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MILL HOUSE MUSEUM
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VOLCANO HOT STONE GRILL
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prince william living January 2014
The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
Fitness Your WaY:
DemYstiFYing HealtHY living PAGE 4
Opportunity Knocks Twice for Alan Cook PAGE 16
Soroptimists Improve Lives of Women, Girls PAGE 22 www.princewilliamliving.com
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table of contents January 2014 Vol. 4 No. 1
FEATURE STORY Fitness Your Way: Demystifying Healthy Living................................4
DEPARTMENTS from the publisher..................................................3 advertiser index......................................................3 on a high note Denise Bush Revives Popularity of Handmade Jewelry ..........................................10
4
destinations Mill House Museum: Preserving Occoquan’s Past ....................................12 taking care of business Opportunity Knocks Twice for Alan Cook ..........16 family fun Back on the Healthy Track ..................................18 giving back award winner Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs: A Gift of Freedom....21
12 Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
giving back Soroptimists Improve Lives of Women, Girls..........................................22 local flavor Volcano Hot Stone Grill: An Interactive Dining Experience ........................26 calendar ..............................................................30 tambourines and elephants Don’t Touch ........................................................35
COLUMNS
26 Photo courtesy Volcano Hot Stone Grill
health & wellness ................................................14 home & hearth ....................................................24 your finances ......................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas................31
prince william living January 2014 | 1
The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Rebecca Barnes, Cindy Brookshire, Carla Christiano, Abigail Howarth, Stacia D. Kelly, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Ann Marie Maher, Olivia Overman, Charlotte Rodina, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Bennett Whitlock, Vickie Williamson Editor in Chief Emily Guerrero Editorial Staff Peter Lineberry, Val Wallace Photographers Chris Lehto, Olivia Overman, Kathy Strauss Marketing Director Amanda Causey Copy Assistant Lauren Jackson Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty Prince William Living, the premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2014 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 (Continental U.S.) for one year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living Publisher 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 emailing Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com For further information about Prince William Living, 2 | January 2014 prince william living
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. 3 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com. Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising. For complete advertising information, contact our sales staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 3, or at sales@princewilliamliving.com. Social Media
Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Google+.
Get More Prince William Living You don’t have to wait a whole month for more great information about your community. Visit www.pwliving.com any time to get daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood. Look for Prince William Living contests, get-togethers, deals and more. You can also submit a story or event online. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is important to you. Prince William Living is your community magazine, all month long.
Join Our Team of Advertising Representatives We know your type. You are a self-starter, somebody who people respect and want to say “yes” to. You never do anything halfway. With at least two years of sales experience, you have mastered the art of truly listening so that you can deliver real value to clients. The idea of carving out a profession that puts you in the center of our growing community is energizing. Flexible is our middle name. This contract position offers you flexibility. Working full- or part-time, control your earning potential and build a schedule that offers work-life balance. Though you will be “your own boss,” you will have the full support of our staff and be a valued member of the Prince William Living team— while growing professionally and leaving your mark on the greater Prince William community. The ideal candidate has at least two years of sales experience and a passion for the Prince William Living mission. Sound like you? Send your resume to our publisher at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.
from the publisher Your Health, Your Way
I
never make resolutions, mostly because I never keep them. However, this year, things are different. Last spring, my mother passed after four years of deteriorating health. As her caregiver, I found myself with extra hours in the day, at a period when free time was the last thing I needed.
careers. We go “Off the Beading Path” (page 10) with Denise Bush, whose passion for the art of beading led her to open Prince William’s first bead shop. In “Taking Care of Business” on page 16, we take to the skies with the executives of Metropolitan Aviation, a Manassas-based charter jet company born of one man’s love of flying.
Rather than fill that time with work or calories, I committed to reinvesting in my own care. Several months into a regular exercise routine and subtle dietary changes, I feel my energy levels and mood rising—and my waistline shrinking. While I will never love working out, I have found a system that is right for me and makes me feel great.
Then, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Our “Prince William Living Giving Back” award winner, announced on page 21. Your entries reminded us of how lucky we are to have so many organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in greater Prince William.
This month, Charlotte Rodina can help you do the same in “Fitness Your Way: Demystifying Healthy Living,” on page 4. She talked to industry experts and local residents to gather ideas for simple, sustainable ways to take control of your health destiny. This theme carries over into “Health & Wellness” on page 14, where Dr. Stacia Kelly outlines small steps that can make a big impact on improving your well-being.
With that announcement, we are ready to celebrate another group of community leaders, through our “Influential Women” awards. Now through Jan. 5, visit princewilliamliving.com/influentialwomen to view nominees and to nominate inspirational women. We will feature five of these nominees in the March issue of Prince William Living. You can follow award updates on social media using hashtag #pwlInfluentialWomen.
Also crucial to our health is being able to de-stress. That may mean reading a book, or making time for a hobby. This month, we feature two people who actually turned their hobbies into
Advertiser Index ACTS ..........................................................................................36 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management ............................29 Apple FCU ................................................................................29 Bargain Relo..........................................................................8, 36 Beacon Electrical Services ......................................................36 Bella Vita ....................................................................................19 Best Western Battlefield Inn ....................................................25 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................29 Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory ................................19 Christ Chapel ............................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ............................8 Confidence Realty ....................................................................28 Creative Brush Studio ..............................................................36 Cruise Planners ........................................................................36 Dance Etc...................................................................................20 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................34 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 Draped Window ........................................................................36 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Emeritus Senior Living ............................................................20 EuroBronze................................................................................36 FURR Roofing............................................................................34 Gaeltek, LLC ..............................................................................34 Gainesville Ballet ......................................................................15 GEICO ..........................................................................................8 Giorgio’s Family Restaurant ....................................................11 Historic Manassas, Inc. ............................................................20
Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher
Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 Inspheris ....................................................................................14 Inova ............................................................................................9 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................14 Linton Hall School ....................................................................19 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 Merry Maids ..............................................................................36 Minnieland Academy................................................................15 Novant Health ..........................................................................C4 Options for Senior America ....................................................36 Patriot Scuba ............................................................................25 Peggy and Bill Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC ..............24 Potomac Place ............................................................................8 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................15 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................15 Prince William OBGYN..............................................................11 Rockledge Mansion ..................................................................36 Realistic Art Photography ........................................................36 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Simply Stunning Faces ............................................................25 SPARK........................................................................................25 Tackett’s Mill Center ..................................................................25 The ARC of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT..........................36 The MarketPlace at Madison Crescent ..................................36 Tiny Dancers ............................................................................20 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ......................................................34 Yellow Cab ................................................................................36 Your College Planning Coach ..................................................29
prince william living January 2014 | 3
4 | January 2014 prince william living
Fitness Your Way Demystifying Healthy Living By Charlotte Rodina, Contributing Writer
I
f you’re worried this is going to be one of those New Year articles that make you feel guilty about a month of holiday eating and skipping the gym, fear not. With 2014 ahead of us, I want to encourage you to look at health in a new light— one that’s forgiving, patient and stress-free. There’s a lot of mumbo jumbo floating around about how to stay healthy and fit: “Eat this new super food and you’ll lose weight.” “Do that exercise and you’ll be toned in no time.” A lot of it is conflicting, much of it is confusing and some of it is downright unhealthy. Trying to stay up to date can be tiring. However, most doctors will agree on one basic principle: It is important to keep moving. “Lack of activity, such as sitting at your desk most of the day, may be as bad as smoking for your health,” said Dr. Merdod Ghafouri, medical director of Novant Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. He added, “Exercise reduces the risk of chronic disease, such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, diabetic mellitus, depression, heart disease and stroke.”
Keep Moving The good news is that staying fit doesn’t have to mean running on a treadmill every day. Do that and you’ll probably burn out, get bored or spend too much time indoors. The key is to find a workout that is challenging enough to keep your body active, yet not so challenging that you trade in your morning run for a morning donut come Feb. 1. Dancing, hula hooping, kickboxing or doing yoga at local community centers and gyms can spice up your usual routine. Prince William even has indoor facilities for sports such as Parkour, soccer, ice skating and rock climbing. As the weather warms, you can add more outdoor activities. Our area offers numerous places to hike, kayak, canoe, paddle board, mountain bike, run, golf, ride horses and more. You can also join a sports team or outdoors club to socialize while you sweat.
Check with recreational leagues for organized teams or use sites such as Meetup.com to find more informal groups. If the idea of fitting another activity into your schedule is overwhelming, bring the fitness class to you. Purchase exercise DVDs or stream videos from websites such as Netflix and Hulu. A YouTube search for terms such as “10-Minute Abs” or “Kickboxing Cardio” will return almost limitless workout options for any fitness level. What you do matters less than making sure you do it, and that you’re safe and mindful of personal limits and potential injury. Moving regularly, combined with a healthful diet, is key, said Dr. Ghafouri. “Even if you can’t meet the recommended 30 minutes a day, any exercise you do will help,” he explained.
