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WATER FUN
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BLUE RIDGE SEAFOOD
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BUT WAIT
prince william living August 2014
The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
FASHION: Beyond the Trends PAGE 4
Silver Lake Regional Park PAGE 12
Good Shepherd Housing Foundation PAGE 22 www.princewilliamliving.com
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table of contents August 2014 Vol. 4 No. 8
FEATURE STORY Fashion: Beyond the Trends ..................................4
DEPARTMENTS from the publisher..................................................3 advertiser index......................................................3
4 Photo courtesy Heather Paulding
on a high note Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: Making Classical Music Accessible to All Audiences ..........10 destinations Silver Lake Regional Park: A World Away................12 taking care of business Ellalyne Brayman: Elevating Fashion in Prince William ....................................................16 family fun Where to Find Water Fun in Prince William ........18 giving back Good Shepherd Housing Foundation: Helping Prince William’s Most Vulnerable Residents ............................................22
16 Photo courtesy Labella Bridal
local flavor Blue Ridge Seafood: 35 Years of Fresh-from-the-Sea Favorites ................................26 calendar ..............................................................30 tambourines and elephants But Wait ..............................................................35
COLUMNS health & wellness ................................................14 home & hearth ....................................................24 your finances ......................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas ..............31
26 Photo by Linda Hughes
prince william living August 2014 | 1
The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Amanda Causey, Carla Christiano, Audrey Harman, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Dr. Christopher Leet, Ann Marie Maher, Peter Lineberry, Olivia Overman, Jen Rader, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Bennett Whitlock, Vickie Williamson Editor in Chief Emily Guerrero Copy & Production Editors Peter Lineberry, Val Wallace Photographers Amanda Causey, Sean Floars, Linda Hughes
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
Marketing Director Amanda Causey Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Online Submission Managers Paul Keily, Rebekah Pitts Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty, Marcus Wilson 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, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.
2 | August 2014 prince william living
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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 Ending Summer With Style
A
s summer comes to a close, back-to-school and fashion sales dominate my inbox and mailbox. While trying to squeeze in the last of summer, I’m supposed to be planning our fall wardrobes, with style and panache no less. However, I like to call my personal style, “deja vu:” I throw open the closet, pray something fits, and hope that it’s so far out of style that it is back in again. Enter this month’s feature, “Fashion: Beyond the Trends” (page 4). You won’t find pictures of runway models in less-thanpractical garb or clothing that cost more than my car. Instead, this story by Amanda Causey takes a look at how to develop a look that suits you, along with tips for saving time and money when building your wardrobe. One local resource for fashion guidance is Ellalyne Brayman, owner of Labella Bridal in Occoquan. In “Taking Care of Business” on page 16, Jen Rader talks to Brayman about her journey into entrepreneurship, which stretches from social work in Europe to a stint working with Vera Wang. Of course, don’t let the fall catalogs sound an early end to summer. There’s plenty of warm weather fun to be had in Prince
Advertiser Index ACTS ..........................................................................................36 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management ............................29 Apple FCU ................................................................................29 Bankers Life ................................................................................8 Best Western Battlefield Inn ....................................................25 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................29 CASA..........................................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................15 Crossfit Agathos ........................................................................19 Crossroads Realtors ................................................................28 Dance Etc...................................................................................32 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................20 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Emeritus at Lake Ridge ............................................................32 Frame Magic Video ..................................................................21 Frugal Rooter/Plumberologist..................................................32 FURR Roofing............................................................................20 GEICO ........................................................................................29 Harbour View ............................................................................34 Historic Manassas, Inc. ............................................................32 Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 Interior Eloquence ....................................................................36 Keep Prince William Beautiful..................................................36 Leanda Photographic ..............................................................36 Lillis Photography ....................................................................36 Linton Hall School ....................................................................21
William. Take the family to Silver Lake Regional Park, covered in “Destinations” on page 12. Carla Christiano looks at how this 230-acre, passive recreational area came to be, and highlights this area retreat from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. Another local “getaway” is Blue Ridge Seafood, featured in “Local Flavor” on page 26. From its weathered wooden exterior to an extensive menu of fresh seafood, a trip to this Gainesville eatery is like bringing the beach to you. Without getting stuck on the Bay Bridge! Also in this issue are Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, Good Shepherd Housing Foundation, investment advice, health news and one household’s forbidden words. Hint: don’t ever tell “Tambourines & Elephants” author DeeDee Corbitt Sauter that you are bored—especially when there are so many different ways to be #pwliving!
Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher
Madison Cresent ......................................................................32 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 Manassas Christian School ......................................................19 Novant Health ..........................................................................C4 Patriot Scuba ............................................................................25 Peggy and Bill Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC ..............24 Piedmont Physical Therapy........................................................8 Potomac Place ............................................................................8 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................15 Prince William County Fair ......................................................14 Prince William Ice Center..........................................................19 Prince William Library System ................................................19 Prince William OBGYN ............................................................19 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 SPARK ........................................................................................15 Spectrum Resurfacing........................................................25, 36 Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center ....................................14 Tackett’s Mill Center ..................................................................21 The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT ..........................36 The Point at Park Station............................................................8 Tiny Dancers ............................................................................20 Town of Occoquan-Arts & Crafts Show ..................................21 VanEch Studio ..........................................................................32 Vintage Moving & Storage ................................................25, 36 Vision Finders Design ..............................................................36 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ......................................................34 Winestyles ..................................................................................8 Yellow Cab ................................................................................36
prince william living August 2014 | 3
Fashion: Beyond the Trends By Amanda Causey
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hat is fashion, or style? And how do you make it work for you? At the individual level, clothing has evolved from garb to protect us from the elements into a form of personal expression. Outfits can communicate social status, subculture (goth, punk, etc.), mood or even favorite brands. On a larger scale, fashion is a multi-billion dollar global industry with huge economic, political and cultural impact. As demonstrated in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada,” strategic research and marketing often determines what is available and popular to wear. In the film, fashionista Miranda Priestly (played by actress Meryl Streep) chastises an intern who thinks that fashion trends don’t inform her choices. “That blue [sweater] represents millions of dollars and countless jobs,” explained Priestly, “and it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you.”
What we wear can also reflect current pop culture phenomena, such as the disco era’s notorious polyester men’s pantsuits or 4 | August 2014 prince william living
Photos courtesy Mama Fashion Files
Short product life cycles, erratic consumer demand and an abundance of product variety also characterize the industry. Constant change is a hallmark of fashion. What is new soon becomes old, and what was old becomes retro and cool again. The bell bottoms of the 1960s reemerged as today’s boot-cut or flare jeans, and flipped-up collars from the 1980s tried to sneak back into fashion a few years ago.
grunge rock’s wrinkled flannel shirts, which Vogue described as a “Goodwill aesthetic.” There’s also the workout leotard of the 1980s, popularized by fitness celebrities such as Jane Fonda, and the now ubiquitous yoga pants worn by women everywhere. Locally, Prince William is home to a full spectrum of fashion options. Shoppers can find national brands at Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge and at Manassas Mall as well as at numerous shopping centers throughout the area, such as Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge and Virginia Gateway in Gainesville. Additionally, more unique styles are available at local boutiques, such as The Clothesline in Occoquan and Off the Hook in Manassas.
Finding a Style of Your Own With so many options and influences in the fashion world, though, how do you develop a look that is all your own? “I know what I like. So when I am out, and I see something, I can take five minutes to try it on and buy it,” said Prince William native and selfavowed fashion addict Andrea Whaley, who works at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “I don’t typically go out and drop a lot of money at one time. It’s just something Aracely Collins models trends for women and kids on her fashion and I integrate into my lifestyle blog, Mama Fashion Files. everyday life.” Whaley caught the fashion bug while employed at a high-end retail store years ago. “I got into different designers and started wearing higher-end stuff,” she said. Whaley pays attention to how other women look in outfits that she likes. “If ... you like their style [and] their body type is similar to yours … you can wear pretty much everything they wear,” she explained. Eric Williams, managing broker of Exit Choice Realty, which is headquartered in Woodbridge, regularly earns compliments on his style, which he developed over time. Williams recommended striking a balance between being cutting-edge and conservative. “I try to stay seasonal with my colors and materials,” he said. Fashion bloggers also have tips that can help. “Never dress for anyone but yourself. Fashion is about letting your unique personality shine,” advised Northern Virginia blogger Heather Paulding, who covers beauty and fashion on her site, www.spunkyrealdeal.com.
