., Woodbridge

Minnieland at Heritage Hunt 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville

City of Manassas 9027 Center St., Manassas

Minnieland at Montclair 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair

Clairmont School and Childcare Center 3551 Waterway Drive, Dumfries

Minnieland at Occoquan 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge

Common Grounds/Freedom Fellowship Center 4320 Dale Blvd., Dale City

Minnieland at Rippon 2100 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge

Edgemoor Art Studio 12616 Lake Ridge Drive, Woodbridge

Minnieland at Technology Drive 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas

Edward Kelly Leadership Center 14715 Bristow Rd., Manassas

Minnieland at The Glen 4290 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

Geico Dave Stinson 14694 Lee Hwy | Gainesville Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 14397 Hereford Rd., Dale City Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 238 Potomac Ave., Quantico Golds Gym 12550 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge The House, Inc. Student Leadership Center 14001 Crown Court, Woodbridge Laser Quest 14517 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge Manassas Christian Academy 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas Manassas Christian School 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas

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Manassas Park City Schools One Park Center Court, Suite A Manassas Park

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Manassas Park -Parks and Recreation 99 Adams Street, Manassas

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

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

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

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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 4215 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City 4240 Merchant Plaza, Woodbridge 2205 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge 12821 Braemar Village Plz, Bristow Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 9540 Liberia Ave., Manassas 14000 Shoppers Best Way, Woodbridge 4174 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries 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 Wawa 15809 Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge 13355 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge 2051 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge 14461 Lee Highway, Gainesville Wegmans 8297 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville 14801 Dining Way, Woodbridge

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