Wake-up Call Lake Ridge resident Ralph Bowman, 64, learned this lesson the hard way. After 20 years of eating fast food for breakfast, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day and not exercising, Bowman nearly died. On Aug. 13, 2011, he had a heart attack, with 100 percent blockage in the left anterior descending artery, and was rushed to the hospital. “It was my wake-up call,” said Bowman, who volunteers at the Occoquan, Woodbridge and Lorton (OWL) Fire Department. He vowed to do what he could to naturally heal his body from years of unhealthy living, and has not had fast food or a cigarette since the attack. Now that he has recovered, Bowman said he gets out and moves every day, and that exercise, along with healthier eating habits and not smoking, are why he is thriving today. Bowman walks about three miles each morning in his neighborhood. Three or more days a week he also goes to the gym or to his basement to lift weights. He recently incorporated (continues on page 6) prince william living January 2014 | 5
(continued from page 5) yoga workouts into his routine as well. Bowman said he can’t imagine a day without exercise. “Before, I had a lot of aches and pains. But a lot of the inflammation went away when I made these healthy changes,” he explained. “I lost a good 30 pounds and a couple pant sizes, too.” Photo courtesy Kathy Strauss, ImageWerks
In addition to regular exercise, Bowman changed to a mostly vegetarian diet, with “copious amounts” of green vegetables, including spinach, broccoli, arugula and collard greens. For protein, he eats legumes combined with a complex carbohydrate, such as brown rice, and occasionally has lean turkey or fish. “I feel really good. You must take that first step to improve your own health,” Bowman advised. “You control your own destiny.”
Power up to Relax As Bowman’s story shows, staying fit improves not only health and waistlines, but also your state of mind. “Regular exercise can improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression. It also may play a supporting role in treating severe depression,” according to Harvard Health Publications in an article first printed in a 2011 report from Harvard Medical School. The report included a review of studies stretching back to 1981. You don’t have to be clinically depressed to reap the benefits, though. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, working out can also reduce daily stress, release endorphins and improve sleep. “The benefits of exercise are many, including improving blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep and your sense of well-being and mood,” said Dr. Ghafouri. Manassas residents Janet Graham, 60, and her husband Saffan Adolsun, 63, exercise regularly for these reasons. Starting around 5:30 each morning, they weight train, stretch and walk. “If I exercise early in the day, I have high energy all day,” said Graham. “It’s a mood elevator.” Adolsun agreed. “It sets my day on a good path,” he said. Meditation, mental exercise to improve the mind, is another way to maintain health. It’s a state of contemplation or reflection, usually with a focus on breathing and positive thought. A study published in the scientific journal Biological Psychology noted that meditation helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone. High cortisol levels are linked to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease and weight gain, according to the article, “Understanding the Stress Response,” published in the Harvard Mental Health Letter. Meditating as little as 20 minutes a day has personally helped me balance a hectic life. While you can find meditation classes and books on the subject, online resources also come in handy. Websites offering free guided audio clips for meditation include www.DoYogaWithMe.com, which also has yoga class videos. Once you get a feel for it, you can begin to guide your mind into restful and healing meditations that fit with your schedule and needs. 6 | January 2014 prince william living
If endorphins from regular exercise aren’t enough to satisfy you, it may be time to tap into the adrenaline and physical and mental exertion of more extreme sports. For instance, rock climbing provides a full body workout. Offering lessons, day passes and equipment rental, Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center in Manassas is a good option for beginners who want to try the sport. Or consider climbing the 50-foot “Alpine Tower” obstacle course at The EDGE, George Mason University’s Center for Team and Organizational Learning, also in Manassas. The team-building course, available to schools, community groups and companies, is designed to encourage people to bond, inspire each other and better understand themselves as they face challenges on the course, according to David Heath, program manager at The EDGE. April through November, the second Sunday of the month is an “open climb” day, when individuals are welcome to tackle the Alpine Tower. Heath said that he climbs the tower regularly to stay in shape. He also hikes and canoes. Heath explained that climbing the tower forces him to stay in touch with emotions related to overcoming an obstacle, which he must motivate his clients to do as well. “This is going to sound funny, but I am really afraid of heights,” Heath said. “I feel the fear and have to deal with it.” If height isn’t your forte, though, Heath suggested other exercises to get your adrenaline pumping, such as snowboarding, surfing, white-water kayaking or any sport that makes you confront fears. “Anything that gets you moving is good,” he said.
Food for Thought Another critical component to lasting health is making good food choices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease, stroke and diabetes, three of the leading causes of death, are categorized as “lifestyle diseases,” often related to poor diet and lack of exercise. This past summer the American Medical Association classified obesity itself as a disease, with 35.7 percent of the nation’s adult population considered obese in 2010, according to the CDC.
Following decades of steady increases, this number leveled off in 2012 to 34.9 percent of the country considered obese, as Americans strive to make healthier lifestyle and food choices. But it’s still nearly double the obesity percentage for the U.S. population in 1997 (19.4 percent). The good news is that lifestyle diseases can often be controlled by, you guessed it, making positive changes in your lifestyle. Small tweaks to your diet and fitness level may also greatly decrease your risks of developing these conditions. After years of health research in college and afterward, I’ve sifted out a handful of guidelines I follow that support eating wholesome, nutritional foods as healthier than succumbing to today’s flurry of processed junk food. This New Year I challenge you to take a more holistic and natural approach to the foods you choose to eat. Instead of following a strict or trendy diet, which can cause feelings of deprivation and lead to overeating in the long run, the following tips can help you to develop healthier habits that last a lifetime.
Guidelines to Eating Healthful Foods ■ Replace refined foods with whole foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables will leave you feeling fueled, filled and healthier. Cut back on refined flours and sugars and avoid eating highly processed, packaged foods that contain scary-sounding additives. If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it. ■ Cook at home. If you’re craving Oreos, try making a more natural version from scratch. You’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your body, and you may even find cooking and baking to be relaxing and therapeutic. It could also help bring the family together. ■ Invest in your health. Buy highquality ingredients now to save money on health bills later. Purchase and eat foods free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients to ensure that you’re giving your body the best fuel it needs to stay healthy. Also remember that knowledge is power. “Educate yourself so you can make choices and, most of all,
Power up in Prince William When it comes to staying healthy, the act of getting your body moving is more important than the type of exercise selected. Your cholesterol levels don’t care if you lift weights or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. To take exercise beyond the gym and make it part of your everyday life, at home try to: Squat, lift, dig and reflect on life as you garden. ■ Raise your heart rate and lower stress with an evening stroll. ■ Turn on your favorite tunes to pick up the pace while cleaning. ■ Take advantage of workout videos online. ■ De-clutter and move around the house when on the phone. To venture further from home, local parks excellent for hiking and running include: ■ Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, featuring a breathtaking overlook and historical sites. ■ Manassas National Battlefield Park, which also has horse trails and a museum. ■ Prince William Forest Park, which offers camping and biking, too. ■ Leesylvania State Park, which has horse trails, swimming, fishing, boating and hunting as well. ■ Locust Shade Park, which also has fishing, boating and golf. ■
listen to your body and how it responds to foods,” said Dr. Stacia Kelly, who holds a doctorate in holistic health and is an independent associate with USANA Health Sciences. Figure out what foods help you feel healthy, strong and happy, she said. Every body is different, and every person’s diet should vary as well. Lastly, this New Year, as you make your resolutions, think long term and sustainable. Maintaining your health doesn’t need to be about drastic changes or depriving yourself. Instead, you may want to consider it an adventure in discovering new ways to keep moving and wellfueled. Food and exercise can be some of the greatest pleasures in life. Charlotte Rodina recently graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Mary Washington. To stay active, she plays soccer, runs, bikes and practices yoga. Rodina, who lives in Manassas and is the community outreach coordinator for the Spotsylvania Farmers Market, bakes and cooks at home with fresh, local ingredients. She can be reached at crodina@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2014 | 7
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on a high note
By Abigail Howarth, Contributing Writer
I
n a world where artisanmade goods are commonly overshadowed by computer-generated or massproduced products, one Prince William businesswoman is doing her best to revive the popularity of handcrafted items, through her love of beading.
Off the Beading Path offers a wide variety of beads and beading materials as well as jewelry-making classes, private parties and jewelry repair and design. Bush said that beading is basically stringing, which she described as “arranging beads on some type of stringing material to make a bracelet or necklace.” Bead workers may also include wire working, knotting and bead-weaving techniques to complement their beadwork, she added. 10 | January 2014 prince william living
Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
Denise Bush, of Occoquan, opened Off the Beading Path, Prince William’s first beading store, in 2008 to introduce others to the art form and provide a local source for beading materials. “I felt we Beading artist Denise Bush. needed a nearby local bead shop and thought one located in a historic district would be an ideal place,” explained Bush of her shop, located in Occoquan.