Paulding called her style inspiration “clean and classic … Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. I love classic lines that fit with modern times. Trends come and go, but classic is timeless.” Aracely Collins, founder and editor of the blog Mama Fashion Files (www.mamafashionfiles.com), shared her fashion philosophy. “I think how you dress says a lot about who you are. I keep my style classic, but sophisticated, and I watch the trends and incorporate what best works with my style,” she said. “I like looking put together and feeling confident in what I wear as well as staying current, but I’m not buried in a trend where you’re unable to see my true style.” Collins recommended browsing fashion magazines, blogs and Pinterest to see what is on trend and to find styles that appeal to you. “It helps when you know what you’re looking for instead of shopping aimlessly for hours,” she said.
Building a Versatile Foundation of Timeless Style While flair and personal touches are what make fashion fun, the consensus of those interviewed is that both men and women should invest in classic articles of clothing that offer versatility and timeless style. To accomplish this, they must understand which pieces will survive changing fashion trends and which will seem dated by next season. “J. Crew cardigans are a good piece that you can use every season, and you can get them in so many different colors,” said Whaley, who advised going with name brands for wardrobe staples. “Another good piece everyone should have is a simple black maxi dress. You can add layers, wear it with flats, heels, boots and accessorize it with scarves,” she said. “The pencil skirt is a wardrobe staple every girl should own, and it’s a versatile piece, which makes it work year round,” said Collins. “I tend to wear pencil skirts to work with a button-down shirt and pumps, but I have also styled pencil skirts with a t-shirt and Converse sneakers for a more casual look. In the fall/winter I replace the button-down with a cashmere sweater and add tights and booties.” Look around the men’s section at department stores, and you’ll see that men are starting to move beyond the classic three-piece suit. The fashion industry now encourages men to mix and match sports jackets and dress shirts with jeans and casual tops, further personalizing traditional outfits.
Where to Look Once you have an idea of what types of clothing you are looking for, the next step is finding them. In addition to shopping at retail stores (for those who prefer to try on clothes for size), the (continues on page 6) prince william living August 2014 | 5
(continued from page 5)
Get the Look...Locally
These ensembles were pulled together on Polyvore.com, using pieces that can be purchased at stores in Prince William. Pricing and store information: Left: Citizens of Humanity jeans, $299 at South Moon Under; jacket, $50 at H&M; knit v-neck tee, $13 at Old Navy; Jimmy Crystal New York scarf, $130 at Social Butterfly; Sesto Meucci boots, $120 at DSW; earrings, $28 at White House Black Market; bracelet, $30 at LOFT; handbag, $50 at PacSun Internet shopping is another option and provides nearly limitless options. Sites such as www.polyvore.com even offer a virtual shopping experience, allowing users to mix and match pictures of clothing and accessories to preview outfits online. Additionally, Polyvore provides information for both in-store and online purchasing. Local bargain hunters can sift through the many consignment shops and nonprofit thrift stores in Prince William, including Black Swan Boutique in Manassas and ACTS (Action in Community through Service) Thrift Store in Dumfries. “I’ve found over the past few years I’m not willing to pay fullprice retail. So I shop at consignment shops, and there are a lot of them here in Prince William,” Whaley said. Williams is also a thrifting fan. “I go to thrift stores with my daughter because she likes to incorporate that into her style,” he said. Williams said he likes bow ties, “and sometimes I see a good tie sale, but the best ties are at thrift stores.” 6 | August 2014 prince william living
Right: Pants, $60 at Carhartt; Scotch & Soda jacket, $150 at South Moon Under; Polo by Ralph Lauren shirt, $98 at Nordstrom Rack; tie, $80 at Jos. A. Bank; Vans shoes, $55 at DSW; Diesel watch, $195 at Macy’s
Thrifting to Paulding means being able to find designer labels in a low-key environment. “I score Calvin Klein dresses on a daily basis and many other ‘like-new’ designer labels,” she said. “I can also take the babes with less fuss, spend less money and incur less anxiety than at your regular upscale clothing stores.” For super-trendy items that will only be worn for a few seasons, Whaley said that she goes to T.J. Maxx and Target, which both have locations in Prince William. Clothing at these retailers tends to be less expensive than at some other department stores. She also shops at H&M, which can be found at Manassas and Potomac Mills malls and features lower-cost versions of hot fashion trends. “Anything you have ever seen in a fashion magazine is going to be [at H&M] in some way. Anything you would need for any occasion is going to be there,” said Whaley. Collins advised signing up for emails from favorite stores for alerts of sales or new inventory. “I get email sale alerts daily,
Photo courtesy StyleRide
StyleRide Boutique delivers fashion to women throughout Northern Virginia. The mobile fashion truck has everything you'd expect to find in a boutique—jewelry, scarves, handbags, unique clothing and even a dressing room. Locations frequented by the truck include farmers markets, events and clients' homes.
which can be annoying at times, but it’s great when I’m actually looking to shop,” she said. Williams also follows the sales. “I like to look for advertised sales, the buy-one-suit-get-one-free deals that occur around holidays. Over time you accumulate a nice wardrobe,” he said.
Fashion on the Go Of course, not everybody has time to keep up with sales or sift through racks at a thrift store. “Men and women juggle their busy schedules on a daily basis, and it may not be easy to get away to shop, so enlisting the help of a personal stylist/shopper may be an option. Many stores have stylists on hand and are free of charge,” offered Collins. How does she save time while shopping? “I rely on the Internet to do most of my shopping,” she said. “I’m a busy mom and wife who works full-time and maintains a blog. So finding the time to shop at all is a challenge.”
Another option for the time-crunched are mobile boutiques, such as StyleRide, which delivers curated fashion to women in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The company’s truck, filled with clothing and accessories in various price ranges, can be found at festivals, rotating public locations and customers’ homes. Locally, StyleRide, which is based in South Riding, Va., is a vendor at the Gainesville Farmers Market, where its truck can be found Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 14 through September. The market is held at The Marque at Heritage Hunt apartments (13550 Heathcote Blvd.). StyleRide’s truck will also be at the 26th annual Haymarket Day celebration on the town’s main street on Sept. 20. “Our target market is really the suburban woman,” said Jen Nemerow, who co-founded StyleRide with Cindy Perkins. (continues on page 9) prince william living August 2014 | 7
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With a fitting room on the truck and attentive service and style advice from self-appointed “fashionistas,” StyleRide customers can enjoy a boutique experience without spending time in traffic. “We get new merchandise every week, and we keep the truck stocked and fresh at all times,” Nemerow stated.
Photo courtesy Heather Paulding
“There are other [mobile fashion truck companies] in D.C. that cater to younger customers. We are both moms. … We don’t have a 20-something body. We want to carry styles for real women, but we also want you to look fresh, in style and appropriate.”
Time-Saving Fashion Tips Shopping for clothing can be expensive and timeconsuming. These fashion tips can help maximize your time and budget and manage quality versus cost. ■ Analyze and clean. Before you step foot in a store, go through your closet and drawers. Start by clearing out old clothing. If an item hasn’t been worn in a year or more, donate it. With less in your closet, it will be easier to pull together outfits, find new pieces to match existing ones and avoid duplicating an outfit that was languishing in the back of the closet. ■ Browse online. Get a sense of what you are looking for and identify local retailers or online stores with the best pricing. While there’s something to be said for trying on clothing in person, Internet shopping can provide a greater selection of sizes and styles, along with onlineonly deals. To save on shipping, look for free shipping codes or “in-store pickup” options. ■ Rent for the occasion. Skip the full cost of big-ticket items for a one-time event. Companies such as Rent the Runway and The Black Tux let you rent high-quality attire for special occasions at a fraction of the cost of buying. Plus you will never be photographed wearing the same outfit twice.
Heather Paulding shares style tips on her blog, Spunky Real Deals.
Whether your style is glamorous or “normcore”—being hip by dressing square—applying these fashion tips could serve you well: Find what works for you, invest in the classics and allow yourself a little fun with trends. Amanda Causey, Prince William Living’s marketing director, is a photographer, crafter and blogger and owns Beau Monde Photos. To reach her, email acausey@princewilliamliving.com.
■ Care for clothes. Protect your fashion investment by following the manufacturer’s care instructions. Proper care enables clothing to last longer and maintain a high-quality appearance. That way you can spend your time and money adding to your wardrobe, not replacing it. Visit princewilliamliving.com/business-directory to find a list of area retailers, from national clothing brands to unique shopping experiences.
