Prince William Living October 2012

PAGE 12

LAKE RIDGE PARK

PAGE 26

PAGE 35

FAMOUS KABOB

WHO’S COMING?

prince william living October 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Celebrating Oktoberfest PAGE 22

Knights of the Blind PAGE 28

Trick or Treat Tips www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents October 2012 Vol. 2 No. 10

FEATURE STORY Oktoberfest: Bringing Communities Together Since 1810 ..............................................4

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

4

destinations Lake Ridge Park: An Outdoor Wonderland..........12 on a high note Mary Reily, Local Artist A Career Built on the Love of Art ........................16 going places Beth Schomp: Master Juggler of Motherhood and Business ....................................20 giving back Lions Clubs: “Knights of the Blind” Serve Prince William ............................................22 local flavor Afghan Cuisine at Famous Kabob ........................26

16 Photo courtesy Zack Owen

family fun Trick or Treat Tips ................................................28 calendar ..............................................................32 distribution sites ................................................37

COLUMNS home & hearth ....................................................18 health & wellness ................................................24 your finances ......................................................30 Discover Prince William & Manassas................33

22 Photo courtesy Tamar Wilshire

tambourines and elephants Who’s Coming? ....................................................35

prince william living October 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, Boyd Lillard, Bill Burke, Cindy Brookshire, Corinne Shumaker DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Denise Smith, Jennifer Rader, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Olivia Overman, Paul Keily, Stephanie Tipple Editorial Staff Emily Guerrero, Peter Lineberry Photography Sean Floars, Linda Hughes, Tamar Wilshire, Zack Owen 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@princewilliamliving.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 F

all brings cooler weather, brightly-hued trees…and ample opportunities to be festive! From beer making to schnitzel and bratwurst, learn about the origins of Oktoberfest and how you can host your own right here in Prince William when you read “Oktoberfest: Bringing Communities Together Since 1810” (page 4). For those not feeling their inner host or hostess, the article also highlights area restaurants that will be celebrating the season.

presence in Prince William and is the focus of Giving Back (page 22). Famous Kabob in Manassas is all treats, no tricks, with healthy food and authentic ethnicity, as featured in our Local Flavor department (page 26) and Family Fun gives us “Tips for Trick or Treating.” Discover how to safely fill your child’s goodie bags whether in your neighborhood or at structured alternative activities that your family will enjoy. (page 28).

en, burn off those Oktoberfest calories and take in the autumn colors as you explore Lake Ridge Park! Read about this retreat with something for everyone when you check out “Lake Ridge Park: An Outdoor Wonderland” in this month’s Destinations (page 12).

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

by DeeDee Cortbitt Sauter (page 35); Home & Hearth (page 18); Health & Wellness (page 24); Your Finances (page 30) and Discover Prince William & Manassas (page 33).

Be inspired to be creative by reading about Mary Reilly of Creative Brush Studio, the subject of this month’s On a High Note (page 16). October’s Going Places (page 20) interviews entrepreneur and community leader Beth Schomp, who sets the example of how to juggle motherhood and business. Learn about other community leaders in the “Knights of the Blind,” as Lions Clubs are often referred to. e largest charity in the world, the group has a robust

We hope you find the October issue of Prince William Living a real treat!

Advertiser Index 2 Cutie Patooties ......................................................................36 ACE Hardware (Pitkin’s)............................................................18 ACTS ....................................................................................18, 36 Advantage Physical Therapy ....................................................19 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................30 Apple FCU ................................................................................31 Audiology and Hearing Aid Center of Gainesville ................37 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................36 B101.5 ........................................................................................25 Bargain Relocation ..................................................................36 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 ..............................................................................35 Confidence Realty ....................................................................27 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................36 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................33 Dominion Eye Care ..................................................................29 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................36 Flooring America ........................................................................5 FURR Roofing............................................................................33 Geico..........................................................................................15 Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ............................14 Grasso Construction Services, LLC ........................................34 Hard Times Cafe & Cue ............................................................15 Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 ImagineDesign ............................................................................9

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living President

Lake Ridge Nursery ..................................................................36 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................33 Lustine Automall ......................................................................29 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 The Maids..................................................................................36 Minnieland Academy................................................................24 Nova Digital Films ....................................................................34 Nova Music Center ..................................................................15 Parish Services............................................................................8 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors ......................31 Piedmont Massage Spa ..........................................................13 Polaris Press ..............................................................................35 Potomac Place ..........................................................................15 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................10 PWC Historic Preservation ......................................................19 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................34 Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center ........................................9 Ready Hands ............................................................................29 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Spirit & Life Church ..................................................................15 Stanley Martin ............................................................................7 Stratford University ..................................................................10 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................36 The Fauquier Bank ....................................................................11 Trio Consulting ..........................................................................11 Spark ..........................................................................................10 Stonewall Golf Club ..................................................................11 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ........................................................9 Winestyles ................................................................................19 Yankee Farm..............................................................................23 Your College Planning Coach ..................................................24

prince william living October 2012 | 3

OktOberfest: Bringing Communities Together Since 1810

By Audrey Harman, Contributing Writer

O

ktoberfest, a traditional German celebration, is a community-oriented fall event that has been embraced by people throughout the world, enjoyed by young and old alike. Mixing a little German tradition with your own personal tastes can help you bring your family and friends together in a celebration uniquely your own.

The History Oktoberfest actually begins in late September and is celebrated through the first weekend of October. It has been held annually-barring outbreaks of disease or war--in Munich, Germany since 1810, when the community was invited to join in festivities celebrating the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess erese of Bavaria on the 12th of October. e celebration closed with horse races. When the royal family brought the horse race back the following year, a tradition was born.

While the races ended in the 1960s, the fun of Oktoberfest lives on. It is now the world’s largest festival, with approximately 6 million visitors each fall. e main attractions of Oktoberfest are the food and the traditional Oktoberfest (or Märzen) beers, which must meet standards and regulations defined by fest officials.

Requirements include that the brews must be made within Munich city limits and have a minimum of 6% alcohol content.

Oktoberfest beers are generally ready to be enjoyed by September of every year. In Bavaria, within the carnival-like set-up, there are different tents to select from, hosting foods, beers, activities, and places for families to go to have a quieter time. ough Bavaria is the location for the official Oktoberfest, you can celebrate it on any scale anywhere, even right here in Prince William.

Hosting Your Own Modern Event Just like selecting which tents to visit at the Bavarian Oktoberfest, your own Oktoberfest celebration can be suited to fit your own tastes and needs, including a sampling of traditions and your own unique spin. Event patrons can tailor their experience by choosing from a variety of activities. Not everyone enjoys polka music and 4 | October 2012 prince william living

schnitzel, and they don’t have to! “Oktoberfest is all about fun. To make the event family friendly, it is a great idea to celebrate all things fall: for example, anything with apples, pumpkins or scarecrows,” said Megan Chambers, community services manager for the Montclair Property Owners Association, which holds an Oktoberfest for residents.

Like any good party, some traditions you can include in your celebration are specific foods, beverages, décor, dress and music.