Bush was not always a die-hard beader, although “I’ve always had a creative side,” she related. When Bush was around 5 years old, her great-grandmother taught her to embroider, recalled Bush. She eventually delved into cross stitching, ultimately becoming a “cross-over crafter,” meaning that she crossed over to beading after incorporating beads into her cross-stitching. This was shortly after she retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994. Beading became her creative outlet of choice. “There are so many directions you can go with the multitude of materials,” Bush said. “It’s portable. It’s difficult to take a sewing machine in the car. Because there are so many material options, the opportunities to create unique items are endless.”
“Listens” to Beads for Inspiration Of the many beads available in her shop, Bush said her favorites include stones and wire or metal. “I like the earthiness and connectedness to nature. I also like the imperfections that come with natural stone,” Bush elaborated. As a result, the store is known for having a large supply of “naturals,” materials that come from nature. Bush shared that her creative inspiration comes from the beads themselves. “I spend so much time with them. You’ll often hear clients comment that this bead or pendant is ‘talking to them.’ In the bead world, we know that’s just normal. Beads ‘talk,’” she said. “You can bead almost anything. Jewelry, quilts, pillows [and] candleholders are just a few ideas.”
Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
Denise Bush Revives Popularity of Handmade Jewelry
Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
Off the Beading Path is located at 310 Mill Street, Suite E, in Occoquan. For information on classes, trunk shows and products, visit www.offthebeadingpath.biz or call 703-492-BEAD (703-492-2323). Lifelong Prince William resident Abigail Howarth recently graduated from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, with a bachelor’s degree in art and art history. Her work has been published in national publications, including USA Today College. She operates Prince William’s Soccer for Success, part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s effort to bring soccer to elementary students in underserved areas across the nation. Howarth can be reached at ahowarth@princewilliamliving.com. Off the Beading Path offers a variety of beading materials, plus classes, parties and jewelry repair and design.
Dorthe Rahme, a longtime Off the Beading Path customer, said she checked out the shop when it first opened, signed up for a class and was hooked on beading. Bush’s passion for the craft is contagious, Rahme said. “[She is] always willing to help and share new ideas as well as her love of beads. She’s a real asset to the town in more ways than one,” said Rahme, adding that Bush provides “friendship and a sense of family for some of us frequent and longtime customers.”
Offers High-Quality Products and Services Incorporating a sense of community and offering a range of products has been good for business. Bush said she has achieved many of her 2013 goals for the company, including remodeling and expanding the shop. Her biggest goal is ensuring that customers receive “high-quality products and services for a good value,” she said.
Catch the Beading Bug with These January Classes Off the Beading Path has instructor-led jewelry-making classes nearly every weekend. For full schedule, visit www.offthebeadingpath.biz. Here are a few this month: ■ “Galaxy Bracelet”: Jan. 4, noon – 2 p.m. Learn this rustic twist on the “wrapped” bracelet. The class is free with the purchase of supplies. ■ “Lovely Layers”: Jan. 12, noon – 2 p.m. Make layered necklaces using chains, beads, chords or any combination. Class fee: $20, plus supplies. ■ “Twisted Chips”: Jan. 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Discover how to mix chips with seed beads to create beautiful jewelry. The class costs $25, excluding materials. ■ “Basic Beading”: Jan. 25, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Immerse yourself in this creative art form, starting with basics, such as design, stringing and closures. You’ll make a necklace and earrings in this class, which costs $20, including some materials.
Bush’s aspirations for 2014 include “getting to create more and deciding on a method to sell my own jewelry,” she said. Gainesville Office now at Heathcote Health Center
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destinations
Preserving Occoquan’s Past By Carla Christiano, Contributing Writer
I
f you want to learn about Occoquan, visit the Mill House Museum at the end of Mill Street, the town’s main road. This small stone building with imposing iron bars on its doors and windows is a remnant of the town’s past and the keeper of its stories. Just be sure to duck as you enter to avoid bumping your head.
Built in the early 1800s, the building housing the museum was once the office of a thriving merchant mill next to the Occoquan River. The automated mill, advanced for its time, ground grain into flour for local and foreign markets. In 1924, the mill was destroyed by a fire from the adjacent Occoquan Electric Light and Power Company. All that remains of the mill complex today is a disintegrating stone chimney beside the river and the mill office, which remarkably escaped the flames. Vacant for years, the old mill office was eventually sold to the Alexandria Water Company (now Fairfax County Water Authority or Fairfax Water) to use as office space. When the 12 | January 2014 prince william living
water company no longer needed it, town citizens became concerned about the fate of the historic building. “Frank McKenzie, who was a retired pilot living in Occoquan, said to me one day, ‘Don’t you think we ought to do something with the mill house?’” recalled June Randolph, an Occoquan resident since 1954. In 1969, she and about 40 other likeminded residents founded Historic Occoquan, Inc., now the Occoquan Historical Society, to preserve the old mill office. Randolph, who is in her 90s, was the not-for-profit organization’s first president and remains a member of its board of directors.
Museum and Its Hours Grow The water company agreed to lease the building to the group for $1 per year, and Historic Occoquan members got to work transforming the office into the town museum, Randolph said. “Everybody worked, painted or did something,” she recounted.
Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
Mill House Museum
There is even a photo of local fisherman Ralph Turner and his record-setting 34-pound catfish. Nearby is a display dedicated to the town’s sometimes overlooked Civil War history with a tale about abolitionist John Underwood, an Occoquan resident who took a decided unionist stance in a very secessionist county. To the right of the door is a colorful bicentennial quilt that town residents completed in 1978 to showcase various Occoquan businesses, homes and government buildings.
Photo courtesy Chris Lehto
Occoquan townspeople “donated things and we accepted them,” Randolph said of the museum artifacts and other items on display. She explained that most were donated or loaned to the historical society for the museum. “We wanted it to be all antique, but it isn’t,” Randolph added. She and Elder credited Jesse Curtis, of Occoquan, for gathering the collection.
Showcases Townspeople’s Heritage Mill House Museum displays include a scale model of the grain mill that once defined the town.
To pay for the installation of shelves to house displays, the group purchased three antique furniture pieces, which members refinished and sold. Randolph said that at first the museum was just open on weekends, and was staffed by volunteers from the historical society. Eventually the organization was able to raise enough funds to hire paid staff to man the museum during the week as well. “Things just kind of took off,” Randolph stated. Today paid, part-time staff continue to operate the museum, which is open five hours daily, seven days a week, except during major holidays and the town’s bi-annual craft shows. Occoquan now owns the building, leasing it to the historical society, which manages the collection of artifacts inside. “It’s a nice working relationship between the town and historical society,” said Dolores Elder, the museum director and curator since May 2013.
Eclectic Collection Grounded in History Elder described the museum’s collection of documents, photographs and other artifacts related to Occoquan’s history as eclectic. It includes more than 400 catalogued items, many on permanent display. “I never thought I’d vacuum barbed wire or dust duck decoys,” Elder said of the artifacts that fill the shelves and cases of the one-room museum. Walking through the museum feels a little like exploring the attic of a favorite aunt. Everything you can imagine fills the shelves and cases. On one shelf, for example, sits medical bags and equipment from 1908 to 1930 that Occoquan doctors used. Near these are pictures of children who attended Occoquan High School in the 1930s. The school, located just outside of town on Occoquan Road, has since been converted into Occoquan Elementary School. Other shelves display arrowheads and collections of baby dolls and tools.
“Everything [in the collection] has a relationship to someone in town or who lived nearby,” Elder said. As the curator, Elder’s challenge is to create order from chaos in displaying the museum’s assorted collection while showcasing Occoquan’s varied history. The diverse collection “brings our history to life,” she said. To illustrate the town’s industrial past, Occoquan Town Council member Dr. James Walbert painstakingly created a scale model of the destroyed mill. The model is a highlight of the museum’s displays. A table across the room holds sample mill stones children can touch as they learn about the process for turning wheat into flour. In the spring and summer, museum staff grow cotton and wheat outside in planters and provide milling demonstrations one Sunday a month so children can get a truly hands-on experience. Woodbridge resident and recent first time visitor to the museum Carol Gareca said, “I didn’t know there was so much history around here.” The museum’s focus will continue to be on the story of the mills that operated in town. After all, Elder explained, “Occoquan was an industrial town.” She added that she hopes to include displays about past town merchants, listing several influential town families, such as the Selecmans and the Janneys, who once had stores in Occoquan. Telling the town’s story is an ever-evolving process. “We’re trying to update things, but still keep the quaintness,” she said. The Mill House Museum, located at 413 Mill Street, is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (weather permitting), except during major holidays and the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show. Admission is free but donations are accepted. For more information, visit occoquanhistoricalsociety.org/Mill_House_Museum.html.