Photo by Amanda Causey
The Village Thrift Store in Woodbridge is one of many area thrift stores offering a variety of clothing and accessories at low prices. prince william living August 2014 | 9
on a high note
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Making Classical Music Accessible to All Audiences By Audrey Harman
ith a focus on making classical music accessible to all audiences in Prince William, Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra (OBCO), based in Woodbridge, demonstrates that culture and entertainment don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Photo courtesy Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra
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“It’s crazy important to us that our concerts are accessible for everyone,” said OBCO Board President Sheyna Burt, also first violinist and concert master for the nonprofit group, which is a full-chamber orchestra with ensembles of less than 40 musicians typically. Burt said that OBCO’s performances are meant to reach everyone from young professionals to retired individuals and children. She explained that while the orchestra introduces audiences to new pieces, members also like to play compositions that the average person is familiar with and loves.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra prides itself on making classical music accessible to audiences in Northern Virginia.
Singers, a service-based choral group in Woodbridge, joined OBCO in leading the sing-along.
“We play a nice variety of music everyone knows, such as Brandenburg concertos, as well as lesser known music,” said second violinist Laura Prchal.
“One of our musicians said it was the most powerful musical experience of his life,” said Burt.
Sometimes the audience is even encouraged to become part of the performance. Burt said that the group’s most successful annual concert is Handel’s Messiah sing-along in December, featuring a chorus group to lead the singing and boost the audience’s confidence to join in. Last year, the Celebration
As a chamber orchestra, OBCO is “smaller than a symphonic orchestra. A chamber orchestra has fewer musicians per part, which allows for a more intimate performance experience, but also requires significant preparation [by] each performer,” Burt said.
10 | August 2014 prince william living
OBCO can be hired for private events and offers pro bono performances for nonprofit organizations. This past May, an OBCO string trio performed at the annual volunteer recognition event hosted by Volunteer Prince William, a local nonprofit organization that partners with community agencies to mobilize volunteers and resources where needed. Ann Levy, OBCO’s personnel coordinator, determines the proper ensemble size and type for an event, simplifying the booking process for clients, Burt said.
Performs Five Times per Season OBCO’s regular concert season runs from September to May. The orchestra performs five times each season. Venues include Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodbridge, Woodbridge Middle School and Epiphany Lutheran Church in Dale City. OBCO also performs in the Prince William County Arts Council’s annual “Arts Alive!” festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. OBCO is a member of the arts council, which Burt chairs. Additionally, small ensembles of OBCO musicians play at community events, such as the 25th anniversary celebration dinner last May of the Prince William Committee of 100, a local organization that provides forums to study interests, problems and goals of Prince William residents. And the orchestra has performed with other local art groups. “Our other concerts also featured dancers from Dance, Etc., the percussion ensemble from the Youth Orchestras of Prince William and a xylophone ensemble from Mary F. Williams Elementary School,” said Christopher Dixon, the orchestra’s principal second violinist and its board secretary.
day, I feel refreshed after our orchestra rehearsals, because I am so excited to be a part of the music-making process.” Dixon is also the strings teacher at Mary F. Williams and River Oaks elementary schools in Prince William. “[OBCO] is great fulfillment for me personally, but it’s also great because my two young children and my husband have been exposed to classical music that they would not otherwise have been able to attend due to cost, travel time, etc.,” said Prchal. “Some of the older members of our community do not like to travel and navigate through larger venues, but find OBCO easily manageable,” she added.
A Self-Run Community Orchestra OBCO, which formed in 1998 and was incorporated in 2000 as a 501(c)3 organization, is the child of flutist Pat Edmonstin, Burt said. Edmonstin started the group to bring to Prince William a community orchestra run by its members, who train and perform in a noncompetitive and relaxed atmosphere. Burt said that prospective members go through a low-stress audition, sitting in on a rehearsal. Musicians are given the concert music and asked to return if they’re a good fit for the orchestra. OBCO’s performances are crowd pleasers, according to board member Ron Dunn, who is the orchestra’s admissions collector. “People will donate extra when leaving [after a performance], which says they felt the presentation was worth more than the admission price,” Dunn said. “Every program should end with the audience wanting more. These exit donations make that very obvious [that they do]. As for me, I am proud to be a part of the orchestra,” he added.
Keeps Concerts Affordable To help make its music accessible to all, OBCO keeps its concert prices low. Tickets cost only $5 per adult and are free to those age 17 and younger. Season subscriptions can be purchased for $20, with a second season subscription for free, Burt said. “The concerts are affordable and local,” said Prchal, adding that the orchestra also allows “people such as myself to continue with their ‘hobby’ while maintaining a full-time career elsewhere.” OBCO is an all-volunteer operation of local musicians who encompass a variety of professions, such as attorneys, teachers, urban planners, accountants, military, economists, homemakers, private studio owners and students. “We’re a really open group,” said Burt, a Woodbridge resident with a private law practice in Manassas. Burt said that performing in OBCO is “an amazing outlet that keeps you sharp and focused, but is a nice break from being tied to a desk for eight to nine hours a day.” “OBCO enriches the community because we offer authentic classical music concerts … [and] also provide a creative outlet for our musicians, who live locally,” said Dixon. “Even after a long
A Future of Collaboration, Growth Goals for OBCO include adding more performances outside of Prince William and bringing on new members, Burt said. Also expect more collaborations with other musical groups. The orchestra’s new music director, David Kirven, elected in May, “is very proactive with involving other community groups in our performances,” said Dixon. Kirven, who is a U.S. Army Band member, plans to expand the orchestra’s educational outreach as well, Dixon said. For information on upcoming OBCO concerts, visit www.obco.org, where you can also donate, hire musicians and learn how to join the orchestra. Audrey Harman, a 25-year resident of Woodbridge, has a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Hollins University and a master’s degree in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore. She has played bass for OBCO in the past and hopes to rejoin this upcoming season. She can be reached at aharman@princewilliamliving.com. View her portfolio at audreyharman.com. prince william living August 2014 | 11
Photo by Sean Floars
destinations
Silver Lake Regional Park A World Away
By Carla Christiano
C
hances are you have never heard of Silver Lake Regional Park, near Haymarket, even though it made headlines for years. When nationwide home builder Toll Brothers began developing the land adjacent to this former campground and fishing spot in 2006, it proffered (offered to give) Silver Lake to Prince William County in exchange for rezoning that would allow it to build more homes in the Dominion Valley subdivision.
The deal was cut that year for 318 acres of property, and public debate abounded over how the 233-acre recreational park site it included should be used and who should manage it: the Prince William County Park Authority (now the Department of Parks and Recreation), the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority or the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy. Each submitted competing management proposals. Putting disagreements aside, in September 2008 local community groups and Prince William County government workers came together for one day to clean up the park site, which had been dormant for two years since the county acquired it. The Virginia Recreation & Park Society awarded the restoration effort a 2009 “Best New Special Event Award – National Public Lands Day at Silver Lake.” 12 | August 2014 prince william living
Quick Facts on Silver Lake Regional Park: Free admission. Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Allows bank fishing. All Virginia fishing regulations apply. Does not permit alcohol. Has no trash cans. Visitors must take their trash with them when they leave. ■ Permits non-motorized boats. ■ Does not rent boats or horses. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
In the award application, county Parks & Recreation Public Relations Manager Dianne Cabbot wrote that 93 citizens and 13 park employees and board members participated in the cleanup, hauling away enough debris to fill eight 30-yard dumpsters as well as 34 large bags of bottles and containers. Cabbot wrote that the day’s most important accomplishment was “bringing together all facets of the controversy over this land for a singular common cause: to restore this public land back to its original pristine glory.” The next month Bull Run Mountains Conservancy officially pulled its proposal to take control of the park, and shortly afterward the
Photo by Sean Floars
an agreement in 2002 to sell the property to Toll Brothers, closing the campground in 2005 and finalizing the sale in 2006.
A World Away Today, bordered by Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School and the Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, Silver Lake has no campgrounds, sports fields, playgrounds or even paved roads. Instead, rolling meadows and pine forests surround the lake, fed by Little Bull Run and stocked with catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. There is a picnic area with tables and grills, and cyclists, hikers and equestrians share the park’s four miles of trails. The Bull Run Mountains are visible to the west.
A 23-acre man-made lake is the focal point of Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket.