Some Oktoberfest foods served in Bavaria are bratwurst, spaetzle, frankfurters, potato pancakes, potato salad, apple strudel, schnitzel, and pretzels (the over-sized, fluffy kind). For those unfamiliar with German food terminology, bratwurst is a sausage, spaetzle is a type of egg noodle, strudel is a layered pastry usually with a sweet filling inside, and schnitzel is boneless meat that has been pounded and breaded.

Beverages to place on your menu can include Oktoberfest beers, German wines--generally on the sweeter side--and sparkling cider or root beer for the kids and non-beer drinkers. “e Oktoberfest or Märzen beer is typically an amber lager with a more malty (continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 4) flavor,” said Lacey Nelson, beer specialist with Cork & Fork in Gainesville. “Some of the famous pairings are Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest paired with lightly breaded fried chicken, Spaten Oktoberfest paired with bratwurst, and Hofbrau Oktoberfest paired with hamburgers.” Nelson recommended several domestic Oktoberfest-style beers: Schlafly Oktoberfest, Lost Rhino RhinO’fest, Brooklyn Oktoberfest, Bell’s Octoberfest, Sam Adams Octoberfest, and Alexandria, Virginia’s very own Port City Oktoberfest. ese can be found at restaurants and specialty stores within Prince William. Dale Barnes, beer specialist with Tastefully Yours in Occoquan, suggested checking out the websites of different breweries because some have suggestions and blogs pertaining to Oktoberfest party planning. “e Oktoberfest-style of beer arrives in retail stores as early as August,” Barnes added.

Traditionally, in terms of décor, blue-and-white checkered flags and tablecloths are what define an Oktoberfest celebration visually. e theme comes from the Bavarian flag, and can be found online or at most party supply stores starting in the fall. Dress for men includes lederhosen, suspenders, and the standard blue-and-white or green Oktoberfest hat sporting a feather on the side. Women wear frilly dresses, also known as dirndls. For the sounds of the season, tune your ears to an accordion or an oompah band. “Any polka or Bavarian music will certainly set the mood for the ideal Oktoberfest celebration,” said Chambers.

Matt Struble, a 10-year resident of Prince William, is famous among his friends and neighbors for hosting his own Oktoberfest.

“I am German,” said Struble, “but I like to take the tradition and make my own spoof Oktoberfest, which I call ‘Mattoberfest,’ where everyone with the name of Matt gets their own special hat. I hold it annually in late September or early October as a last hurrah leading into the cold weather.” Struble melds the traditional with his own spin-off so the celebration has his signature, but is still obviously an Oktoberfest. He said it is important to keep some tradition. In regards to the food, he suggested keeping easy-to-find items like pretzels and sausage, but to also “do what you are good at and what you and your guests like.” If someone doesn’t like beer, offer a selection of German wines so it remains within the theme. Also have non-alcoholic beverages on hand, like the aforementioned cider and root beer. Offering a varied selection helps guests feel comfortable and better able to enjoy themselves. As far as music goes, Struble said he likes to play traditional polka music at the beginning of the party to set the mood. Once everyone is in the Oktoberfest spirit, he mixes it up with his own favorite music as the party continues. e community of Montclair also mixes modern sensibilities with tradition. Said Chambers, “We include moon bounces for the children, a petting zoo, and new this year are the beer stein races, keg bowling, and, for the children, pumpkin bowling.” Other highlights of their annual festival include a pumpkin patch, traditional German foods and a German band. She said that the Montclair Oktoberfest is a great way to bring people together just like the original celebration that occurred over 200 years ago in Germany.

Chambers went on to offer tips for creating your own modern take 6 | October 2012 prince william living

on the popular event, noting that it is key to offer different options for the range of guests you are inviting so that everyone can enjoy themselves. “Although beer is a large part of the celebration, it is more about celebrating each other and the community,” she said. If you have never hosted your own Oktoberfest, research the history and just approach it like you would any other holiday you celebrate: mix it up with traditions unique to the holiday itself, and add your own personal or family touches to make it your own. If you always serve your mother’s famous chocolate cake every holiday, why not add it to your Oktoberfest dessert menu as well?

Celebrating Oktoberfest in Prince William A large number of the community’s restaurants and specialty stores are celebrating Oktoberfest all throughout the fall. e Cock & Bowl, a Belgium bistro in Occoquan, takes on a German flair in honor of the holiday. Owner Jacquie Lopez said, “We give a nod to Oktoberfest and bring in some German beers. It’s a great reason to sit on our patio with friends and drink good beer.” Food specials include a sausage plate and giant pretzels. Al Fournier, the restaurant’s self-proclaimed “Beer Guy,” said he will be bringing in Hofbräu and Rauchbier, a beer with a distinctive smoke flavor imparted by using barley dried over an open flame. Pumpkin ales and darker brews will also be part of the fall lineup. e Cock & Bowl will “dress up” for the season with pumpkins and other fall decorations and offer pumpkin carving activities for children.

Weather permitting, patrons can also enjoy live music on the patio.

Learn more at www.cockandbowl.com.

Cork & Fork in Gainesville will offer a variety of Oktoberfest beers this month. In October, the shop will dedicate some of its weekly free tastings to both domestic and international Oktoberfest beers. ese take place every Friday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Check out what will be going on and sign up for the Cork & Fork newsletter at www.corkandfork.com, or stop by and speak with beer specialist Lacey Nelson about which Oktoberfest beers to include in your celebration.

If you want to experience Oktoberfest without going through the trouble to host your own, Susana Barolin, owner of City Square Café in Old Town Manassas, said that they too will be offering Oktoberfest events. For the past six years, the café has been celebrating with German dishes, wine, beer, and music. “In the past we have featured bratwurst over sauerbraten sauce, roasted red beet salad, German stew, and veal schnitzel,” Barolin said. Keep up with the menu and events at www.citysquarecafe.com.

Bungalow Alehouse will also be carrying Oktoberfest beers at both of its Prince William locations, in Gainesville and near Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge. ese are just a few of the many establishments in the community that will be offering Oktoberfest options for your enjoyment. Or try your hand at making a few of the traditional German foods. Who knows—you might just find a new tradition to add to your kalender for next year!

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 and can be reached by email at aharman@princewilliamliving.com.

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Lake Ridge Park: An Outdoor Wonderland

r

By Jennifer Rader, Contributing Writer

ustle of trees along shaded trails, soft vocals of birds above the greens, laughter and squeals of children or the peaceful lapping of water against paddle and boat will transport you from the busy world in which we reside. Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation (PWCDPR) delivers all of that and more, with some of the best properties for enjoying outdoor relaxation and activity. Lake Ridge Park is no exception. Located at 12350 Cotton Mill Drive in Lake Ridge, the park is a local and immediate retreat for the outdoor enthusiast.

Now that daily temperatures are comfortable and fall colors are being painted against the sky, it’s a perfect time to visit and participate in all that Lake Ridge Park has to offer the community.

12 | October 2012 prince william living

Some of the greatest assets of the park include the nine-hole golf course, the trail system, and the waterfront.

Hitting the Links e golf course provides golfers a challenging destination to practice their short game. e course hosts a putting green, driving cages and a full-service pro shop. A number of activities are hosted here, such as camps, tournaments, lessons, a ladies league and e First Tee Camps® that build character and leadership qualities in young people. e course is open year-round for those willing to brave any temperature to hit a few balls or even to host their own tournament.

