Prince William Living May 2015

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HISTORY’S TABLE

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STEVE’S AUTO AND TIRE

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GO FLY A KITE

prince william living May 2015

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

HOME SWEET HOME: Real Estate in our Community

PAGE 4

Sporting Fun for Sk8er Bois (and Girls) PAGE 12

Crime Solvers: The Real Sherlock Holmes of Prince William PAGE 14

www.princewilliamliving.com

table of contents May 2015 Vol. 5 No. 5

FEATURE STORY Home Sweet Home: Real Estate in Greater Prince William..........................................4

DEPARTMENTS from the publisher...................................................3 advertiser index.......................................................3 on a high note History’s Table: Faux Foods Make History Real................................................10

4

destinations Sporting Fun for Sk8er Bois (and Girls)................12 giving back Crime Solvers: The Real Sherlock Holmes of Prince William................................................... 14 taking care of business Steve’s Auto and Tire: A Culture of Learning, Service and Community........................18 family fun Go Fly a Kite.........................................................20

12 Photo by Robert Jinks

local flavor Argentine Flair Comes to Prince William..............26 calendar...............................................................30 lifelong learning Nanoscience Classroom Prepares Students for STEM Careers...................................34

COLUMNS health & wellness.................................................16 home & hearth.....................................................24 your finances........................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas................31

26 Photo by Robert Jinks

prince william living May 2015 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Amanda Causey Baity, Carla Christiano, Emily Guerrero, Helena Tavares Kennedy, Ann Marie Maher, Olivia Overman, Tracy Shevlin, Michael Spiro, Tenisha Waldo, Bennett Whitlock, Emma Young Editor in Chief Emily Guerrero Copy & Production Editors Peter Lineberry, Dan Verner Photo Editor Amanda Causey Baity

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

Photographers Amanda Causey Baity, Mark Gilvey, Robert Jinks Marketing Director Amanda Causey Baity Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Online Submission Manager Paul Keily Advertising Account Executive 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.

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Visit www.pwliving.com for daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood. Correction: The April 2015 “Locavores” feature stated that the Manassas Farmers Market takes place Saturdays at Harris Pavilion; more specifically, it is held in Parking Lot B, behind the pavilion. The city also holds markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Go to visitmanassas.org for details.

© Copyright 2015 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 $15 (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 | May 2015 prince william living

About the Cover This stunning home located in Occoquan was listed by Peggy Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC and the buyer was represented by Jodi McCallister, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. Photographed by Mark Gilvey|Mark Gilvey Creative.

from the publisher Live, Work, Play. Here.

H

aving grown up in and lived in several areas of Prince William, I have learned to appreciate the little nuances of each neighborhood. Small town, farmland, waterfront, bustling suburbia, mountainview—greater Prince William offers something for every type of lifestyle. Here, “Great Place to Place to Live, Work and Play,” is not just a catch phrase. It’s a reality, and one reflected by our resilient real estate market. In our feature, “Home Sweet Home” (page 4), Emma Young talks to homeowners, developers and realtors to get a sense of trends across Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. From smart growth to strong rental potential to earning top dollar when selling, you’ll gain an appreciation of what home means across our region.

So unplug your electronics and take the family to the actual cloud with a day of kite flying. Our newest department, Lifelong Learning (page 34), reflects another element of community education, with stories of education and workforce development initiatives in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park. In addition to having three excellent school systems, private businesses dedicated towards education and institutes of higher learning, we benefit from organizations such as the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and Flory Small Business Center, which provide opportunities for ongoing professional development.

One thing that makes for excellent quality of life here is low crime rates. Learn how area law enforcement work with a communitybased nonprofit to solve crimes, in “Crime Solvers, the Real Sherlock Holmes of Prince William,” by Helena Tavares Kennedy (page 14).

On page 35, we celebrate some of the people who make our community so wonderful, with photos of our Influential Women’s Award Celebration, held April 24 at Monza in Manassas. We invited our 2014 and 2015 winners to bring their guests, who celebrated their success along with PWL staff and clients. See more images from the event and learn more about our IFA winners at princewilliamliving.com/influential-women.

Another community hallmark is the many parks and open spaces available, making it a great place to “Go Fly a Kite,” as Amanda Causey Baity shows us in Family Fun (page 20) From choosing or making a kite to launch instructions, there is fun to be had by all.