Prince William Board of County Supervisors decided to make the land a public park and voted for the Prince William County Park Authority to manage it. The county supervisors transferred the land in June 2009 to the park authority, and Silver Lake Regional Park opened four months later.
The Many Lives of Silver Lake Although the 23-acre lake seems integral to the park’s landscape, there was a time when it didn’t exist. A 1937 aerial map shows only the Little Bull Run winding through farmland. Using additional maps, Bull Run Regional Library Virginiana Librarian Don Wilson estimated that the stream was dammed between 1952 and 1962 to create Silver Lake. During that time, George and Mildred Gossom owned the property. The enterprising Gossoms, who also owned a store in Haymarket, purchased 220 acres for just $5 in 1944 and turned them into Silver Lake Campground 24 years later. The Gossoms owned the property until 1973, when they sold it to the Silver Lake Associates, a group of investors mostly from Prince William and Fairfax counties. Although part of the land was leased in 1978 to the Culpeper Stone Company, which established a quarry, the rest remained a campground until its closure in 1991. According to a 1995 Potomac News article, Haymarket residents Doug and Terry Scott and their business partner Larry Jager planned to reopen the Silver Lake Campground in 1993 and even cleared brush and cleaned out buildings. However, the Silver Lake Associates entered into a contract with the Walt Disney Company, stalling the Scotts’ plans. Disney was slated to build a 3,006-acre history-centric theme park, which would have included the Silver Lake Campground. Fierce local opposition derailed Disney’s plans in 1994, and the partners reopened the campground the next year, calling it Mountain View Campground. It offered campsites, a playground, a baseball field and even hayrides. Silver Lake Associates entered into
“Part of its charm is the fact that it doesn’t have soccer games going on. It’s passive recreation. You can go out there fishing. Maybe you can take your [non-motorized] boat out or maybe you can go hiking. … It’s a wonderful place to take your family for the day,” said Gainesville District Supervisor Pete Candland, whose district includes Silver Lake. Despite its proximity to Dominion Valley and to several shopping centers, the park seems a world away. “It’s quiet. There aren’t a whole lot of people that come out here. We enjoy seeing the wildlife,” said Wendell Howell of Manassas Park. He and his family have seen beavers, ducks, turtles and Canada geese while fishing there. “We don’t care if we catch anything. It’s relaxing,” Howell said. Although Silver Lake was intended as a “passive park” from its inception, the Department of Parks and Recreation began offering programs there last year, including seven week-long day summer camps. Each camp offers a different themed activity for children aged 6 to 14. Camp themes this year include animals, survival skills, outdoor cooking and “wacky crafts,” according to the summer camp catalog. Silver Lake also offers “Science in the Park,” a hands-on program centered around the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) for school, home school and daycare groups from prekindergarten through seventh grade. Jane England, center manager for Silver Lake and three other county parks, hopes to eventually introduce adult programming and to organize a “Family Fun Day,” when families could explore the park’s beauty. “It’s an absolutely gorgeous park,” she said. For more information about Silver Lake Regional Park, located at 16198 Silver Lake Road in Haymarket, visit www.pwcgov.org.
Carla Christiano is a native of Prince William, an admitted history geek and a technical writer for Unisys. She can be reached at cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com. Christiano gives special thanks to the RELIC librarians at Bull Run Regional Library, in Manassas, who provided much of the information for this article. RELIC (the Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center) is a special collection devoted to genealogy and history in Prince William and Virginia. prince william living August 2014 | 13
health & wellness Blood Pressure—How High Is Too High? By Christopher Leet, MD, FACC Emeritus igh blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the major risk factors for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. But how high is too high?
H
Blood pressure is usually expressed as the systolic (with the heartbeat) over the diastolic (in between heartbeats). A normal blood pressure is 120/80, and most physicians feel that a reading over 130/90 is worth treating. However, keep in mind that the doctor’s office is probably the worst place to get a stable blood pressure reading, since the anxiety of being there invariably causes a false elevation. A much more realistic procedure is to record your pressure at home. Treating blood pressure can be simple or complex, mostly depending on diet control. To help keep blood pressure within the normal range, limit salt consumption. I usually recommend that sodium or salt content be no more than 100 to 200 milligrams per serving. Processed foods commonly have much more than this; always read the label. Also, avoid adding salt to food at the table, and use nonsalt additives, such as Mrs. Dash. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is low in sodium and protein and high in fruits and vegetables, has also been demonstrated to help treat high blood pressure. Weight control is obviously also key. Exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercises such as walking, running, bicycling and circular training, cannot be overemphasized. All serve to improve circulation, which decreases blood pressure. Regular exercise then induces the circulatory system to remain at this state. There are a variety of medications available as well to help control blood pressure. Most treatment starts with a mild diuretic, with or without a low-dose beta-blocking medication or ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitor. Lastly, people ask if it is possible to have too low a pressure. There are few norms for this. As long as there are no symptoms of dizziness or fainting (particularly on standing), this is rarely a concern. Manassas resident Dr. Christopher Leet, now retired, practiced medicine for nearly 40 years, specializing in cardiology and internal medicine. 14 | August 2014 prince william living
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taking care of business
Ellalyne Brayman
Elevating Fashion in Prince William By Jennifer Rader
E
llalyne Brayman, owner of Labella Bridal and Consignment Boutique, has honed an exquisite attention to detail during her 23 years in the fashion industry. This is reflected in her thoughtfully curated merchandise and the dreamy window displays that draw passersby into her store on Mill Street in Occoquan.
Photos courtesy Labella Bridal
Opened in 2007, the shop sells new and gently used gowns for every occasion and men’s formalwear, along with accessories such as jewelry, bridal veils and corsets. Alteration services are also available. While the consignment pieces offer a huge savings over retail pricing, the atmosphere is as pampering as in any upscale boutique, with customers receiving individualized attention. Meanwhile, the architectural details of the historic building are complemented by elegant decorations that encourage visitors to relax and enjoy their shopping experience. Labella Bridal’s service and setting, as well as the quality of its merchandise, have not gone unnoticed by customers. The store has a 4.5 star rating on WeddingWire.com. Prince William Living caught up with Brayman to discuss the secrets to her success. PWL: What is the story or inspiration behind your start? Brayman: I started the company because I love working with brides. I gained [some of ] my background through studying fashion merchandising in England. My inspiration is based upon 23 years working in the industry with leading bridal designers, including Vera Wang, and managing [dress] stores in the Northern Virginia area. I worked at David’s Bridal in Springfield and Woodbridge, training incoming staff. Because of my sales success at David’s Bridal, I then had the opportunity to work sales at the Vera Wang Watergate store in Washington, D.C. 16 | August 2014 prince william living
Labella Bridal owner Ellalyne Brayman takes pride in helping people look and feel their best for special occasions.
PWL: How did working for Vera Wang, a renowned designer, influence you? Brayman: She’s an incredible businesswoman. And the people that shopped her store spent an incredible amount of money on gowns. We served high-level clients, celebrities, politicians. I worked with [former U.S. Secretary of State] Colin Powell’s family for his daughter’s wedding. It was an eye-opener to the possibilities. PWL: What made you choose the Prince William market for your location? Brayman: Myself and my family reside near Occoquan and love this area. I stay very active in the community through the Prince William Chamber, BNI [Business Network International] groups, women’s groups, etc. I saw the potential for growth.
I design African-inspired clothing myself. Currently, I’m redesigning a bathing suit with an African influence. I have also been asked in the past to design an African bridal gown. PWL: Recently the Town of Occoquan suffered flooding after a storm. How did this affect your business? Brayman: We had a lot of help and support, and we had systems in place which helped us to resume [business] much sooner than expected. I spent the wee hours of the night moving all merchandise to the second floor of the shop. Thankfully, there [were] no damages to any merchandise. I then called in professional contacts that I have met in the community to help with getting back on track as quickly as possible. I was inundated with kindness and emails throughout the whole experience, letting me know about water levels and support in the aftermath. [It showed that] when my door is closed, people still care. PWL: How can businesses prepare for emergencies, such as the flood? Brayman: There are two critical things to have for disaster preparedness: First, coverage, so your merchandise is protected. You need to sit down with an adviser and make sure you understand what is covered and taken care of through insurance. Second, have a money reserve for those items that cannot be covered. PWL: What have you found to be the most effective way to market your business?
Located on the Occoquan waterfront, Labella Bridal offers new and consignment dresses, suits and accessories for special occasions.