During the summer the marina is busy with patrons lined up to rent rowboats, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. roughout the year, high school crew teams work out of an adjacent boat house, preparing for their meets, many of which are held at the marina.

Since becoming part of the Billy Casper Golf portfolio of courses recently, the greens and service have improved and attract those looking to prepare for a leisurely 18 holes. Lake Ridge resident Tony Allen said, “I play golf here twothree times per week to practice my short game.” Allen lives only about a mile from the park, making the location very convenient. He added, “I can play after work. I commute from D.C. and come over here in time to get nine holes in during the week.”

Discovery within the Trails

Photos courtesy PWC Parks & Rec

Trail expansion in the county has been a goal of the parks department for a long time. Dianne Cabot, PWCDPR Public Relations Manager explained that the department is now closer to realizing this goal than ever before. “Lake Ridge Park is integral in the trail system throughout the county. We are hoping to connect trails from Occoquan up through to the McCoart Complex,” said Cabot. Some of the trails have made it easier to access the park from the surrounding residential communities. “It’s nice to be able to just walk to the park from home,” said Jonathan Marquette, who along with his wife has been bringing his two children to Lake Ridge Park for the past three years. e children enjoy the playgrounds, miniature golf and fishing, fully experiencing all the park has to offer. Said Marquette, “It’s a very nice family place to come and relax.”

A host of activities also take place on the park’s trails, including environmental education and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. e third Saturday of each month volunteers gather to clear, maintain and expand the trails in the park, gradually making progress toward completing the highly anticipated trail system now underway in Prince William County. Education programming includes Cub Scout badge opportunities and environmental education that ties into the Virginia “Standards of Learning” test, which is offered to students throughout the year. e program is open to homeschoolers as well as to those attending public or private schools in the area.

Lake Ridge Park also offers a events geared towards family or group fun.

“Explore Our Parks” is a program that meets monthly to investigate a different part of the park. For a few dollars, participants learn about and search for wildlife evidence on and off trails. Dates and program topics for October through December can be found in the fall 2012 issue of Leisure, published by the Prince William County Park Authority.

Park Adventure Packs are another way to discover what the park has to offer. Packs include history facts, fun activities and hands-on exploration ideas that can be enjoyed by groups of any size and can make for a day of family adventure. e Park Adventure Packs may be used independently to explore on your own or with a guide.

One activity not to miss this month is the Amazing Cache Race on Sunday, October 21. ink of it as a community-wide scavenger hunt of sorts. e race starts at Lake Ridge Park, where each group will be given clues and a GPS unit. Using these, participants locate caches in other parks throughout Prince William. e first group to the final destination will receive a prize.

Water Exploration Perhaps the most amazing aspect of Lake Ridge Park is its waterfront location. is is true tranquility. Kayaking or rowing along the banks will provide an up-close look at a variety of flora and fauna, including a bald eagle population that makes its home in the treetops of the cove.

While the park-operated marina closes for the season at the end of September, the ramp launch remains a year-round resource to access the Lake Ridge Park cove, which opens to the Occoquan Reservoir, Lake Jackson and beyond. As part of the Blue Ways Trail System, grouppaddling opportunities are available through outside organizations that work to maintain the water trail while educating newcomers.

County Supervisor Mike May of the Occoquan District takes his three children to the park often and pointed out that “Lake Ridge Park is a great amenity with its access to the water and land trails to experience natural areas. ere is something for everyone at Lake Ridge Park and it’s in the center of the community.”

Learn more about this waterfront treasure at www.pwcparks.org, and treat yourself to a “getaway” right here in Prince William.

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

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prince william living October 2012 | 15

on a high note

Mary Reilly, Local Artist A Career Built on the Love of Art

By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer

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he Creative Brush Studio in Old Town Manassas is an artist studio built upon a family’s love of art. Located in the old opera house on Center Street, it is a destination with one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork and a unique business worth visiting.

“Technology has come to the art studio,” Reilly said, pointing out the iPad next to the portrait of her granddaughter.

Originally from New Jersey, Mary Reilly moved to Manassas with her family in 1986 and set up a studio in her home.

Seeking a more professional location, Reilly opened Creative Brush Studio on Lee Avenue in Manassas in 1991. Five years later, she moved the business to its current location. “Going into a more retail area made good business sense. People drive by and stop at the red light and look in. Old Town Manassas has incredible restaurants, so people come on Friday night for dinner and stop in [to the studio],” Reilly said.

Commemorating the Civil War

In collaboration with her daughter, Christine Raymond, who is also an artist and the studio manager, Reilly creates original pieces for display and sale in the gallery. e work of several other artists can be found at the studio.

“Christine was born with a paintbrush in her hand,” said Reilly.

“She took some college courses and then, over the years, I’ve taught her and mentored her, so she’s got firsthand experience.”

Raymond offers children’s art workshops during the summer and at Christmas, and also creates unique artwork for the gallery.

Burgeoning artists can also study under Reilly, who offers classes for students aged 14 and up.

Customers can stop by the studio to see how their painting is progressing at any stage. is allows Reilly to do final checks on hair color, eyes and skin tone.

Reilly was one of three artists involved in the “1*2*3 Art Exhibit” that marked the recent 150th anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas. For the exhibit, three studios in Old Town created and displayed new pieces commemorating the battle. e themes were A Brush with History (Creative Brush Studio), History Revisited (ArtBeat Gallery), and People and Places (Manassas Art Guild).

Describing the work she completed for “1*2*3,” Reilly said, “ese are living historians: Al Stone, who portrays General [Robert E.] Lee, sat for me. I did oil sketches and photos and was able to capture the essence of his face, his features, the colors, and his uniform.” She also painted Chris Godart, another historian who portrayed General Richard Ewell. Said Reilly, “e day he sat for me I worked on a head study to be more familiar with his likeness and also his skin tones and details of his uniform. e final painting was entitled ‘Old Baldy,’ which was the real General Ewell’s nickname.”

Asked to describe her artwork, Reilly said,“I would say oil is my passion. I love doing a lot of subjects, because I love capturing the light and texture of subjects, but my specialty is portraits.” It is this love that is most visible in the studio; Reilly’s talent for capturing people can be seen in the portraits adorning every wall.

“We love going up to the battlefield at sunrise and also sunset,” she added. “What we wanted to show for this exhibit was the battlefield scenes, some of the military for the Second Battle of Manassas campaign. Henry House was the last scene of the Second Battle of Manassas, and it was at this point the Union retreated. is was the end of the day and we wanted to capture that view.”

For a customer portrait, Reilly will take a few hundred photos.

From these, she will choose the one she believes will make a good painting, one that will stand the test of time. However, it isn’t printed photos that stand next to the easel and canvas.

Reilly’s love for Manassas can be seen in her paintings of the area, including the old City Hall and Center Street. “Old Town offers so many vistas to paint, there’s a lot of ambiance here,” she said.

16 | October 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy Creative Brush Studio

Al Stone, a living historian portraying General Robert E. Lee, sits for Mary Reilly.