Carla Christiano is a native of Prince William County and spent a lot of time fishing behind the Mill House Museum, although she never caught a fish. She can be reached at cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2014 | 13
health & wellness
Welcome to Lavender Retreat
Little Changes Can Bring Big Gains to Achieving Long-Term Health By Stacia D. Kelly, Ph.D., MHt o set yourself up for longterm success this new year, remember that little changes go a long way, especially when it comes to staying healthy. Here are tips that can help:
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■ Drink more water. Drop in a lemon or lime to add flavor if needed. You can also alternate water with green tea, gradually phasing out the tea until you drink only water. It takes a while to wean yourself off milk, sodas and flavor, but I promise that the more you drink water, the more you will start craving it. ■ Make one meal meatless. Rather than making a drastic change, just eliminate meat from one meal a day. See if you feel more energetic and lighter.
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■ Track “food feelings.” Carry a journal to track how various foods affect you. You can use paper or smartphone apps, such as Evernote and MyFitnessPal. Notice which foods leave you tired or bloated 30 minutes after a meal and which make you energetic and ready to take on the world. ■ Guard your subconscious. Don’t read food magazines late at night. And all those TV commercials you think you’re ignoring? Your subconscious hears them just fine. Use your DVR or Netflix to skip the ads, and save the beautiful food pictures on Pinterest for the morning. ■ Go dark. After dinner, set out fresh fruit and “close” the kitchen by turning off the lights in that room. That way, you’ll gravitate to healthy evening snacks. Also, eat no grains after 2 p.m. You will start breaking the addiction to grains, a step towards not having them at all. Try a few small changes each week and see how you start feeling. You might be pleasantly surprised at your body’s response.
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Prince William native Stacia D. Kelly has a doctorate in holistic health and a background in fitness, nutrition, stress management and nutritional supplementation. Her published works include “Reduce You: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss and Nutrition.” Learn more about her at stacia.usana.com and www.facebook.com/StaciaDKelly. 14 | January 2014 prince william living
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prince william living January 2014 | 15
taking care of business
Opportunity Knocks Twice for Alan Cook By Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher
M
anassas native Alan Cook has always worked hard. Following in his father’s footsteps as a carpenter, Cook entered the construction field while attending Osbourn High School and formed his own company following graduation. He said he learned early that work ethic was important. He put in long workdays and some sleepless nights, growing his business to include projects in Virginia, Maryland and Florida.
Aviation owns and operates more than 40,000 square feet of hangar space, along with its own fuel farm, and manages one of the largest and most diverse charter fleets in the mid-Atlantic. The business also offers aircraft owners comprehensive management solutions, including Federal Aviation Administration certification and financial reporting that combines Metropolitan Aviation’s worldwide experience with home-based trust.
In 1979, Cook received his pilot’s license and took to the skies. At first, flying was for pleasure, such as taking his kids to the beach. In 2004, Cook opened his first aviation business, Next Flight, after winning a contract to sell fuel and provide maintenance and management of aircraft at Manassas Regional Airport.
Prince William Living spoke with Alan Cook, CEO, and Jaquie Dalton, COO, of Metropolitan Aviation to learn more about how this local business is reaching such great heights.
In 2007, Cook sold the business. At the time of sale, Next Flight had 12 aircraft and more than $40 million in sales. Little did Cook know that his days of flight were far from over. In less than a year, the new owners of Next Flight had closed its doors, giving Cook a chance to take flight again. In January 2008, he reopened the business as Metropolitan Aviation. Today, the company manages 14 private aircraft with 10 for charter. Metropolitan Aviation, which has 58 employees and an all-star client list, is one of the fastest growing charter companies in the region, making the Virginia Living “Best of Virginia” list in 2012 and 2013. The private jet management and charter company, like its predecessor, is based at Manassas Regional Airport. Metropolitan 16 | January 2014 prince william living
PWL: Why did you choose the name Metropolitan Aviation? Cook: We are located in the Washington metro area and wanted to reflect the region in our name. PWL: Who makes up your client list? Cook: Government officials, dignitaries, celebrities, sports figures, business owners and successful entrepreneurs. PWL: Why do you think the private jet industry is growing? Dalton: It’s a tool. It allows for faster travel. Meeting the scheduling demands allows for better deals to be made. Instead of having to leave a negotiation early, [clients] can stay and finish business. Security takes less time, privacy issues are reduced and the economics of private flight have become more transparent.
Photos courtesy Metropolitan Aviation
PWL: What are the differences between Metropolitan Aviation and its predecessor? Dalton: The success of the previous company was driven by excess in the market [of entrepreneurs entering the industry] without fully understanding aviation. The success of the company is being fully qualified, understanding [private aviation] and living it. [Our] core value is the commitment to the industry itself, the people and staff involved, growing a very solid employee base in every department with a full understanding of this industry. PWL: You are both involved in the Virginia and Kentucky equestrian communities, and Alan owns and races thoroughbreds. Any crossover between that and Metropolitan Aviation? Dalton: Many businesses like to give back to things they believe in. We like to lend our success to thoroughbred racing. It is a commitment and passion for success. We just finished flying people to the [annual Breeders’ Cup World Championships in] California and back. Our Lexington, Ky., office is open with a client services representative and first aircraft after the new year. PWL: Have you made other recent expansions? Dalton: Our in-flight catering takes the highest quality food and chef-run fine dining experience and brings it to our clients in flight. Because of Alan’s commitment to Manassas, we wanted to make that same experience available to Old Town Manassas.
Alan Cook is CEO of Metropolitan Aviation, one of the fastest-growing charter companies in the region.
[Opened in May 2013], Airfare Cafe is a restaurant with an intriguing menu and fresh ingredients with a unique atmosphere. To learn more about Metropolitan Aviation, located at 10661 Frank Marshall Lane in Manassas, visit metropolitanjets.com. Airfare Cafe is located at 9255 Center Street, Suite 101, in Manassas. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The space can be rented for private parties, and catering is offered. More information is available at airfarecafe.net or by calling 703-334-5071.
Publisher of Prince William Living and also Public Information Officer for the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD), Rebecca Barnes is a lifelong resident of Prince William. You can reach her at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2014 | 17
family fun
Back on the Healthy Track By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer
K
eeping your kids healthy is a constant battle. Many companies knowingly try to trick you into feeding your children junk, weakening your defenses with cute characters or pictures of fruit. Kids’ meals come with books about healthy habits, cookies have “no high fructose corn syrup” and those chips are organic, so they must be good for you. Labels can be confusing, options can be overwhelming and Pinterest wants you to make cupcakes for everything from the first day of school to Johnny Appleseed Day. So how do you strike a balance? I know that for us, the past year has been a challenge. All the wonderful people who blessed our family while I was in treatment for my brain tumor brought tasty desserts, and my “no dessert on weeknights” rule was quickly replaced with a more Cookie Monster-friendly plan. Getting back into the swing of things has been tough for us, but it’s definitely do-able, and there’s no time like a new year to get your resolve back on track if you’ve been a little off. Tips that can help: 1. Set a goal about eating. Whether you decide to limit sweets, drink more water or eat vegetarian one day a week, set a goal, not a rule, and work together as a family to stick to it. When it comes to rewards, try to alter your thinking, too. As a culture, we like to reward ourselves with ice cream or candy, but when it comes to making healthful eating choices, a park day, sticker chart or small toy are better rewards for meeting goals. I advocate making one change at a time in your diet rather than a sweeping overhaul of your pantry. When you’ve mastered your first goal, you can always add a new one. 2. Find fun exercise. There are a ton of fun options for kids to get in their exercise. Whether you set up a family plan for fitness or you get involved in sports, there are some great options even in the winter. Check your child’s scout manuals for patches and pins related to fitness. They frequently have a plan already prepared. Here are other options: ■
Yoga classes for families: Yoga is a calming and gentle way to get your exercise. Soaring Spirit Yoga Studio in
18 | January 2014 prince william living
Occoquan offers both toddler and family yoga. If their class times don’t work for you, there are lots of options on DVD and online. Your cable provider may even have On Demand versions available. ■
Indoor winter sports: Ice skating classes are available at Prince William Ice Center and Haymarket IcePlex, and the open sessions are a great way to get moving. Swimming can also be a fun way to stay in shape all winter long. Even in January indoor rec center pools are heated to a balmy temperature, and the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center and Dale City Recreation Center both offer special family deals throughout the week. Check out “Family Fun Swim” at the centers on Sundays, when a family of four can swim for $15 at (continues on page 20)
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(continued from page 18) Chinn and $12 at Dale City, or try “Splash N Tot” on Wednesdays and Fridays for $4 per child, including two adults. ■
Yearlong sports centers: Kid’s Choice Sports Center in Woodbridge, the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, Sports Network and Fitness in Manassas and programs such as “Soccer Shots,” a national youth soccer program, are just a few of the local options for indoor sports during the winter months.