PWL: Who would you say has been the biggest influence in your life? Brayman: I love fashion and was greatly influenced by my mother at a young age. My mother, no matter if she was just going to the grocery store, always looked her best. She said, “Life is an opportunity. You don’t know who you’re going to come across.” I took this philosophy with me to college in England, [while] studying both fashion and social work. … To this day my mother is my role model and mentor. PWL: Tell us about your custom work. Is any of it inspired by your birthplace of the Republic of Sierra Leone in West Africa? Brayman: Recently we created a royal blue tuxedo and wedding gown for a couple. It’s all about having a complete look for us. We have also produced maternity bridesmaid gowns, unique prom gowns, gowns for breast cancer patients and those that have a disability. We’ve had women who just don’t fit in off-therack dresses. So we custom make [gowns] for them.
Brayman: [Referrals by] our previous customers and getting plugged in the community. Last year we donated over 100 dresses and gowns to various charities as well as military families. … Many times we team with the military by providing gowns, as well as working with military groups to host and lead [fundraising] fashion shows. [Also], advertising in bridal magazines and teaming with other vendors. For example, I’ve found a wonderful Turkish lingerie designer that has beautiful, 1940s classic-styled lingerie. I go out, learn and try to interject it into the Prince William market without costing our clients too much. … I have also taught my clients, many who were entering the workforce for the first time, the art of chic thrift store shopping. PWL: What advice would you give to others considering starting a business? Brayman: Know your market, do your research and stick with it. Find the niche you want to be in and be consistent so people begin to know your name and brand. Be realistic that you aren’t going to start your business today and make a profit tomorrow. And, most importantly, be very driven. As a certified massage therapist, freelance writer Jennifer Rader enjoys studying nutrition, wellness, fundraising and entrepreneurship as well as writing on various topics within her interests. She lives with her son and husband in Manassas. Rader can be reached at jrader@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living August 2014 | 17
family fun
Where to Find Water Fun in Prince William
T
By Kristina Schnack Kotlus
By Kristina Schnack Kotlus
here is nothing like splashing around in cool water on a hot summer day, and we have lots of options for aquatic fun in Prince William.
If you need to stay indoors, as some children who are especially sun-sensitive do, check out the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center in Manassas at 9100 Freedom Center Blvd. The center has one of the region’s largest indoor pools, with an Olympic-sized competition pool and also a warm-water leisure pool, which includes a slide, a water “vortex” that swirls swimmers around and a fun water feature that dumps water from buckets onto kids in the shallow part of the pool. The leisure pool also has a zero-depth entry, and the competition pool has swim lanes, diving boards and a handicap-accessible lift to enter the water. If you’re closer to Woodbridge, Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center and Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center also offer indoor pool fun. Both have open swim times, aquatic classes and swim lessons. Through the pools’ “Family Swim” pricing, a family of four can use the pool during open swim hours at a discounted rate—$15 at Chinn and $12 at Dale City. Also in Woodbridge, Veterans Memorial Park, at 14300 Featherstone Road (which turns into 14300 Veterans Drive as 18 | August 2014 prince william living
you get closer to the park), features a 50-meter outdoor pool and two two-story water slides. The pool also has spill-splash buckets as well as other splash features, and is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from noon to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It’s closed Monday except on holidays. Admission is $4.50 per child and $4.75 per adult, with seniors age 60 and older getting in for $4. Ages 2 and younger enter for free. After 4 p.m., all ages (3 and older) get in for $3.50. Waterworks, located in Andrew Leitch Regional Park at 5301 Dale Blvd. in Dale City, is definitely a can’t-miss for summer. Get there early on Wednesdays for “Parent-Child Play Dates,” which are just $4.50 per child and free for adults. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., keeping your tyke out of the worst of the sun. During regular hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy one of two slides, obstacle courses and the toddler area. If you live in central Prince William or in the Manassas area, Signal Bay, located within Signal Hill Park at 9300 Signal View Drive in Manassas Park, is conveniently located near you. This 27,000 square-foot outdoor water park includes a leisure pool, water cannons, slides and a lazy river. In Manassas, also check out SplashDown at 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive. At 13 acres, SplashDown boasts that it’s Northern Virginia’s largest water park. It features two four-story slides, a “Lily Pad” and “Log Walk” as well as an activity pool, leisure pool, sand volleyball, lazy river and a “Sandcastle Kids Kove,” with bubblers and spray fountains for those not quite ready for the deep end. Find specific dates and rates of programs at Chinn and Dale City rec centers and at Veterans, Waterworks and SplashDown water parks at pwcparks.org. For more on Signal Bay, visit www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com. (continues on page 20)
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(continued from page 18)
For the very young, check out the new interactive splash pad Virginia Gateway, a shopping center located on Linton Hall Road in Gainesville. This free, fun play space is great for children who would like to cool off, but don’t necessarily want to get in the pool just yet. It’s also an option for moms who want to chill out themselves while letting the kids cool off. No eagle eyes are needed for here. Neighborhood outdoor pools that also involve a little less high adventure include Graham Park Pool, located at 3511 Graham Park Road in Dumfries; Hammill Mill Pool, at 1721 Carter Lane in Woodbridge, and the Birchdale Community Pool at Birchdale Recreation Center, situated at 14730 Birchdale Avenue in Dale City. All are available for drop-in swimming. Entrance to each is $3.50 per kid ages 3 through 17 (ages 2 and younger get in for free), $3.75 per adult, with seniors age 60 and older paying $2.75—or just $1.50 for all ages 3 and older from 4 p.m. to closing, which is typically at 6 p.m. To make your pool experience as enjoyable as possible, and to keep your costs down, be sure to pack sunscreen, cover-ups and towels and consider tailgating in the parking lot. Most water parks don’t allow outside food and drinks, but will give you a hand-stamp for
reentry to the park, which means you can leave the cooler in the car and snag a snack when you’re ready. Also, be sure to take advantage of lateafternoon prices, as well as season passes or punch cards if you know you’ll go frequently. When you’re at the pool, encourage your children to take breaks and stay hydrated. Pools are a common place for kids to suffer dehydration, even though they’re playing in the water. If your child has trouble swimming, or is simply uncomfortable in the water, many parks offer life jackets to help keep kids afloat. Just don’t forget to keep watching while they play. If you’d like your child to become more comfortable in the water, most pools, including Waterworks, offer swim lessons and even junior lifeguard training. Finally, if you’re sensitive to chlorine, don’t forget to pack your goggles. Have fun this summer and stay cool. Kristina Schnack Kotlus is a local mother of three children and the owner of PWCMoms.com, a resource for parents and families in Prince William.
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giving back
GOOD SHEPHERD HOUSING FOUNDATION: Helping Prince William’s Most Vulnerable Residents By Olivia Overman
T
he mission of Woodbridge-based Good Shepherd Housing Foundation, a nonprofit organization that members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church founded in 1989, is to help provide housing for Prince William’s homeless, particularly those dealing with serious mental illness.
Good Shepherd Housing opened its first group home, “Shepherd House I,” in 1989, welcoming five chronically mentally ill adults as residents. The project began with a $1,500 donation from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church parishioners Virginia and H.T. Baker, of Woodbridge, Johanson said. The couple was concerned about finding a place to live for their mentally ill adult son, and about helping others struggling with mental illness.
Photos courtesy Good Shepherd Housing
“The foundation has helped families struggling with supporting children with life-threatening diseases, … assisted women and men to return to better-paying jobs through helping with education costs, [also] allowing children to stay in attractive and safe permanent housing in order to continue in the same school, and given men and women with serious mental illness a place to live and be as independent as possible,” said Good Shepherd Housing Foundation Executive Director Pat Johanson.
Good Shepherd Housing Foundation provides housing and support services for homeless families and those suffering from mental illness.
The Bakers worked with the church’s social ministry chairperson Susan Smith to start the foundation, which they launched with donations from other congregation members and a $5,000 grant from Prince William County.
house is designed to provide housing for up to five seriously mentally ill adults.
In 1998, the foundation purchased, renovated and opened “Shepherd House II” and that summer also bought what would become “Shepherd House III,” known as the Grayson House for William Grayson, one of Virginia’s first U.S. senators. Each
Over the years, Good Shepherd Housing has purchased and renovated a number of additional homes, thanks largely to federal and county grants. Today, the foundation provides rental assistance for 13 “affordable rentals” and 16 apartments, Johanson said.