Portraits All Over the World

Giving Back

Reilly’s portraits can be found all over the world, in both public and private collections. She was commissioned by the Federal Bar Association to paint Admiral Samuel Gravely, the first African American to reach that rank. “He actually broke a lot of racial barriers in the Navy,” said Reilly. “It was really neat because I got to go down for the commissioning of the ship to Wilmington, North Carolina. at was really exciting.” After the official unveiling, Reilly received what she considers her biggest compliment as an artist: “is gentleman in a wheelchair, who I found out was Admiral Gravely’s brother, took hold of my arm and said, ‘You captured my brother.’” e portrait now hangs on the admiral’s namesake ship, the USS Gravely.

Knowing that schools often cut art programs when funding is tight, Reilly and her daughter invite Girl Scouts, homeschool children and others to come into the studio to work on art projects. Reilly also goes into schools to supplement art programming, passing on her love of painting.

Reilly’s work also includes a portrait of a former professor of neurology which hangs at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, as well as a portrait of James Joseph Leo, the first superintendent of Manassas City Public Schools, which is displayed in the Manassas City Board of Education Building.

In addition to traditional portraits and small-scale portraits, Reilly offers figurative impressions, paintings that capture the essence of a person without all the detail of the face. Describing this style, Reilly said, “What I always tell people is that [it is like] if they see their child across the street and you can tell it’s them by their body language. ese are very popular with parents.”

Animals are another favorite subject. Pointing to a painting of her dog, Reilly said, “His colors were so lush, I just had to paint him.” She also has a very life-like painting of a silverback gorilla from the San Diego Zoo in the gallery. In one instance a woman in Singapore commissioned Reilly to paint a portrait of her cat.

Following an exchange of photos, Reilly completed the portrait and shipped it overseas.

While the studio has core hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through ursday, and until 8 p.m. on Friday, artists can be found in the studio painting on most days. “I love it, it’s a mental vacation for me,” said Reilly.

See examples of Reilly’s artwork and find event information online at www.creativebrush.com. Or, better yet, stop by this treasured gem in Old Town Manassas.

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, Va. Overman can be reached by email at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com

prince william living October 2012 | 17

home & hearth Preparing for Company

By Denise Smith of FA Design Build utumn has arrived, and with it comes the steady progression of holidays and overnight guests. Devoting time beforehand to preparing for company will make entertaining easy and fun. Just a few simple updates and thoughtful touches in the kitchen, guest room and bathroom are all that is needed to make guests feel welcome.

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Monday October 29, 2012 Old Hickory Golf Club 11921 Chanceford Drive Woodbridge, VA 22192

Most of our celebrations center around the feast, with friends and family congregating in the kitchen. While there may not be time for major renovations, which take an average of two months, smaller improvements can be done in time for the holidays. One weekend is all that is needed to freshen things up with a coat of paint and thorough cleaning.

Replacing hardware on cabinets and adding a shiny, new faucet can also make a kitchen sparkle. For a bigger splash, new counters can be purchased and fabricated in as little as four weeks, and updating the flooring or the light fixtures can take even less time.

Join Us for a Day of Golf, Competitions, Hole-In-One Prizes, Food, Beverages, Raffles and Auctions For information regarding playing or sponsoring, contact Mr. Herb Stiger at 571-429-3345 or successrevealed@yahoo.com.

In Fiscal Year 2012, ACTS provided relief, fostered hope and promoted self-sufficiency to 83,018 individuals in crisis due to hunger, homelessness, domestic abuse and suicide. www.actspwc.org

It’s also easy to create a guest room to rival an upscale hotel.

Dress the bed with your very best freshly laundered linens.

Have a stack of extra blankets and pillows easily accessible so your guests can feel pampered and comfortable. Place a tray with a healthy snack and a pitcher of water and a glass on the nightstand. Write the access code to your wireless internet on a pretty piece of stationery and put it on the bed with a small box of sweets. A vase of flowers on the dresser signals to your guests how much their visit means to you.

Dusty, plastic flowers send the opposite message. Make it “real” or don’t do it at all.

Shop Local.

The guest bath is just as important. Simple updates such as new tile or plumbing fixtures can be done quickly and within a limited budget. Be sure to supply the guest bath with a tall stack of fresh towels, plenty of soaps and tissue, and a candle and matches so your guests feel at home.

The holidays are about taking time to visit with friends and family. Preparing for their arrival ahead of time will alleviate stress for you and ensure the creation of the happiest of memories.

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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History Comes Alive With Prince William County Historic Preservation Events Ben Lomond Historic Site

October 26 Historic Spirits of Ben Lomond 6pm – 9pm, $10 per person, reservations suggested Ben Lomond has a diverse history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves. Today, many local residents claim that the house and grounds are haunted by spirits from the past. Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds by candlelight, meet several historical characters along the way and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Call 703-367-7872 for more info.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge 703-499-9812

Rippon Lodge Historic Site

October 13 All Hallow’s Eve 11am – 4pm, $7 per person Where did the tradition of Halloween come from? Pumpkin carving? Trick-or-Treating? Join us for a kid friendly trip to All Hallow’s Eve past and present. Play old fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats.

October 27-28 Here Lieth the Body 11am – 4pm, $7 per person Funerals, Duels, and Ghostly Tales. See Rippon Lodge draped in black crepe as family members mourn the 1757 death of Richard Blackburn. Learn about the early 19th century local duels and the losers who were brought to Rippon Lodge. Ghostly tales will be spun throughout the day. Call 703-499-9812 for more info.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas 703-367-7872

www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation or 703-792-4754

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going places BETH SCHOMP: Master Juggler of Motherhood and Business

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

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or all those out there who think that a perfect balance of a successful career and a thriving family is impossible, meet Beth Schomp, a 53-year-old Woodbridge resident and master juggler of motherhood and business. Raised in Kentucky, Schomp has business savvy in her DNA. Her grandfather was chairman of the board, and her father was president, of Fruit of the Loom.

After going away to college in Texas, Schomp came home to the family business. “I was raised, more or less, in corporate America. I came home [from college] to work for Fruit of the Loom, in the marketing department.” Two months in, Schomp met her nowhusband, Russ Schomp, while doing a sales presentation in New York. It was his first day on the job.

After a few years together, the Schomps found that their entrepreneurial spirit came calling. ey decided to open their own textile company, R&B Industries, with a mill in Vermont. e decision was influenced by the couple’s desire to create a good work/life balance and have greater control over their income potential. “When you work for someone else, they’re always going to dictate how much you earn...So we formed our own company, and we found a mill to manufacture our garments for us; we found a niche market,” said Schomp.

Photo courtesy Beth Schomp

In addition to running her textile company, Schomp works out of her home as an executive director for a registered pharmaceutical company offering a variety of household and consumable products with a focus on health and wellness. She has been very successful, quickly ascending within the company and gaining outside recognition as well. Most recently, Schomp was the keynote speaker at an American Business Women’s Association event.

While she loves her career, Schomp names parenting as her top priority, saying, “More today than ever in this economy, you can’t have one income coming into your home - it takes multiple streams of income. Being able to work from home, I was able to not only 20 | October 2012 prince william living

Beth’s Top Entrepreneurial Habits ■

Have a purpose.