3. Pick active fun. Whether you wait for a nice day and bundle up for a walk or head out to one of the local indoor bounce houses to get out some energy, replacing your family movie night on the sofa with something more active is a great way to be more healthy together. Also check out Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center in Manassas. It features an indoor rock wall, and staff who will help you if you’ve never climbed before. Heights not your thing? Keep it closer to the ground, but still very awesome, at Urban Evolution, also in Manassas. This “functional fitness” facility offers classes in Parkour. 4. Be a great example. Study after study suggests that healthy parents have healthy kids. Let your kids see you eating a salad every once in awhile, and prioritize some fitness time for yourself. Whether you join a Zumba class, or power walk each morning, let your children know that taking time to be healthy is important to you.
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giving back award
WINNER
Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs: A Gift of Freedom Photos courtesy Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs
W
e are pleased to introduce you to the inaugural recipient of Prince William Living’s Giving Back Award: Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs (BRAD), located in Manassas. Founded in 1994 by Lydia Wade and accredited by Assistance Dogs International, the nonprofit organization has a mission “to provide specially selected and professionally trained service dogs to individuals with special needs and veterans disabled by mobility impairments, seizures, diabetes, autism and post traumatic stress.”
BRAD trains each service dog to perform a minimum of three of several basic life skills. These include opening and closing doors, retrieving objects which have fallen or are out of reach, turning lights off and on, alerting for seizures or diabetic crises, bracing someone with mobility issues and retrieving items from the refrigerator. BRAD has trained and placed 24 dogs since its opening. Before placing a dog, BRAD tests the animal’s temperament and obedience in a variety of settings and situations. Recipients also go through a screening process where BRAD assesses their need and suitability for dog ownership. The cost for obtaining the dog varies. To recipients of these specially trained pooches, BRAD offers the opportunity to enjoy fuller, more independent lives. BRAD board of directors member Jen Jones gave the example of an area woman plagued by frequent seizures. When the condition strikes, her assistance dog summons help by calling 911 on a customized phone and barking into the receiver. “This allows her to live alone. Without the dog, she would probably need to move into assisted living,” said Jones.
In coming months, you will see more in Prince William Living about Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs. BRAD’s prize package includes an article on the organization to kick off the 2014 Giving Back Award, and 12 months of print advertising and social media updates to let our readers know about this impactful community organization. Additionally, Prince William Living staff will participate in a volunteer project with Blue Ridge. To learn more about Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs, including how you can support its mission through donations or volunteerism, visit blueridgeassistancedogs.com or call 703-369-5878.
Thank You Thanks to all who nominated and voted for their favorite community organizations. Your entries were a reminder of how lucky we are to have so many people dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in greater Prince William. It is our hope that you, too, will be inspired, finding ways to give back and support the efforts of area nonprofits. To read about the work of organizations in our community, and for ideas on volunteer opportunities, visit princewilliamliving.com/category/giving-back. We think you will quickly find that giving back comes with its own reward, as you gain a sense of fulfillment and community while making Prince William the best it can be.
prince william living January 2014 | 21
giving back
Soroptimists Improve Lives of Women, Girls By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer
P
rince William is home to two chapters of Soroptimist International, a global organization of women professionals working to improve the lives of women and girls.
Organizers formed a chapter in Manassas 58 years ago. A club in Woodbridge was established 21 years later. Each has about 25 active members. The clubs, like their parent organization, identify women’s and girls’ needs and address them through awards, grants, scholarships and service, also working to raise awareness of women’s and girls’ issues locally and around the world. The first Soroptimist club was founded in 1921 in Oakland, Calif. The organization has since grown to 3,000 chapters and 95,000 members in 120 countries. “Soroptimist” comes from the Latin “soror,” meaning “sister,” and “optima,” meaning “best.” Laura Jones, a retired aerospace systems engineer and vice president of Soroptimist International of Woodbridge, said club members are, at heart, “women at their best, helping other women to be their best.”
Supports Programs Benefiting Women and Girls Soroptimist International awards grants to support the efforts of organizations that improve the lives of women. Local nonprofit agencies that have received financial support from the Manassas club include ACTS (Action in Community through Service of Prince William, Inc.); Transitional Housing BARN, Inc.; BEACON for Adult Literacy; Fauquier Faith Partners, Inc.; Youth For Tomorrow; and the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life® “for the great work they do for women and girls,” said Becky Goodman, president of Soroptimist International of Manassas. “We also send an annual educational grant to a young Guatemalan girl or woman who is going to the equivalent of a vocational school,” Goodman said. The Woodbridge club sends educational grants to Guatemala and Haiti as well, Jones said. Goodman said she first saw Soroptimist members in action in 2009 when she worked for Transitional Housing BARN, Inc., a 22 | January 2014 prince william living
Bristow organization that provides shelter to homeless women and their children and teaches life skills. A $4,000 national grant from Soroptimist International enabled the Manassas club to renovate BARN’s life skills room, she said. “That room was drab,” said Goodman. The Manassas group painted, decorated and furnished the space, working with a designer to make the layout more “Zen,” she said. “They turned an unwelcoming room into a peaceful gathering place for the women at BARN. It was really something to admire and appreciate,” Goodman said.
Furthers Education, Volunteerism Additionally, Soroptimist International provides financial awards. The Violet Richardson Award, named after the organization’s first U.S. club president, is given to young women ages 14 to 17 in recognition of outstanding volunteer activities. The Ruby Award honors women making extraordinary differences in the lives of other females. Soroptimist scholarships are also available to help women and girls reach professional and educational goals. The Women’s Opportunity Award is given to a female household head attending or accepted to a vocational skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Award recipients include a mother of six children, Jones said. She works at McDonalds and attends college. “Her goal is to pay it forward by helping women who are coming out of prison,” Jones said. Soroptimist International of Woodbridge also gave 10 education awards in 2013. Recipients were students ranging from elementary school age to college senior.
Lends Helping Hand Jones said that for her club, service includes offering supplies and clothing year-round to those in need, and for the holidays “adopting” families who can use help and whose children attend
Photo courtesy Diane Bennett
Soroptimist International of Manassas officers, left to right: Deborah Mackes, regional secretary of Soroptimist South Atlantic Region; Becky Goodman, president; Dede Rutherford, vice president; Mary Raggio, secretary; Linda Simms, treasurer; and longtime member Jane Stron.
Dumfries Elementary School. Members also offer support to homeless shelter residents of ACTS, an emergency services assistance organization in Dumfries. In one case, they worked with a high school senior who, despite living in the shelter and having no family, maintained excellent grades, said Jones. The group raised funds for her to attend prom and college interviews, she said.
YTF Director of Program Services Dr. Courtney Gaskins a Ruby Award in 2013 for her work in this area. “I feel very passionate about this issue,” said Jones. “I have a 10-yearold granddaughter, and when I hear about the atrocities against these young women and girls, it makes me want to do something.”
Calling for Participants
When she was accepted into college, members gave her a laptop, cell phone and dorm furnishings, along with additional scholarships over the years, Jones said. Now a college senior, the young woman has been accepted into a nursing program. “We’ve taken her all the way through with her academic studies … [and] helped her achieve her goals,” said Jones.
Goodman and Jones invite everyone to participate in their clubs’ fundraising and awareness events, volunteer their time or become members. To raise funds, the Woodbridge club hosts an annual art auction and fashion show, while Manassas Soroptimists hold an annual gala. Both club presidents said that the more money their chapters can raise through these types of events, the more they can help women.
Raising Awareness
“I like to tell people at our fundraisers that it’s not just our members who are helping these women and girls overcome obstacles,” said Jones. “It’s them, too, because of their community and financial support.”