22 | August 2014 prince william living
■ Transitional Living: Eligible families can receive transitional
living assistance for anywhere from six months to two years in one of the foundation’s programs, and up to three years in its Housing Partnership Program. Families are required to cooperate with a case manager and develop a self-sufficiency plan. There’s also three-to-five year transitional housing available to those who qualify, based on program information on the agency’s website.
Support Services All the foundation’s programs include monetary assistance, Johanson said. Good Shepherd guarantees the rent of its clients who live in homes not owned by the foundation. A grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), coupled with clients contributing 30 percent of their income, ensures that rental costs are met. Members of the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance marked Earth Day 2014 by lending their services at one of the five homes that Good Shepherd Housing operates for the mentally ill.
“During the course of the year, 134 individuals have been assisted,” she said. “One hundred men, women, and children are living in permanent supportive living programs or in affordable rental townhouses and 30 to 34 men, women and children have participated in transitional living programs.” According to Johanson, the foundation has provided “rapid rehousing funds” to an additional four individuals and six families during the 2014 fiscal year. Foundation initiatives also include leasing assistance and transitional housing programs for the area’s homeless. The programs complement the foundation’s supportive services, which are designed to help the mentally ill and newly rehoused live within the community. Among support services: psychological care and financial counseling to teach greater self-sufficiency over time. The foundation assists clients referred by numerous agencies and organizations, including homeless shelters, Prince William County Community Services and the county’s Department of Social Services, Johanson said. Individuals have also referred people.
Programs Johanson highlighted a few of the foundation programs, their qualification guidelines and a little about them: ■ Shepherd Homes and Shepherd Leasing Program:
Individuals must have a serious mental illness. Many clients in the program have been hospitalized a number of times, lived in campsites or on the streets and require on-site case management and access to an array of mental health services. For many, just living in a group setting and managing their medications is a sign of success.
Good Shepherd Housing Foundation also provides emergency financial assistance and pays for furnishings and education, funded through grants and a 25 percent match from the organization, Johanson said. The foundation offers mental health clinical services and case management as well through a long-standing partnership with Prince William County Community Services. Johanson estimated that the county agency provides $200,000 in in-kind services. Additionally, the Prince William County Department of Social Services provides partial funding to assist the foundation’s Housing Partnership Program.
How Good Shepherd Operates Good Shepherd Housing Foundation is a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), according to Bill Lake, chief of the county’s Community Planning and Development Division. A CHDO is a private, nonprofit organization that qualifies for HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Known as HOME, the program provides states and localities with grants to fund building, buying or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or ownership. Many of Good Shepherd’s home purchases and rehabs were made with HOME fund grants received from Prince William County. HOME funds can also be used to provide rental assistance to people with low income. Community members can support Good Shepherd by participating in Walk for the Homeless, Saturday, Oct. 4. Walk planners have not yet announced the event's location. Plans are also underway for a fundraising event at the Grayson House to celebrate the foundation’s 25th anniversary. For more information, call 703-730-1078 or visit www.goodshepherdhousing.org, where donations can also be made.
■ Affordable Rentals: This service is primarily for families who
earn up to 40 to 50 percent of the median income in Prince William. As long as income and employment eligibility requirements are met, families’ and individuals’ leases are renewed yearly.
A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman writes articles for a number of online and print publications. She can be reached at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living August 2014 | 23
home & hearth Getting the Most from Your Laundry Room By Vickie Williamson Custom Framer and Interior Designer
f you’ve ever visited a model home, then you probably noticed the roomy, wellappointed laundry room. There are some things that we can all do to achieve a more productive and appealing laundry room.
I
We have roots, where others have branches.
To Organize Your Laundry Room: ■ Clean out clutter. Get rid of
any unnecessary things crowding the space. For me, this means finding space for the vacuum cleaner, the snow shovel and the snow boots while working around the furnace and the hot water heater. The rule of thumb here is if you haven’t used it in the last year, toss it. ■ Install shelves and use them. If your laundry room
doesn’t have shelving, this is an easy do-it-yourself project. Shelving is required for cleaners used frequently. Store seldom-used items high and often-used items on lower shelves where you can easily reach them. Dress up shelves with baskets for a quick and easy way to hide smaller items. ■ Employ wall hooks. This is another do-it-yourself project
that will reap a large benefit. Wall hooks work wonders in a utility space. To make the laundry room more appealing, add a fun, vibrant area rug or mat that will bring you cheer with each load. Also, proper lighting is essential. Evaluate your lighting and make changes that will improve the function of the space and make you feel better about being there. Maybe all that’s needed is a higher-wattage bulb or attractive shade.
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Then step back and relish a job well done. Once things are in the right place and the room feels clean and spacious, you’ll feel better about that never-ending chore of doing the laundry.
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. 24 | August 2014 prince william living
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local avor
Blue Ridge Seafood
35 Years of Fresh-from-the-Sea Favorites By Peter Lineberry
Photos by Linda Hughes
26 | August 2014 prince william living
S
o you’re traveling Lee Highway at the western edge of Prince William, when you spot an older building with a blue corrugated tin roof. A swordfish is mounted on its upper facade and a sign by the road reads “We Have Crabs.” Looks like an overgrown, out-of-place crab shack, you may think. But it’s a hot summer evening and the parking lot is packed. So you decide to stop—good thing, too, because for 35 years Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant in Gainesville has offered a combination of fresh-from-the-sea favorites, attentive service and a casual atmosphere that brings diners back time and again.
All in the Family Serving seafood is a tradition in the family of Donna Donovan, co-owner of Blue Ridge Seafood. Her parents started out selling roadside crabs in Fairfax County. In 1979, when they purchased the old Blue Ridge Restaurant, they made seafood the house specialty. They retired 15 years ago and moved south, but now run Shrimp-R-Us & More in small-town Welaka, Fla. Several relatives are on staff at Blue Ridge, and Donna’s cousin manages Dockside Restaurant and Blue Heron Pub in Colonial Beach. “I never thought when my parents first went in here that we would be what we are today,” said Donovan, whose husband, co-owner Mark Donovan, joined the family business after their 1986 wedding. The dog days of August are fortuitous for the Donovans. “The warmer the weather, the more business we have,” said Mark. “We definitely follow temperature.” This is especially true on weekends and holidays. The Donovans estimated that 1,600 hungry customers dined with them this past Mother’s Day, and roughly the same number on Father’s Day. Make it through the low-ceilinged entryway, and you are presented with several seating areas: a more traditional table-andchair dining room to the left and to the right a long room filled with picnic tables and big-screen TVs on either end. Beyond that is an open-air tiki bar deck with plenty more picnic tables, some covered by a large awning. There’s also a small outdoor stage where local musicians perform on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Bounty of the Sea—and Land The Donovans said that they strive to offer top-of-the-line seafood: oysters and blue crabs from the Chesapeake, king crab and snow crab legs from Alaska, lobsters from Maine, brown shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and even appetizers such as gator tail and crayfish from Louisiana. The couple estimated that they go through 11 tons of shrimp and 13 tons of crab legs yearly. Lobster dinner awaits behind the restaurant, where several hundred of the succulent creatures are kept in climate-controlled holding tanks. Upon request, Mark will even take you back to meet your dinner. Everything is made to order at Blue Ridge. Mark emphasized that nothing is pre-prepared. Special equipment is used to steam crabs, and cooks coat fried foods with a light batter recipe, which Donna’s parents created and perfected. According to Donna, the most popular entree is the two- or three-item “create your own” dinner. Crab cakes, scallops, fried flounder, frog legs, or any of the aforementioned—no problem. Landlubbers needn’t fret, as the menu also features steaks, pork ribs, chicken and even quail. All dinners come with two sides, and don’t forget the clam chowder or lobster bisque. If somehow possible, save room for a slice of the homemade blueberry cobbler or key lime pie. “Our kitchen puts out an incredible amount of food for the size that it is,” said Donna. “But it’s very efficient.”
A Place in the Community While some may consider it part of Blue Ridge’s iconic charm, the outdated look of the building is a concern for the owners, especially against the backdrop of the Madison Crescent residential and retail planned community. The Donovans remember when there was nothing behind their eatery but woods and a pig pen from the previous restaurant. Now upscale houses sit only a few hundred feet away from their lobster tanks and bustling parking lot. Mark said that this has led to occasional friction between neighbors, not unusual as new construction takes place near established structures, he noted. (continues on page 33) prince william living August 2014 | 27
your finances Should You Take a “Summer Vacation” from the Stock Market? By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor
ell in May and go away” is an old saying among some stock investors. It means that as the weather warms up, investors and traders should pay less attention to the stock market, which some believe historically performs best between November and April. They liquidate investments in May and invest again around Halloween.