■

Set goals and work hard to achieve them quickly.

■

Keep it simple and reproducible.

■

Show up 5 minutes early, stay 5 minutes late.

■

Start your work week on Sunday night with a “to-do” list.

■

Do the hardest tasks of your day first.

■

Have a mentor who can hold you accountable.

■

Take pride in your work.

help provide for my family financially, but I have been able to attend every swim meet, every swim practice, every piano recital, every voice competition – everything.” at involvement paid off. e Schomps’ daughters excelled in scholastics, music and athletics, and are active in the community.

Both girls competed in piano at an international level, went on mission trips and earned Robert C. Byrd scholarships upon graduation. e oldest daughter, Kristyn, also served as captain of the Woodbridge High School school swim team, qualified top 16 in the state for swimming and graduated valedictorian. After arriving at Duke University, she formed a student chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Taylor, their younger daughter, was co-captain of the high school swim team and graduated fifth in her class from the interbaccalaureate program at Gar-Field High School. While studying at Vanderbilt University, she formed and led a chapter of Invisible Children.

“Both have hearts for service and have traveled abroad to participate in different missions programs. I always taught them to make a positive difference in this world. I could not be more proud of my girls,” said Schomp. Much like her work ethic, when it comes to community service, she taught by example.

A dedicated volunteer, Schomp tried to choose activities in which she could involve her children. For instance, in her 10 years as director of the Grace Baptist Church Children’s Choir, Schomp enjoyed a creative outlet with her daughters while helping to shape the lives of other children. “rough the choir, we would take the message and put it into action. One year, we raised enough money to send 1,500 bibles to Tanzania. Another year we raised money for an organization in our own backyard, ARC. e kids raised enough money to buy an expensive piece of equipment for the children there," said Schomp. e ARC of Greater Prince William is an organization that provides opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities.

In recent years, Schomp became involved in Healthy Families, a notfor-profit which educates young and low-income families on how to create a healthy and productive environment for their children.

“My biggest contribution has been to mentor young teenage girls or help individual families, helping them in various ways to get ahead. My favorite way to make a contribution is to do so anonymously. at gives me the greatest joy,” said Schomp of her service.

In talking to Schomp, her desire to change people’s lives for the better is obvious. She has introduced others to opportunities to enjoy a better work and family balance, using avenues like her website, www.changingyourlife.biz, to spread the word. Having benefited from her own mentors, Schomp is always willing to give advice on how any parent can in her words, “be involved with the family and the community and yet be successful in your work.”

One of her top tips is to remain organized, using a calendar to schedule and set priorities. Schomp says, “I would put in family commitments first, and then I add church commitments, and that would show me the pockets I had left to work with...[Put] family first and you work everything else around it, and it will work.”

Another top item on the schedule? Date time. Schomp elaborated: “Sometimes people get so focused on being a parent, and they forget they’re a wife or they forget they’re a husband. Russ and I made sure early on that we scheduled in date time. And we didn’t do date night every week, because back then, we didn’t have time to do it every week, but we did make sure to do a couple activities, just he and I, every month.”

Another secret is to make roots and connections in the community, establishing relationships with those you can learn from and lean on when times are tough. “You have to have good parenting mentors. I realized when I was newly married, especially with children, I needed to find other good women for role models. And that’s what I did; I found them in my church, I found women in my work. Each of them had different qualities that I would model after...You have to have a broad net for your support system.”

"Beth is exactly who she appears to be, and that knack for being a truthful, genuine person is one of the magnets that leads people to want to work with her," says her husband.

“I have known and worked with Beth for over eighteen years. In that time I have never met anyone with the drive and enthusiasm Beth exemplifies in creating success in her business, as well as helping others achieve success in theirs,” attests Terri Gallagher of Keller Williams in a Linkedin post. ere is no slowing down for Schomp, as she forges full speed ahead with her business endeavors while staying involved in the community.

“Find a purpose,” said Schomp. “Even if the job you have is not a great job or you may not particularly like it, be the best one there and take pride in your work. If your job is to flip burgers, then be the best burger flipper there. You won’t flip burgers for long and you will be promoted.”

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.

prince william living October 2012 | 21

giving back

Lions Clubs:

“Knights of the Blind” Serve Prince William

By Paul Keily, Contributing Writer

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ions Clubs International is the world’s largest volunteer service organization, with 46,000 chapters in over 200 countries and about 1.35 million members worldwide. e association was formed in 1917 in Chicago as a way for business leaders to contribute to their communities. With a motto of “We Serve,” the clubs are organized at the state, national, and international level, with the individual clubs carrying out the bulk of the community service and fundraising. In 1925 Helen Keller called on the Lions to become “the knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” and the group rose to the call: A main focus is providing aid to the visually and hearing impaired. However, individual Lions Clubs are free to undertake activities ranging from environmental services to raising awareness about health issues to providing disaster relief.

To become a Lions member, one must be recommended by an existing member. Each club requires dues for administrative purposes and to pay for the dinners that are held at every meeting.

Before meetings a social is held for members to catch up and to get to know each other. e meetings are run by the club president and generally include guest speakers on a wide range of topics. During meetings, past activities are reported and new plans are discussed.

Photo Courtesy Tamar Wilshire

Within Prince William, 12 Lions Clubs take part in a variety of fundraisers and community service projects. ese clubs are part of District 24-A, which encompasses all of Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. e Lions have had a presence here since the first club was formed in 1946. Every Lions Club acts autonomously, taking action based on local needs. Edward “Woody” Woodard, past district governor of the Mason Neck Lions in Springfield, Virginia, said of the differences between clubs: “Each Lions Club is a unique entity unto itself, and therefore is different from any other Lions Club. e Lions Clubs adapt their efforts to 22 | October 2012 prince william living

the needs of the particular community in which they serve.”

Lions Clubs perform community needs assessments, with input from social workers, teachers, and other local authorities, to determine how they will best serve an area. e Prince William Roaring Lions Club is a great example of this. Hosted by the ARC of Greater Prince William, it is one of the few Lions Clubs in the world which both serves and is led by people with developmental disabilities, offering a sense of empowerment and leadership.

Joe Angsten of the Lake Jackson/Mid County Lions describes the organization as the “best kept secret regarding community service.” e most popular and widespread service is the eyeglass recycling program, where used eyeglasses are collected and donated to people in need who might otherwise go without corrective eyewear.

“We do sight and hearing screenings at three elementary schools in our service area through the use of our district’s Sight & Hearing Van,” said Angsten. “We fund eye exams and glasses for those who cannot afford them. We provide funds to more than 15 community organizations. Annually the club’s contributions are about $10,000.” Approximately sixty percent of this amount goes to local organizations. e remaining funds go to national and international causes.

Using the district's two “Sight & Hearing Vans,” Lions provide vision and hearing screenings free of charge at area elementary schools and public events throughout Prince William. For example, the Lake Ridge, Dale City, Woodbridge, and Dumfries-Potomac Lions perform screenings every year at the Greater Prince William Community Health Center’s celebration of National Health Center Week.