Women’s issues that both clubs raise awareness about include teen dating, domestic and workplace violence and child abuse, Goodman said. For the past three years, Soroptimist International of Manassas has held a symposium to also increase public awareness of human trafficking, she said. This year, the Woodbridge club will co-sponsor the event, scheduled Feb. 1 at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center in Manassas. Soropomists will show the documentary “Not My Life,” and a panel of experts, including retired FBI Special Agent Greg Bristol, will give a presentation and answer questions. Bristol investigated sex trafficking cases and now trains police on how to work with victims and spot signs of human trafficking. “[Trafficking’s] happening here, in Prince William County,” said Goodman, adding that Bristow-based Youth For Tomorrow (YTF) “has some really solid success stories of girls that they have helped escape from this life of abuse and slavery.” She said her club gave
Goodman acknowledged that club involvement offers benefits for members as well. “These are positive women,” she explained. “We reach out to each other and support one another in our goals.” Soroptimist International of Manassas meets the second Thursday each month, and invites the public to an “Empowering Women and Girls” forum on the fourth Thursday. Both meetings are at 6 p.m. at Mimi’s Cafe in Gainesville. For more details, visit www.simanassas.org. Soroptimist International of Woodbridge (www.si-woodbridge.org) meets the fourth Thursday monthly at 6:30 p.m. at Westminster at Lake Ridge. Manassas resident and freelance writer Cindy Brookshire is a frequent contributor to Prince William Living. She can be reached at cbrookshire@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2014 | 23
home & hearth Creating a “Healthy” Home By Vickie Williamson Custom Framer and Interior Designer
s we make our resolutions, this is a time to improve our lives. While most of us declare we will finally lose those 10 pounds that stand in our way to perfection, we should also remember to focus some of our attention on the health of our home.
A
Where others have branches, we have roots.
Simple Steps to a Healthier Home: ■ Safeguard your bathroom, the home’s most dangerous room. Keep cords away from water and make sure the tub/shower floor has a slip-proof surface. This is especially important for young children and the elderly. ■ Lower the hot water heater’s heat setting to alleviate scalding temperatures, and check manufacturer’s instructions for your dishwasher; many require higher temperature settings. Consider installing a water heater timer for your family’s varied usage needs. ■ Use “green” cleaning products as a responsible choice for keeping your house clean while also creating a safer environment for your family. ■ Change HVAC air filters at least every three months. This will result in cleaner air for you and a “healthier” HVAC system. ■ Install proper lighting and skid-proof surfacing on stairways, inside and outdoors, to reduce the risk of falls. ■ Clean carpets with a mixture of vinegar, alcohol, cleaning solution and warm water to help keep carpets fungus free. Regular vacuuming (at least once per week) keeps dirt and allergens under control. ■ Use an air purifier to reduce the level of airborne contaminants. This can be especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
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These are relatively uncomplicated ways to improve your home and life. I don’t know about you, but it’s probably an easier goal than losing those darn 10 pounds I swear every Jan. 1 that I will shed. Prince William resident Vickie Williamson owns Fine Design Custom Framing & Interiors in Woodbridge. She has worked in the fine art, framing and decorating industry for more than 25 years and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
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local flavor
Volcano Hot Stone Grill An Interactive Dining Experience By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer
I
t was an unsuccessful search to find a unique restaurant to celebrate their wedding anniversary that led Gainesville couple James and Barbara McGillivray to open one of their own. While looking for a special place to eat in Gainesville, James McGillivray recalled a dining experience from a vacation in Singapore 12 years ago. There, he enjoyed a meal of healthful food cooked on a hot rock and seasoned with salt harvested from the Himalayas. The pair decided to harness this concept themselves, opening Volcano Hot Stone Grill in Gainesville on Sept. 25, 2012. The eatery incorporates their desire to promote healthier eating and a fun and interactive dining experience, the McGillivrays said. James McGillivray brings to their new business more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry. He has operated both fine dining and family restaurants, as well as cafeterias, resort bars and conference services. He was general manager for a number of hotels and resorts over the years, 26 | January 2014 prince william living
including the Westin Washington Dulles Airport, as well as Blue Mountain Resorts Limited in Ontario, Canada, where he worked for several years as a member of the executive team. Barbara McGillivray was also employed there.
Cook It to Your Taste Volcano Hot Stone Grill’s interactive dining experience includes appetizers and desserts served fondue style, with small pieces of food that can be dipped into hot oil for cooking or sauce for flavoring. Main entrees arrive with an extremely hot volcanic stone slab upon which patrons can cook their own food. “A server will bring a plate with a hot volcanic rock for each person. Each rock will be about 550 degrees Fahrenheit,” said James McGillivray. “To reach this temperature, the rocks are heated for approximately five to seven hours in specially designed ovens.” Depending on the entree, servers bring the meat partially cooked or completely raw for customers to cook to taste.
Volcanic rocks are thought to cook food in a healthier manner than conventional Western methods, the McGillivrays explained. “It is a pure form of cooking with no marinating, no processed food used, with Himalayan salt used as the main seasoning,” Barbara McGillivray said.
Photo courtesy Volcano Hot Stone Grill
The often-pinkish Himalayan salt is mined by hand and found deep within the Himalayan Mountains, she added. It contains several minerals and is believed to provide numerous health benefits, she said, making it preferable to cooking with iodized salt. “[Himalayan salt] is the main seasoning and it is used in a system that complements a high-quality, more healthier meal. It allows the consumer to try different meats in a simple manner, and, therefore, taste the real flavor of the meat,” she said. This focus on healthier dining extends to other ingredients used at the restaurant. “We also serve a lot of salads and vegetable dishes. We choose lean meats, such as bison, which are also lower in cholesterol, and we trim the fat to create a [healthful] meal,” said Barbara McGillivray. “We create gluten-free meals by substituting the bread for dipping with our fresh vegetables.” Executive Chef Marco Ortube has also created in-house dipping sauces, using ingredients such as horseradish and red wine. Each entree is served with these sauces.
Also Offers Taste of Exotic
Tamer palettes can still enjoy burgers and the classic tenderloin steak, from grain-fed cattle and imported from New Zealand. “What sets it apart from other steaks is that each bite is equally as tender because you are cooking each piece individually,” said customer Kara Graham of Manassas. The restaurant also offers bison steak. Manassas resident Travis Cox and his friend Camila Perez, visiting from North Carolina, followed the recommendations of friends to try Volcano Hot Stone Grill. “We had the cheese fondue for an appetizer, and it was very good,” said Cox, adding that they needed reservations for the popular dining spot. “We have a lot of regulars now that have been built up through word of mouth,” James McGillivray said.
Plan Your Dining Adventure The restaurant’s “Lava Bar,” adjacent to the dining area, offers $5 appetizers and cocktails from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. “It’s a
Photo courtesy Olivia Overman
In addition to American fare, Volcanic Hot Stone Grill’s menu offerings include a variety of exotic meats, such as rabbit sausage, kangaroo, elk, wild boar, camel and llama. These appear on the “Wild Plate” menu, which changes regularly based on availability. The McGillivrays use a New Jersey supplier, who ships their orders overnight, James McGillivray said. The restaurant’s volcanic rocks come from a supplier located in San Jose, Calif. Meat is served on hot volcanic rock. Appetizers and desserts are fondue style.
place where people like to come for a drink after work or gather before their table is ready,” said James McGillivray. The bar also has specialty, sharable “erupting” drinks. Volcano Hot Stone Grill, which is located at 14706 Lee Highway in Gainesville, opens at 4 p.m. daily, with the last seating at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Give a minimum of 48 hours prior notice, and the restaurant will open for lunch for groups of 10 or more. Private parties can also be booked. To learn more or make reservations, visit www.volcanohotstone.com or call 571-421-2710.
A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman writes articles for online and print publications. Overman can be reached at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2014 | 27
your finances Handling Family Finances: Answers from a Financial Advisor By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor
ave questions about your family finances? You are not alone. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.
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calendar “First Day Hike”
january
Jan. 1 • 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lee’s Woods Trail Leesylvania State Park 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive / Woodbridge On Jan. 1 all 50 states will offer “First Day” hikes in state parks across the country as a way to promote healthy lifestyles and visiting America’s state parks to start the new year. As part of the promotion, Leesylvania State Park has scheduled a self-guided hike along the two-mile Lee’s Woods Trail, which is of moderate difficulty and with a rich history and beautiful vistas of the Potomac River. Organizers have arranged a scavenger hunt throughout the trail to keep even the youngest hikers interested. For more info, call 703-583-6904 or email leesylvania@dcr.virginia.gov.
“Don’t Dress for Dinner” Auditions
Jan. 4 • 10 a.m. – Noon Jan. 6 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory 9419 Battle Street / Manassas The cast will include three men and three women for the comedy, “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” by Marc Camoletti. The play, produced by the Center for the Arts’ Rooftop Productions, is a hilarious comedy of mistaken identity at every turn. Even the characters aren’t sure which personality they are supposed to be the next time they enter the room. Bring a one- to two-minute monologue. There also will be cold reads from the play, which Vincent Worthington directs. Performances are scheduled at the Center for the Arts’ Kellar Theater on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. March 28 through April 12. For more info, call 703-330-2787 or visit www.center-for-thearts.org.