“S
It sounds simple, but does a “summer vacation” from the stock market make sense as part of your investment strategy? Not necessarily. Here are five important reasons the “Sell in May and go away” concept may not be the best strategy: 1. It is a strategy built around “timing” the market. This is a tactic that can backfire. The historical average does not indicate that stocks generate negative returns from May to October. In reality, there have been years when stocks generated strong performance during that period. 2. Not all investments perform the same. Particular stocks or market sectors may perform better than the market as a whole during May through October. Anytime you sell an investment that was intended to be a long-term holding, you take a risk that you’ll miss out on some positive performance. 3. The costs of selling may outweigh the benefits. Moving money into and out of investments generally costs money. There may be trading costs and taxes on capital gains. 4. You won’t collect dividends. Dividend-paying stocks generate returns that aren’t affected by the market’s ups and downs. If stocks or funds you own pay dividends, you won’t collect them once you have sold. 5. Discipline is required. If you sell in May, will you truly purchase back those stocks by the end of October? What if they became more expensive or the market suffered a major downturn just before November? The biggest market crashes in history have occurred in October. A better approach may be to continue investing regularly and consistently saving and keeping your money invested to try to accumulate wealth over time. If you have a longterm investment plan, stick with it. Bennett Whitlock, CRPC®, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Learn more at WhitlockWealth.com or call 703-492-7732. 28 | August 2014 prince william living
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calendar Historic Downtown Walking Tours Sat., May 24 – Sat., Aug. 30 • 11 a.m. – Noon Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas Take a stroll through historic downtown Manassas with a costumed interpreter and learn about the city’s Civil War heritage that has attracted visitors for more than 150 years. Tours begin at the museum and are free with museum admission. On Thursdays the tour begins at noon. For more information, call 703257-8285 or visit manassasmuseum.org.
august
Summer Liberia Tours Sun., June 1 – Sun., Aug. 31 • Noon – 1 p.m. Liberia Plantation 8601 Portner Avenue | Manassas Tour the 1825 home where both Confederate and Union forces made their headquarters here during the Civil War and U.S. President Abraham Lincoln visited as well. Tours are every Sunday at noon throughout the summer. Buy tickets and get directions at the Manassas Museum. Free with Manassas Museum admission. For more information, call 703-257-8285 or visit manassasmuseum.org.
Architectural Tour of Historic Downtown Manassas Businesses
Sat., Aug. 2 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas Stroll through charming historic downtown Manassas for an up-close look at some of the city’s most historic streetscapes. Advance tickets are recommended. $5 per person. To purchase tickets, call 703-257-8453. For more information, visit manassasmuseum.org.
Jazz in the Garden
Sat., Aug. 2 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road | Woodbridge Enjoy the stunning river views while listening to the biggest hits of the jazz
age. This old-fashioned lawn party includes hors d’oeuvres, wine and house tours. Reservations are recommended. Proceeds benefit Rippon Lodge restoration projects. $25 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call 703-499-9812 or visit www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation.
Free Book Talk with Dan Verner Sun., Aug. 3 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas Manassas author Dan Verner discusses his book “On the Wings of the Morning,” which brings to life the ordinary men and women of the “Greatest Generation” who, stirred by fate and fortune, accomplished extraordinary things. Free. For more information, call 703-368-1873 or visit manassasmuseum.org.
behind the McDonald’s. For more information, visit facebook.com/
National Night Out Towne Ball Tue., Aug. 5 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas See how baseball was played during the Civil War as vintage teams play on the Manassas Museum lawn. The Towne Ball will be one of many activities in historic downtown Manassas during the annual National Night Out sponsored by the Manassas Police Department. All events are free. For more information, call 703-2578285 or email lotten@manassasva.gov.
Synetic Theater Presents “The Music Box”
Sundays, Aug. 3-31 • 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. e Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street | Manassas Each Sunday a different band performs while local residents enjoy free ice cream. For a band schedule, visit www.harrispavilion.com to view the pavilion calendar of events.
Wed., Aug. 6 • 11 a.m. – Noon Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle | Manassas A magnificent collection of comedic short stories set to music and brought to life in Synetic Theater’s unique movement theater style. Audience members journey into the wonderful world of storytelling through pantomime, imagination, illusions and physical comedy. $15 per adult. $5 per child. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 703-993-7550 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org.
Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays, Aug. 5-26 • 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Costello Park 99 Adams Street | Manassas Park Every Tuesday now through November, the City of Manassas Park Parks & Recreation holds a farmers’ market with fresh foods from a variety of vendors. Costello Park is located next to the Manassas Park Community Center. For more information, call 703-335-8872.
Thursdays, Aug. 7-28 • 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. e Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street | Manassas Every Thursday local farmers and vendors offer their produce and a variety of other goods for sale. For more information, visit www.harrispavilion.com or call 703-361-6599.
Farmers’ Market
65th Annual Prince William County Fair
Tuesdays, Aug. 5-26 • 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tackett’s Mill Commuter Lot on Harbor Drive | Lake Ridge Find produce, meat, jams, bread and more at this new Farmers’ Market, held each Tuesday now through November. Market is held in the parking lot directly
Fri., Aug. 8 – Sat., Aug. 16 Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road | Manassas Virginia’s largest county fair runs nine days beginning Friday, Aug. 8. Features animals, a clown circus, tiger show, a children’s barn, mountain music, a chainsaw artist, demolition derby, monster trucks, rodeo, bull riding, tractor
Live Music and Ice Cream Social
Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar. 30 | August 2014 prince william living
Discover Prince William & Manassas
Di
PW
Events This Month Commemorate Our Civil War History his month, celebrate our area’s rich history and heritage during Manassas Civil War Weekend, Aug. 22-24, when historic downtown Manassas gets a blue and gray makeover commemorating the anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas/Bull Run.
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Events kick off Friday, Aug. 22, on the Manassas Museum lawn with a keynote address by preeminent Civil War scholar and battlefield guide Ed Bearss at 7 p.m. Afterward, enjoy live music and dancing at 8 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion. Then at 9 p.m. take part in “Stories in Stone,” a 45-minute tour of the Manassas Confederate Cemetery, where you can visit the graves of fallen soldiers and hear their stories.
Ann Marie Maher President and CEO Discover Prince William & Manassas
Saturday, the largest Civil War parade in the area steps off in Manassas at 10 a.m. Arrive early to get a good spot and become immersed in the Civil War era as living history interpreters and reenactors fill downtown Manassas.
M verP W @Disco
Facebook.com/pwcmanassas
Later that day reenactors will also play in a historic baseball game at Baldwin Elementary School in Manassas. And don’t miss the reenactment at 9 p.m. of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s 1862 raid on the railway depot at Manassas Junction. The event includes cavalry and infantry demonstrations and the burning of a railroad car. Talks by Civil War experts are scheduled throughout the weekend, and you can watch reenactors perform military drills and artillery firings and “practice” the medicine of the era. There will also be children’s activities at the Manassas Museum and Liberia Plantation. Additionally, Manassas National Battlefield Park and Prince William County Historic Preservation sites will host Civil War commemorative events throughout the month. For more information on local historic attractions, 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 and like us on Facebook.com/pwcmanassas. pulls, carnival games and rides, home arts and crafts, a baby contest, pet show and more. $10 per adult and $5 per child or senior. Specials throughout the week. The fair opens at noon on weekends and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, call 703-368-0173 or visit www.pwcfair.com.
e Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street | Manassas Bring the kids and enjoy a free family movie in the pavilion with others in the community. The movie Aug. 8 is “Escape from Planet Earth,” and the film Aug. 29 is “Zookeeper.” For more information, visit www.harrispavilion.com.
Friday Family Movie Fri., Aug. 8, and Fri., Aug. 29 • 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
(continues on page 32)
1-800-432-1792 DiscoverPWM.com prince william living August 2014 | 31
(continued from page 31)
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Tours Sat. and Sun., Aug. 9-10 and Aug. 23-24 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park 10708 Bristow Road | Bristow Enjoy guided tours of the hallowed grounds that contain camps, cemeteries and battlefields. Learn about Camp Jones and the two battles that took place in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m. Free. Donations accepted. For more information, call 703-366-3049.
august
Family Day: Marines in Sports Sat., Aug. 9 • Noon – 3 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy | Triangle Learn about Marines in sports and why athletics are an important part of the U.S. Marine Corps. Children can also make their own sport craft. Free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.usmcmuseum.org or email info@usmcmuseum.org.