Tony Reyes of the Lake Ridge Lions recently obtained a grant from the Potomac Health Foundation to buy five hand-held PediaVision machines. In a single test, these devices can diagnose children as young as six-months-old for seven different eye abnormalities.

e Lions hold a variety of fundraisers to support these and other charitable activities. e Park West Lions fundraising includes a hosting bingo every Monday at 7:00 pm at and an “All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner” on the third Friday of the month. ese events are held at a community center built by club members, which is available for event rental. Non-profit organizations can use the facility at no charge.

Every year the Manassas Host Lions and the Manassas Lioness Lions team up to cater the 10K Raffle, where each attendee is entered to win a grand prize of $10,000. Next year’s drawing, complete with cocktail reception, will be held on March 9. e Montclair Lions also utilize eBay auctions to raise money for charitable causes year round. Citrus fruit sales and White House Christmas ornament sales are other common wintertime fundraisers of Lions. e Lions Clubs of Prince William County contribute a dynamic and broad range of services to the various communities in the area, providing opportunities to disadvantaged children and adults alike. e Lions Clubs strive to help everyone in need, whether it’s raising money for a family to buy new shoes or providing a scholarship to a deserving student. To learn more about club activities and membership, visit www.valions.org.

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.

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“ey’ve been working fantastically,” said Reyes. “I’ve gotten testimonials from schools and day care centers where children were tested. ey got glasses and became star performers in school again.”

Mike Quinlan of the Lake Ridge Lions added, “One woman who should have had glasses twenty years ago cried tears of joy after getting her test results.”

Programs that benefit youth are another area of focus. e Nokesville Lions Club awards two scholarships of $1,000 each to outstanding students at Brentsville District High School, while the Woodbridge club is associated with the C.A.S.T. (Catch a Special rill) program, which provides special-needs children with opportunities to participate in fishing and other outdoor activities.

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Avoid Fall Health Hazards: Tips for Carrying Books & Raking Safely

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health & wellness

By Corinne Shumaker t’s time for school and the beautiful colored leaves! However, certain fall activities can become a source of discomfort, aggravating or even leading to low back pain (LBP).

Wearing backpacks improperly and raking leaves without good core support can cause an increase in back pain. Doctors report that LBP is the fifth most common complaint that they hear from patients.

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So why not make the most out of your fall and prevent back pain by following these simple tips?

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Learning in a Loving Environment Backpack Safety Wearing a backpack safely is crucial to preventing LBP. The weight, size and how it is fitted all play a part in staying safe. A properly sized backpack fits the wearer’s trunk size, shoulders to tail. Encourage children to only carry what is needed; the recommendation that the backpack should be no more than 15% of body weight. Finally, wear both straps when carrying a backpack.

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Raking Leaves Correctly Prince William has beautiful foliage, but cleaning it up can wreak havoc on the back if done improperly. Here are some suggestions to help limit or prevent pain this season.

A layer of inner muscles called the “core” muscles surround the spine. These can act similarly to a corset bracing the spine and preventing extra exertion on the back. The best cue to use when activating one’s core is to think about zipping up a pair of tight jeans. The belly button should go in towards the spine and one should still be able to breathe. When using a rake, avoid twisting or large movements from the waist. Rake up piles in smaller groups, and hold the rake higher on the handle to prevent leaning too far forward. Last but not least, remember that raking is a workout: Be sure to warm up, hydrate and take breaks.

Contact your MD or physical therapist if LBP persists or to learn more tips and exercises to strengthen and stabilize your core.

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 24 | October 2012 prince william living

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local flavor

Afghan Cuisine at Famous Kabob

By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

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wner Amin Habibzai and his 23-year-old nephew, Murtaza Mirab, are the friendly faces of Famous Kabob, a family-owned jewel among the fast-food franchises on the Liberia Avenue strip between Route 28 and the Prince William Parkway in the City of Manassas. Kabob places are becoming increasingly popular in the Prince William region, perhaps because they offer basic, flavorful foods at reasonable prices.

Memar Sadeghi, a Maryland salesman traveling through Manassas, saw the Famous Kabob sign and stopped in for a quick chicken kabob. Sadeghi, originally from Iran, grew up with this Middle Eastern fare. “You can’t beat it for $6.95, and it’s halal – that’s kosher for Muslims,” he said.

Habibzai buys his lamb, chicken and ground beef from Washington Lamb, Inc., a well-known, family-owned wholesaler in Lorton, Virginia. e meat is lawful under Islamic dietary guidelines, including being handled in a humane and respectful way. Consuming pork or animal blood is forbidden for Muslims. “e meat is healthier for you,” said Habibzai, “But if you prefer, we also offer vegetarian dishes such as kadu (pumpkin), subzi (spinach), bouranee baunjan (eggplant) and qaubili palau (seasoned rice).”

Habibzai was a student in Kabul when he and his family immigrated to the United States by way of Pakistan 22 years ago. ey have worked in the restaurant business ever since. Habibzai has owned Famous Kabob in Manassas since early 2011.

26 | October 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy Linda Hughes

Sure, you could grab a quick $2 fried sandwich for lunch at a drive-in window, but why sacrifice taste for speed? If you have 20 minutes, have a seat and let Habibzai and his crew put together a fresh meal hot off the grill for you. You can choose from a healthy mixture of charbroiled chicken or lamb with vegetables (from carrots and raisins to sautéed pumpkin, spinach or eggplant), served on chalau (steamed white rice) or brown rice. Pour on mint green sauce made of garlic, jalapeno and maust (homemade yogurt), or sprinkle on tart and tangy sumac sauce.

According to Habibzai, the two most popular appetizers on Famous Kabob’s menu are sambosay – potatoes prepared with onions, cilantro, fresh herbs and spices--and aushak topped with qurma (dumplings in meat sauce); both are priced at $3.95.

He said that the restaurant’s most popular kabobs are the boneless chicken breast kabobs – thick chunks of meat marinated in special herbs and spices and broiled on skewers over charcoal, served with salad, rice, subzi and maust for $9.95. e house favorite among seven entrees is the palau. “[Lamb] pPalau starts with chunks of seasoned lamb,” explained Habibzai. “I put black pepper and garlic on it, add onion, raisins, carrots and walnuts and qurma over a mound of saffron rice. It’s got a good flavor.”

And then there’s the nan, a flat bread, the classic staple of every Afghan meal. Habibzai offers a kitchen tour so he can demonstrate how he bakes it.

First, he takes the metal lid off of a wide clay oven that is heated to 392 degrees. Habibzai puts on gloves and stretches a small ball of

Amin and his family members making nan bread at Famous Kabob in Manassas..

wheat dough over a curved stand until the dough is oblong shaped. en he slaps the stretched dough quickly against the inside wall of the oven, where it sticks and bakes over the next several minutes. When it bubbles up and turns toasty brown, he takes two hooks and carefully dislodges the bread, skewers it, and flips it onto a clean platter. Seven days a week, all day long, Famous Kabob is serving up fresh, warm nan straight from the clay oven.