Manassas Winter Farmers’ Market
Jan. 4, Jan. 11, Jan. 18 and Jan. 25 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lot B Prince William and West Street / Manassas Find fresh produce, meats, beverages, baked goods, artisan crafts and more at the City of
Manassas Farmers’ Market. Includes vendors from within a 150-mile radius of Manassas. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food stamps/coupons accepted. No pets allowed. For more info, contact Annie Blewett at 703-361-6509 or ablewett@historicmanassasinc.org.
“When Families Get Angry” Course Jan. 7, Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sudley North Government Center 7987 Ashton Avenue / Manassas and Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dr. AJ Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Drive / Woodbridge “When Families Get Angry” is a threesession, six-hour course to help parents understand and constructively deal with anger in the home. The course focuses on anger between parents, parents and children and between siblings, recognizing influences from outside forces. Registration is required; walk-ins are not accepted. A certificate is awarded upon course completion. $40 per individual or couple and includes class materials. Childcare is not available. For class schedules and registration, visit www.pwcgov.org/parenting. The course is also offered in Spanish every Thursday Jan. 9-23 at 7 p.m. at the Sudley North Government Center. For more info, call the Prince William County Virginia Cooperative Extension at 703-792-6288.
Health Insurance Marketplace Educational Information Sessions Jan. 8 and Jan. 22 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Greater Prince William Community Health Center 4379 Ridgewood Center Drive / Woodbridge Receive education and enrollment assistance from certified assistance counselors fully trained in the enrollment process for the health insurance marketplace program. Also learn about health care-related tax credits and financial assistance available, meet the Greater Prince William Community Center health care providers and tour the facility. Families welcome. Dinner will be held at 6 p.m.;
session begins at 6:30 p.m. Free. Reservations are required. For more info or to make reservations, call 703-670-8960 (extensions 3311, 3312 or 3219).
Reception with Artist Ann Marie Coolick Jan. 9 • 6:30 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center Buchanan Partners Arts Gallery 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Using only palette knives and paint straight from the tube, Ann Marie Coolick is an impasto painter focusing on contemporary landscapes. Attend a reception with the artist, whose work is on exhibition at the Hylton Performing Arts Center until Jan. 25. Enjoy light refreshments by Wegmans and a complimentary wine tasting by WineStyles of Montclair. Hylton Center gallery receptions are free and open to the public. To attend, RSVP to Hylton@gmu.edu.
“A Coffee House Concert Collection” Jan. 11 • 7 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Woodbridge Dance Company, joined by guest artists from Capitol Movement, Inc., of Washington, D.C., will put on a performance incorporating contemporary styles, including jazz, hip-hop and tap, with regional choreographers presenting innovative new works. Enjoy a free preshow coffee bar and reception in the lobby starting at 6 p.m. For tickets, call 888-945-2468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org.
Dance Etc. School of the Arts Annual Winter Concert Jan. 11 • 7 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center Gregory Family eater 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Dance Etc. School of the Arts presents its 33rd annual concert featuring performances by faculty and selected students of the school’s dance and music departments. Guest artists, the Woodbridge Flute Choir, will perform “Balcony,” an original piece written for flute ensembles. Ballet students and singer Dana Boyle will perform the “New
Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar. 30 | January 2014 prince william living
Discover Prince William & Manassas
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he days of winter are upon us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate at home and catch up on television. Despite the cold weather, there are numerous attractions and activities to discover in Prince William and Manassas.
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Explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps the second Saturday of every month when the free, interactive museum hosts “Family Day.” Participate in hands-on educational activities while learning about the history of the Marine Corps, and then grab lunch in the “Tun Tavern” mess hall.
Ann Marie Maher President and CEO
Not far from the museum, take on the challenge of a game of laser Discover Prince William & Manassas tag at Laser Quest, located in Woodbridge near Potomac Mills Mall. Laser Quest offers a multi-level arena, complete with music, fog and all the equipment needed to play a high-tech game of tag. Afterward, take in a movie at AMC Potomac Mills 18 & IMAX, followed by a burger at renowned chef Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burger Palace. Or take to the ice. The Prince William Ice Center in Woodbridge features NHL- and Olympic-sized rinks, and the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas houses an outdoor ice rink during the winter months. While in Old Town Manassas, don’t forget to also explore the Manassas Museum, quaint shops and eclectic restaurants.
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Facebook.com/pwcman Facebook.com/pwcmanassas
If your kids like adventure, sign them up for a youth team program at Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing Center in Manassas. The facility has programs for new and experienced rock climbers, age 5 and older. For a more low-key family adventure, attend the “Hylton Family Series” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Two upcoming shows include Imago Theatre’s “Frogz” (Feb. 8), combining dance, circus arts and illusions, and “Happily Ever After – A Cinderella Tale” (March 23). For more ideas on how to spend these crisp days, visit DiscoverPWM.com. Ann Marie Maher is the president and CEO of Discover Prince William & Manassas. For more information about what’s going on in Prince William and Manassas, visit DiscoverPWM.com. World Symphony,” by Antonín Leopold Dvoˇrák. The two-hour concert will highlight performances by contemporary, jazz and tap dancers. Adults: $15; Seniors: $12; Children age 10 and younger: $12. For more info, visit www.hyltoncenter.org.
“Paws to Read” Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 • 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Avenue / Manassas Young readers ages 5 through 11 are invited to practice reading aloud to a therapy dog. Bring your own book or use one of the library’s. The program allows readers to practice their skills with a
friendly and non-critical listener. Dropins are welcome. For more info, visit www.pwcgov.org/library or call 703-335-8872.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Class Jan. 11-12 and Jan. 18-19 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street / Manassas Park Become certified to lifeguard. Participants must attend all classes and be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Upon completion of class, participants will be certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid, CPR/AED for (continues on page 32)
1-800-432-1792 DiscoverPWM.com prince william living January 2014 | 31
(continued from page 31 Lifeguards. For more info, including prerequisites, call 703-792-4500 or visit manassasparkcommunitycenter.com.
YOPW “Tribute to Carol Tumbleson Taylor”
january
Jan. 12 • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Join members, staff, alumni and friends of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William (YOPW) for an afternoon tribute and remembrance of Carol Tumbleson Taylor, who was executive director of YOPW from 1997 to 2008. She lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in January 2008. Event proceeds will be donated to the Carol Tumbleson Taylor Scholarship Fund, which provides deserving YOPW musicians with the funds to pursue their musicianship with a private teacher. Tickets are $15 per adult and $12 for seniors and all students with a valid student ID. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 888-945-2468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org or the Hylton Center box office.
Prince William Chamber of Commerce “Salute to the Armed Services”
Jan. 14 • 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Harbour View 13200 Marina Way, Ste 101 / Woodbridge Join area business leaders as they honor active duty service members and veterans from across greater Prince William. Invited speakers include Fort Belvoir and Quantico Marine Corps Base commanders and decorated U.S. Navy veteran Paul Galanti, an inductee into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. The commanders will give updates on their posts and offer special recognition to outstanding soldiers. Tickets are $35 for chamber members, $50 for non-members and include lunch. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 703-368-6600 or visit pwchamber.org/events/calendar.
“Family Fun”
Jan. 15 and Jan. 29 • 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Central Community Library 8601 Mathis Avenue / Manassas “Family Fun” is an interactive program for children of all ages and their caregivers. It may contain stories, songs, games, crafts or
32 | January 2014 prince william living
dancing. As a special incentive during January, each program will feature a random drawing for a family pack of tickets to Imago Theatre’s “Frogz,” Feb. 8 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Attend all the library’s children’s programs for more chances to win. For more info, call 703-361-8211 or visit www.pwcgov.org/library.
Scotch Whisky Master Class with Dougie Wylie Jan. 18 • 2 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center Gregory Family eater 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Take a memorable journey down historical Scottish whisky trails with Dougie Wylie, the “Scotch Whisky Man.” Sample Scotch whisky from the Lowlands to the Highlands and from the islands to small distilleries on the mainland of Scotland. Learn the distinctive qualities of each whisky with every sip. This is a “Hylton in the Highlands: A Taste of Scotland” event. Tickets: $45. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 888-945-2468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org or the Hylton Center box office.
Woodbridge Music Club Song Recital Jan. 18 • 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Westminster at Lake Ridge 12191 Clipper Drive / Lake Ridge The Woodbridge Music Club will present a song recital featuring soprano Nancy MacArthur Smith, with Gary Fitzgerald on piano and Sara Smith on French horn. They will perform works by famous composers George Frideric Handel, Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, Francis Poulenc, Georges Bizet, Richard Strauss, Franz Schubert and others. For more info, visit woodbridgemusicclub.org.