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Outdoor Movie Night at Historic Brentsville
Sat., Aug. 9 • 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road | Bristow Enjoy an old family-oriented movie during the first movie night at Brentsville the way old movies were meant to be seen. Bring chairs or blankets. Free. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, call 703-365-7895 or visit www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation.
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Basic Civil War Camp
Mon., Aug. 11 – Fri., Aug. 15 • 9 a.m. – Noon Ben Lomond Historic Site and Old Rose Garden 10321 Sudley Manor Drive | Manassas Designed to develop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War. Activities include “Enlist in Virginia’s Army,” “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Civil War Medicine” and a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. $130 per child, ages 8-12. To make reservations, call 703-792-8320 or visit www.pwcparks.org. 32 | August 2014 prince william living
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(continued from page 27) “As they build and stuff, and things get populated, they don’t like stand-alone restaurants like this. We’re like a sore thumb,” he explained. “Our time limit is there, I’m sure. The clock’s ticking. We just don’t know when that will end.”
Photo courtesy Linda Hughes
Until that clock runs out, though, the Donovans remain active in the community they have served for so long. One way they give back is by donating gift certificates to local schools for fundraising. Donna sees a mutual benefit. “When you give a gift certificate, it helps [the school] because they’re selling it for free, and it helps you because you get somebody that may never have gone into the restaurant before,” she said.
The Reviews Are In “I was here on Opening Day,” said Norman Massey, of McLean, noting his longtime love of the spiced shrimp. He’s returned countless times since, often with family and friends. “It’s the last of a good-time, home-cooking, family-type restaurant. They treat people good, and people come back,” he said. Ed and Julia Yablonski, who live in the nearby community of Heritage Hunt in Gainesville, have been dining at Blue Ridge for 15 years. The two remember when there weren’t many dining choices in the Gainesville area. Now that there are, Ed admitted that “we’ve been in them all,” but said that Blue Ridge is still the couple’s favorite. “We’ve never come out of here hungry,” added Julia. “You get a very good meal for the price.”
The Donovans said that they are always aware of feedback from their guests, whether it’s online or face to face. “One of us is walking around, making sure that you’re happy,” said Mark. Blue Ridge Seafood is located at 15704 Lee Highway (Route 29). Hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.blueridgeseafood.com. Peter Lineberry loves shrimp and crabs, but really writes about seafood just for the halibut. Drop him a line at pslineberry@princewilliamliving.com.
prince william living August 2014 | 33
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tambourines and elephants But Wait By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter
Several years ago, when my oldest was about 5, a friend of his was over for a playdate. Judging by the raucous laughter and the occasional piercing scream, I assessed they were having a good time.
know, then I obviously would not have had to say anything in the first place. Understood? And if the word “Sorry” is pronounced “Saw-reeee” there may be no hope for your ears, and time out may be permanent.
I was just one room over, feeling like a maternal James Bond as I peeked at them through the door crack and listened to their imaginative scenarios in which the small metal cars they shot across the floor spontaneously combusted into tiny explosions. Miniature plastic jungle animals did little to impede violence perpetrated by these boy-powered vehicles.
They’re simple rules, actually, and all about one principle. Our attempt to raise children and maintain peace is to teach respect. Running, loud noises, roughhousing and laughter are all impossible to regulate with any consistency. So our parenting role model remains George Carlin and his forbidden language. As a matter of fact, part of his original list has also been integrated into our doctrine. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel.
I was incredibly grateful he had a friend over so I could concentrate on the laundry, which seemed to self-propagate when left unguarded. Satisfied that I had some time to dash frenetically about the house, it came as quite a surprise when my son tiptoed up to me, blue eyes wide and unblinking, and whispered, “Please don’t make him go home.” No, no, no, no, that was the last thing on my mind. I simply responded with the motherly stare. He darted his eyes toward his friend and stated, “He said he was bored, but I will fix that. Don’t worry.” The storm door bounced once before slamming shut behind them as they ran to explore the outside. I understood his angst. His friend, unfamiliar with our family rules, had inadvertently broken one of them. Every family, either purposely or through a series of accidents guided by good intentions, creates a set of guidelines in the futile attempt to keep peace, harmony and a modicum of tranquility in the home. The intent behind rules is to try to regulate behavior, but with boys, it would have been easier to have kittens pose for pictures.
“Our parenting role model remains George Carlin. … Following his example, we have compiled our own list of words, and their derivatives, that cannot be uttered without dire consequences, or at least the opportunity to rest in the ‘time-out chair.’” I walked outside to make sure the boys were making good choices. They were playing on the swing set, and I could hear my son explain in hushed tones the horrors of being bored. He listed the possible consequences, which included sweeping the kitchen, walking the dog, cleaning the bathroom mirror and picking up all the toys. I am always astounded when my children prove that they are actually listening. But I could think of worse repercussions than the ones he recited.
So in our household we decided to form rules based on gray ideas and vague concepts. It makes it less confusing when we contradict ourselves. But some of our rules remain steadfast and focus on the spoken word. In the early 1970s, a comedian by the name of George Carlin observed that there used to be several words that could not be uttered on television. Most of these words can now be shouted on TV shows dedicated to children. Times change.
The hold we have on household tranquility is tenuous at best. I stepped back into the house and looked at the landmine of little cars and other toys that were clearly set up to trip me.
Following his example, we have compiled our own list of words, and their derivatives, that cannot be uttered without dire consequences, or at least the opportunity to rest in the “time-out chair.”
So we let the boys play, make noise and create mayhem. Playdates and messes are perfect.
Uttering the word “Bored” in any form receives immediate chores to alleviate the burden of self-entertainment. Also, saying “But” or “Wait” in response to a parental decision or request usually ends with all privileges suspended. Answering with “I know” instead of a simple affirmative and a gentle acknowledgement ends with a tedious and long tirade about respect and how no one knows everything and if they did
Keeping order, focusing on cleanliness, not eating junk food, early bedtimes, learning to read, keeping the kids safe—my family to-do list seems infinite. Personally, I am not capable of doing all those simultaneously.
But wait! If anyone mentions they are bored, saw-reee, I have a mountain of work for them. And we can start with the laundry, which just doubled in size. I know. DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living. prince william living August 2014 | 35
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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge Appliance Connection 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge City of Manassas 5255 Merchants View Square, Haymarket 9027 Center Street, Manassas 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville Crossroads Realty 15040 Heathcote Boulevard, Gainesville 3600 Pointe Center Ct Suite 120, Dumfries 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville Discover Prince William & Manassas 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 2100 Rippon Boulevard, Woodbridge Edward Kelly Leadership Center 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas 4290 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge GEICO Dave Stinson, Sr. 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas 6446 Trading Square, Haymarket 4300 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Historic Manassas Inc Northern Virginia Community College Visitor’s Center at the Train Depot Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road 9431 West Street, Manassas Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road Manassas Christian Academy Prince William Association of Realtors 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge Manassas Christian School Prince William County Fairgrounds 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas Manassas Park City Schools Prince William County Schools One Park Center Court, Suite A, Manassas Park Prince William Ice Center Manassas Park – Parks and Recreation 5180 Dale Boulevard, Dale City 99 Adams Street, Manassas Prince William Parks and Recreation Mason Enterprise Center Prince William Public Library System 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147, Manassas 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas The Merit School of Prince William 12964 Harbor Drive, Lake Ridge 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville Minnieland 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow
4249 Dale Boulevard, Dale City 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Dumfries 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge Prince William County Tourist Information Center 200 Mill Street, Occoquan Safeway 4215 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City 4240 Merchant Plaza, Woodbridge 2205 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge 12821 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 9540 Liberia Avenue, Manassas 14000 Shoppers Best Way, Woodbridge 4174 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries 10864 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas The Sign Shop 2603 Morse Lane, Woodbridge Town of Dumfries 17755 Main Street, Dumfries Town of Haymarket 15000 Washington Street, Haymarket Town of Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan Town of Quantico 337 5th Avenue, Quantico Virginia Realty Partners 4004 Genessee Place #209, Woodbridge
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