For dessert, Habibzai says most people get the baklava, a square of syrup-soaked pastry filled with chopped walnuts and ground pistachios. He also recommends the firnee, a sweet milk and cornstarch pudding that is served chilled with ground pistachios on top for $2.50.

event. If kabobs are the latest dining trend, go with it – try a kabob and nan today. Famous Kabob is open seven days a week, Sunday through ursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., at 9685 Liberia Avenue, Unit 109, Manassas. For more information or to learn about catering, call 703-330-1766, or visit www.famouskabob.com.

Freelance writer and Manassas resident Cindy Brookshire is currently working with Al Nasiri on the English translation of Afghan poet Ustad Khalilullah Khalili’s memoir.

Habibzai says his goal is simply to run a good business serving healthy food. “People like Famous Kabob because of our fresh broiled meat, our chickpeas, our brown rice, and good size portions,” he said. “at’s what keeps the same people coming in every day, sometimes seven days a week.” “e days when you had to travel out of the area for fine dining or authentic ethnic food are behind us,” said Rob Clapper, President & CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, which offers a number of resources to its nearly 2,100 members and promotes awareness of the many quality businesses located in Prince William. "At the Chamber, we encourage people to discover what the businesses in Prince William have to offer. ere’s a diversity of quality restaurants, stores and service providers right here in our community.”

Famous Kabob also caters office parties, birthdays, weddings – any

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family fun

Trick or Treat Tips

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer

w

hen I was a little kid, which wasn’t that long ago, I would traipse all over Dale City with a group of friends and collect as much candy as humanly possible. While many families still trick or treat in the traditional door-to-door way, others have decided to forgo the neighborhood, instead opting for organized events where the candy sourcing is controlled and kids are out of the street. No matter how you get your kids their candy fix this fall, here are some tips, tricks and events to help you have a safe and fun Halloween.

Trick or Treating Neighborhood Style According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than twice the number of children are killed by motor vehicles between 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Halloween than on any other night of the year. In fact, cars are more of a danger than the much-dreaded altered candy. Still, only 35 percent of parents report talking to children about safety while they are out trick or treating, according to a 2011 report by Safe Kids Worldwide. You can help keep your trick or treater safe by planning ahead.

■

■

Make sure children carry something that lights up. Flashlights are great, or reflective duct tape or glow necklaces and bracelets are a fun alternative, and, when incorporated into your child’s costume, may be more likely to be kept on without reminders.

When you are buying or making your child’s costume, ensure that all the pieces fit correctly so that your child won’t snag or trip over costume pieces. Also, consider using face paint or makeup rather than masks. Children’s vision needs to be clear and unobstructed so they can cross streets and see other hazards clearly. If you insist on a mask, be sure your child can breathe and has as much visibility as possible. Cut eye slits larger, if necessary, and be sure that you finish the edges so they’re not sharp or jagged.

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Try to walk your trick or treat route during the day, looking out for any potential hazards that you might not notice at night, such as cracked sidewalks, areas with broken glass, or large stretches without street lights or sidewalks.

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Discuss etiquette with your children, such as not knocking on doors with the lights off, not eating open candy, and staying in a group and/or with a supervising adult.

28 | October 2012 prince william living

Trick or Treating, Alternate Style If you have decided that you prefer a controlled environment, such as a church carnival or indoor trick or treating, use the list below to find a local option. At these events, it is still not a bad idea to follow the first two rules from the “Neighborhood” list.

Also, be sure to talk with your child about staying with your family, as each of the events below can be very crowded.

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Potomac Mills Mall, Woodbridge - October 31, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Indoor trick or treat at the mall

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First Baptist Church of Woodbridge, 13600 Minnieville Road - October 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Inflatables, crafts, petting zoo, free food, trunk-or-treat, live music

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Manassas Park Community Center, 99 Adams Street - October 31, evening: Treats given out in the center’s parking lot

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Lake Ridge Nursery, 3705 Old Bridge Road - September 20 through October 31, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.: Pumpkin patch, inflatables and children’s activities

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Manassas St. omas United Methodist Church, 8899 Sudley Road - October 31, 6:30 p.m. - Close: Trunk or Treat

As Halloween approaches, watch for additional fall festivals in shopping centers, churches, and community centers throughout Prince William and surrounding areas. Have a safe and fun fall!

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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your finances Answers to Your Commercial Financing Questions

By Bill Burke Q: I have a small business that is growing and I am thinking about leasing or buying commercial property. Is it difficult to find something in Prince William or Manassas?

A: It depends on your business type, amount of space needed, and your budget. Office space is harder to find than other types. The county is currently running at about an 80% occupancy rate. New space is coming but is likely to be more expensive. Flex space (multi purpose) is a good type to explore. Flex is available in eastern and northern Prince William. The Gainesville area offers a selection of heavy industrial, too. For larger warehouse space, look along the Route 1 corridor. The key is to match your space and location to the logistics, location, costs and configurations defined by your business model.

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October 6 - 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

YFT Campus 11835 Hazel Circle Drive | Bristow Hosted by Joe Gibbs. Benefits Youth For Tomorrow, a home and school for at-risk children. Fabulous live and silent auctions, Frontier Town/rodeo, NASCAR Experience, dozens of children’s activities and rides. $10 adults, $5 17 and under, preschool free. For information call 703-396-8415 or visit www.youthfortomorrow.org.

The Manassas Chorale

October 6, 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10900 University Blvd | Manassas Celebrate the Seventies! Ticket Purchase reserved reating $12 -$18. Phone 1-888-945-2468. Online at www.hyltoncenter.org.

30th Annual Fall Jubilee

5th Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit Youth Sports October 14, 9 a.m.

Virginia Oaks Golf Club | Gainesville Take part in a great day of fun with 18 holes, contests, prizes, catered lunch and more! All proceeds benefit the Youth Sports Training Center’s team programs.

For more information, email JBCcoach@aol.com or call (703) 5908400 or (703) 244-4599.

Nature Trail Walk October 20, 1 – 3 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 1229 Bristow Road | Bristow Walk begins at 1:00pm and concludes at 3:00pm. Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. Admission is $5 per person; children under 6 are free.

For more information, visit www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce Connections 2012

October 6 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Old Town Manassas is year’s Jubilee will include an assortment of live entertainment for both kids and adults. e fall Jubilee is a free to the public, community event and is scheduled rain or shine. For more information, visit www.visitmanassas.org.

October 25, 4 - 7 p.m.

9100 Freedom Center Blvd | Manassas Meet the people behind local businesses as you discover new places to shop, eat & play, right here in Prince William!

Learn more online at pwchamber.org/connections.

5th Annual Heritage Festival

Historic Spirits of Ben Lomond

October 13 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Prince William Forest Park 18170 Park Entrance Road | Triangle Connect with nature and history during the annual Heritage Festival at Prince William Forest Park. Enjoy music, food, kids activities, history exhibits, and heritage crafts. ere is a $5 per car entrance fee for the park. For more event information, visit www.nps.gov/prwi/ planyourvisit/heritagefest2012.htm.

October. 26 -27 6 – 9 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive | Manassas Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds by candlelight, meet several historical characters along the way and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Admission is $10 per person, but reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation.