“The Wizard of Oz” Jan. 25 • 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 26 • 4 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center Merchant Hall 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Pied Piper Theatre of the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory celebrates the 75th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” with a musical stage production of the classic. Follow the Yellow Brick Road and join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they sing and dance their way through the land of Oz to
the Emerald City. $12 per adult and $10 per child age 12 and younger. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 888-9452468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org or the Hylton Center box office.
Burns Night Supper Jan. 25 • 6 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center Gregory Family eater 10960 George Mason Circle / Manassas Celebrate one of Scotland’s longest standing traditions when the Hylton Performing Arts Center pays tribute to Scotland’s national bard, poet and lyricist Robert Burns. This formal dinner will include all the pomp and pageantry fit to celebrate Burns’ life and works and will include a special musical performance by the award-winning duo Elke Baker and Ken Kolodner, a poetry reading, a Scotch whisky tasting by the Glenfiddich Distillery and the presentation of Scotland’s national dish: haggis. This is a “Hylton in the Highlands: A Taste of Scotland” event. Tickets: $97. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 888-9452468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org or the Hylton Center box office.
Author Robert Pohl Book Talk Jan. 26 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street / Manassas Robert Pohl, who has authored several books, will speak about one of his latest, “Urban Legends & Historic Lore of Washington, D.C.” The nation’s capital is home to colorful rumors and tall tales. Learn the truth as Pohl takes readers on a tour of the historic lore and urban legends that surround the monuments, neighborhood streets and Metro stations of Washington, D.C. Pohl has been a licensed D.C. tour guide since 2009 and writes a regular column for the local newspaper Hill Rag and the blog, “The Hill Is Home.” All are welcome to this free event. For more info, call 703-368-1873 or visit http://visitmanassas.org/event.
All calendar events listed on Prince William Living’s online and print calendars are subject to change. Check with the organization holding the event to verify dates, times and locations.
How to Recycle Your Christmas Greenery
O
nce the festivities are over, don’t throw away your holiday greenery. Instead, give your Christmas tree, wreath and boughs a new life. Simply remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel and nails. Do not bag or tie the greenery. Then, use one of these recycling options: ■ Prince William County Landfill | 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas: You can bring greenery for recycling Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed on New Year’s Day. ■ Balls Ford Road Compost Facility | 13000 Balls Ford Road in Manassas: To have them composted, drop off trees Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed New Year’s Day. ■ Leesylvania State Park | 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge: Trees may be dropped off at Shelter 2 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily and will be used for animal habitat. ■ Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) | 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville: You can drop off trees through Jan. 13 in the parking lot to the right of the building, in
the area outlined with safety cones. NOVEC will mulch the greenery, delivering the mulch to its customers upon request free of charge. Call 703-335-0500 ext. 1633 for information. ■ City of Manassas | Curbside Pickup: Every Monday through the end of January, city residents may place trees outside their home for curbside recycling. All decorations, tinsel and lights must be removed prior to placing on the curb. (Not sure if you live in city boundaries? Call 703-257-8200 to find out.) Additionally, some trash collection companies may offer curbside tree recycling. Call your provider for details. To stay “green” all year long, visit pwcgov.org/trashandrecycling for information on recycling in Prince William.
Share Your Inspiration: Influential Women Awards
T
hrough Jan. 5, we are accepting nominations for the 2014 Influential Women Awards, influential women award honoring local female leaders who inspire others through their professional achievements, charitable works or ability to improve every life they touch. Visit princewilliamliving.com/influentialwomen for more information, to view nominees and to submit nominations. The top five nominees will be featured in the March issue of Prince William Living. To follow updates on social media, look for hashtag #pwlInfluentialWomen.
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tambourines and elephants Don’t Touch By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Contributing Writer
I recently watched a grinning 13-year-old flap his arms in an attempt to take flight while running up to his mother. “Mom!” he yelled while enveloping her in his featherless wings. “Mommy,” I heard him whisper. He stepped back, gave her a high-five and, while looking back at his friends, placed his arm around his mother’s diminutive shoulders and thanked her for an “awesome day.” Separating himself from the rest of the group, my son galloped over to the car and gave me a hug, also followed by a high-five. Maybe a clap in the air adds testosterone to the gratitude. The rest of the boys were laughing and finding their way to their parents or rides home. Everyone was in a jovial mood. It would be insulting to use the word “giggling” when describing teens and tweens, so masculine guffaws could be heard across the parking lot. I have been repeatedly told that as our children grow and mature, a natural distance develops between us. They show neither emotion nor respect. It’s not just expected, but also acceptable for our progeny to be rude as they enter the double-digit years. Although many parents try to maintain the reliance started in infancy, thus creating an inept adult, it is interesting to watch some actually push their youth toward independence. A friend of mine, who teaches in another state, works where many of the students walk to and from the school. She shared with me the story of one little boy who takes a daily gallop to his mother when she unfailingly meets him. He jumps in her arms, wraps his legs around her, squeezes her tightly, gives her a big kiss and asks her how her day was. She reciprocates with an equally huge smile and as they walk away together, hand in hand, they discuss their respective days in detail. My friend doesn’t know anything else about him, such as his birth order or even if he has siblings. He isn’t in the grade she teaches, which simply means he’s probably older than 5. She doesn’t know if he does well in school or if he has friends. As a new teacher, she is just beginning to learn about the families in the neighborhood. So this child is currently a mystery. This dynamic duo consistently brings a smile to my friend’s face no matter how rough her day was. One day, as she was supervising the dismissal of her students, a co-worker walked up behind and decided to voice her derision for the mom-son team. “That is so inappropriate,” she uttered in my friend’s ear. “She needs to let go and cut that umbilical cord. He’ll never be independent.” Side by side these professional educators have vastly different opinions on how maternal affection should be displayed in the school yard.
I remember when I used to stand by the bus stop with my then secondgrader. He would play with his friends while I sipped coffee and chatted with mine. When it was time for goodbyes, he and I would always hug, wish each other a great day, I would redundantly tell him to make good decisions, we would kiss briefly, and he would leap onto the bus in a single bound. One day, he told me he shouldn’t give me a kiss or a hug while in front of friends and mass transportation peers. Although I was shocked, the other parents could only giggle and tell me it was to be expected.
“I have been repeatedly told that as our children grow and mature, a natural distance develops between us. They show neither emotion nor respect.”
Expected? I looked at him. I have historically employed the technique of silent staring when I am at a loss for words. It usually captures his attention and elicits a level of curiosity. “It’s not about you or your friends,” I simply explained. “It’s about me and your family. It helps me through the day. Moms do a lot for their kids, and this is what we need in return.” Oh my gosh, it worked. Here I was talking to a 7-year-old about showing affection to his parents in public, and he bought it. I am still surprised. Since then, with or without an audience, he has never walked away from a hug, a wish of luck or peck on the cheek. In fact, he has even initiated it at times. Even though he is now a Star-ranked Boy Scout, loves week-long camps without his parents, enjoys solitude and seeks time alone with his friends, perhaps that disapproving teacher will still be right and my oldest child will end up eating cheese curls in my basement while wearing only undergarments. Until then, bounding across a parking lot and flapping his arms, all with a grin on his face, is completely acceptable. Sometimes, it’s just what a mom needs.
DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living. prince william living January 2014 | 35
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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: Appliance Connection Minnieland 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow Christ Chapel 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow 13909 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge City of Manassas 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge 9027 Center Street, Manassas 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge Crossroads Realty 5255 Merchants View Square, Haymarket 17201 Wayside Drive, Dumfries 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville 15040 Heathcote Boulevard, Gainesville Discover Prince William & Manassas 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair Edward Kelly Leadership Center 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas 2100 Rippon Boulevard, Woodbridge GEICO Dave Stinson, Sr. 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas 6446 Trading Square, Haymarket 4290 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas Historic Manassas Inc 4300 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Visitor’s Center at the Train Depot 9431 West Street, Manassas Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road Manassas Christian Academy Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas Prince William Association of Realtors Manassas Christian School 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas Manassas Park City Schools One Park Center Court, Suite A, Manassas Park
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Get a sneak peek of your new hospital Join us to celebrate the opening of Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center Saturday, Feb. 22, Noon to 3 p.m. You deserve a healthcare partner who will be there for you when and where you need it. That’s why we’re opening Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center at 15225 Heathcote Blvd. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for a behind-the-scenes, pre-opening peek at your new hospital, which combines all the expertise of our four-state integrated health system with the high-quality care and state-of-the-art technology you expect. Be sure to make it by noon so you don’t miss the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours conclude with light refreshments and goodies. Bring family, friends and neighbors to celebrate all that this means for our community. Discover how we’re ready to transform your health and wellness experience.
We look forward to seeing you Feb. 22. Learn more at NovantHealth.org/haymarket.