32 | October 2012 prince william living

Blue Jeans and Diamonds in the Stacks with Kitty and the Fat Cats October 27 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Chinn Park Library | Woodbridge e gala will feature live music, dancing, BBQ, silent auction and celebrity bartenders. We hope you can share in the fun while helping to invest in the future of Prince William County’s Public Library System.

Here Lieth the Body…

October. 27– 28 11a.m. – 4p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road | Woodbridge See Rippon Lodge draped in black crepe as family members mourn the 1757 death of Richard Blackburn. Learn about the early 19th century local duels and the losers who were brought to Rippon Lodge. Ghostly tales will be spun throughout the day.

Admission is $7 per person; children under 6 are free. For more information, visit www.pwcorg.gov/historicpreservation.

Bird Walk at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area October 28, 8 – 11 a.m.

Merrimac Farm, Stonehouse Visitor Center 10520 Deepwood Lane | Nokesville We’ll look for birds and other wildlife, especially butterflies and dragonflies, as we travel through uplands to the edge of the floodplain, covering a variety of habitats, including open fields and woodland edges.

Everyone is welcome. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and cameras.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.pwconserve.org.

Discover Prince William & Manassas

VisitPWC.com

Explore Historic Haunts the historic haunts in Prince William and Manassas this fall and connect with the spirits from our Epast.xplore Ghosts have allegedly roamed our historic buildings for decades; sometimes they appear in windows and mirrors while other times they just cause mischief, making candle flames dance, doors close and stairs creak.

This month, you can have your own paranormal experience as local historic properties host special Halloween events: ■ Pack up your ghost hunting equipment and spend a night at the Weems-Botts Museum, the most haunted house in Dumfries. The museum will host overnight stays every Friday in October and evening ghost tours on Fridays and Saturdays for people who wish to connect with the young girl who once lived there and other spirits who still haunt the property.

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■ Get spooked by Agnes, a one-time prisoner who lurks around the jail at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. Agnes was one of 13 people executed there and, reportedly, has never left. Join experienced paranormal investigators October 19 and 20 to learn more.

■ Wander the haunted halls of Rippon Lodge October 27 and 28. The house is purported to be haunted by someone who bled to death in the parlor after a duel as well as by a child who died in the home. Some visitors said they have seen the child looking out the upstairs window.

■ Join a guided ghost tour of Historic Occoquan Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Visit with shop owners who have had merchandise strewn around by ghosts or get a glimpse of the young man who allegedly haunts a busy Occoquan street corner.

For more information on these events, visit visitpwc.com. Have a safe Halloween, and happy ghost hunting!

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tambourines and elephants Who’s Coming?

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter

Read out loud using a French accent: “Attention students! Repeatez after moi!

RSVP! RSVP! It stands for ‘répondez, s'il vous plaît.’ What does that mean, students? That means ‘Respond if you please.’”

What nonsense that seems. These four random letters keep appearing in wedding invitations, dinner demands and celebratory events requests. Translated from French into English, it means, ‘Please, get in touch with me and let me know if you will attend my special occasion.’ Although I was raised to follow this written command, few people think it is relevant anymore. I jump to that conclusion because the response rate to this request has all but disappeared recently. This can only mean one of two things: Either no one can define it or everyone is amazingly rude. Lack of definition has to be the answer, because there is no possible way the majority of invitees can be that impolite as to ignore an urgent “RSVP.” When a request comes augmented in a foreign tongue, it adds a certain level of importance.

This holds true for most words we have borrowed from other cultures. For example, when the German word “uber” is placed in front of any adjective, that word certainly is super-sized. An “uber” delicious dessert can only be a German chocolate cake. It is the ultimate superlative. And don’t get me started on fiesta; clearly, fun will be the name of the game when that Spanish term for party is put forth. The fact that words like these come from a romantic, far-off land clearly makes them more desirable or at the very least, marketable.

When we get an invitation, even to a most undesirable event such as a birthday celebration at (whisper) the house of a giant mouse who serves pizza and has video games, we need to tell the hosts whether or not we will attend. This is such an important aspect of the party scene that we make the request in French. Répondez, s'il vous plaît.

The appeal is made so politely that it is almost inconceivable that anyone would disregard it.

Yet, this happens all of this time.

Every day, potential party planners worldwide wander in a state of confusion as they aimlessly meander down grocery warehouse aisles and stores filled with décor unable to make decisions simply because no one will respond to the RSVP request. Only we can help end this horror; please tell them if you will attend their event!

Point of contact information is always available on every invite, following the RSVP request. Sometimes it’s a phone number, sometimes it’s an email address and often it’s both. Frequently, the host or hostess is on Facebook, so you can jot a note while catching up with your friends who were not included.

The aesthetically pleasing wedding invitation usually includes bows, ribbons, maps and a stamped addressed envelope. An associated card requires the invitee to make a check mark that specifies participation intent. Perhaps a second ‘x’ is needed to choose a meal preference. Finally, the arduous task of walking to the mailbox is necessary to post the prepaid letter. All of that involves reading, finding a pen and perhaps strolling to the end of the driveway, but personally I find it a small price to pay for a free meal.

I would have put them on the invitation.

They have enough parties of their own.

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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I have yet to find an excuse that can rationalize a lack of manners because in short, that is all it is. Someone obviously thinks well enough of you to want to spend time with you (or is hoping for an uber-gift from you), and not informing them of your plan is poor form.

How can we continue to plan parties and celebrate general insignificance when we refuse to respect the French? The end of civilization is rapidly approaching as evidenced by our flagrant disregard for manners and abbreviations. Please, help preserve our people, our future and our right to celebrate. Please, respond to the RSVP. And no, children are not welcome. Otherwise, prince william living October 2012 | 35

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36 | October 2012 prince william living

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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 Heritage Hunt 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville

Christ Chapel 13909 Smoketown Rd., Woodbridge

Minnieland at Montclair 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair

City of Manassas 9027 Center St., Manassas

Minnieland at Occoquan 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge

Clairmont School and Childcare Center 3551 Waterway Drive, Dumfries

Minnieland at Rippon 2100 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge

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

Minnieland at Technology Drive 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas

Edgemoor Art Studio 12616 Lake Ridge Drive, Woodbridge

Minnieland at The Glen 4290 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

Edward Kelly Leadership Center 14715 Bristow Rd., Manassas 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 Manassas Christian Academy 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas 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 14059 Crown Court, Woodbridge The Merit School of Prince William 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Ashland 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas Minnieland at Braemar 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow Minnieland at Bristow 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow Minnieland at Cardinal 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge 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 Wellington 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas Minnieland Corporate Offices 4300 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road 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 County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road Manassas

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

Prince William Parks & Rec

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

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

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

Prince William County Schools

Prince William Public Library System–Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library 12964 Harbor Drive, Lakeridge Prince William Public Library System–Nokesville Neighborhood Library 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville Prince William Public Library System–Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas 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 Prince William Public Library System–Dale City Neighborhood Library 4249 Dale Blvd., Dale City Prince William Public Library System–Dumfries Neighborhood Library 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza Dumfries Prince William Public Library System–Gainesville Neighborhood Library 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket

prince william living October 2012 | 37

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