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher

Advertiser Index ACTS...........................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management.............................28 Apple FCU..................................................................................28 Beautiful Moments by Amy......................................................36 Best Western Battlefield Inn.......................................................9 Beitzell Fence.............................................................................29 Boys & Girls Clubs.....................................................................36 Brennan’s.....................................................................................8 Candy Art......................................................................................7 CAP Accounting, LLC.................................................................29 CASA...........................................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation...........................32 Dance Etc......................................................................................9 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Emeritus at Lake Ridge..............................................................22 Frugal Rooter/Plumberologist..................................................31 FURR Roofing...............................................................................9 Giorgio’s.....................................................................................16 Greater Prince William Community Health Center...........23, 36 Historic Manassas, Inc. .............................................................21 IKEA............................................................................................25 Inova...........................................................................................17 Imagewerks................................................................................36 Jabs Construction..................................................................9, 31 Keep Prince William Beautiful..................................................36 Leadership Prince William........................................................15 Linton Hall School.....................................................................23 Madison Crescent......................................................................33 Magnificent Belly Dance...........................................................36 Manassas Ballet.........................................................................17

Manassas Chorale.....................................................................32 Mark Gilvey Creative.................................................................36 Minnieland.................................................................................33 Taste of Historic Manassas...................................................... C4 Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show..................................................11 Okra’s .........................................................................................33 Patriot Scuba................................................................................9 Peggy and Bill Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC...............24 Piedmont Physical Therapy......................................................16 Potomac Place............................................................................29 Potomac Shores Golf Club........................................................17 Prince William Chamber of Commerce.....................................7 Prince William Ice Center..........................................................23 Robert Jinks Photography........................................................36 Semper K9..................................................................................36 Sheyna Nicole Burt, PLC...........................................................21 Stonebridge................................................................................32 Tackett’s Mill..............................................................................33 Taste of Woodbridge.................................................................16 The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT............................36 The Pope Institute......................................................................32 The Very Thing.............................................................................9 Tiny Dancers..............................................................................22 Town of Dumfries......................................................................33 VanEch Studio............................................................................22 Vintage Moving & Storage.................................................29, 36 Vision Finders Design................................................................36 Washington Square Associates................................................36 West Virginia Tourism.................................................................7 Westminster at Lake Ridge.......................................................21 Yankey Farms...............................................................................9 Yellow Cab.................................................................................36

prince william living May 2015 | 3

HOME SWEET HOME

Real Estate in Greater Prince William By Emma Young

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Author William Arthur Ward 4 | May 2015 prince william living

A

Welch said that suddenly buying a home in an established neighborhood felt right. “I started looking at houses and found one where we could walk to the [community] beach,” she said of the house that her family currently lives in. “I feel like I’m on vacation here. You have a small-town feel and lots of big trees, a mix of original owners who have roots in the area and new moms,” Welch said of her neighborhood. “I walk to the beach and the pier and have a quiet escape in the middle of the craziness and traffic of Northern Virginia. I now tell people, buy old.”

Live, Work, Play This desire for a sense of place and walkable, amenity-packed communities has long been a driver in local development. The new Avendale development in Bristow embodies this through amenities such as walking trails, a dog park and what developer Brookfield Homes describes as “architecture reminiscent of the charming Americana neighborhoods of yesteryear.” It’s adjacent to Bristow Shopping Center, which is anchored by a Harris Teeter and has a host of dining options from sushi to pizza. Walking trails and convenient shopping and dining are also features at Potomac Club in Woodbridge. Located across from Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, residents have quick access to restaurants, stores and upscale grocery shopping at Wegman’s. The 200-acre community has a variety of housing, including townhomes, condominiums and the new Enclave at Potomac Club apartments. Community amenities include pools, clubhouses and wi-fi hotspots, and a Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station, I-95, medical centers and Potomac Community Library are nearby. Just a few miles further south from Potomac Club, adjacent to the Potomac River, developer SunCal is incorporating seven themed districts into Potomac Shores, a community that will include 3,000 homes, from condos to secluded detached houses. Here too, residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities, such as a network of hiking, biking and nature trails. It is also home to a Jack Nicklausdesigned golf course with an 8,000-square foot clubhouse, recently named one of the best new courses in the country by Golf Digest. As SunCal completes additional phases of development, residents will be within walking distance of boutiques, restaurants, a VRE station and a spa at a five-star hotel. “The trend [in residential development] is to try to incorporate some retail and commercial so that residents can live, work and

Photo courtesy The City of Manassas

sk “Where to live?” and you never know where you’ll end up. In 2010, Joellen Welch’s family thought they knew the answer. “We wanted to buy a brand new house. You get to pick out everything and everything is new,” Welch explained. That all changed when she went to lunch at a friend’s Montclair home. “There were kids riding bikes, and big trees, and people walking dogs,” she said. “I saw [The Montclarion] newsletter and all these great events—Montclair Day, Oktoberfest, fireworks on July 4th, the Easter Egg hunt.”

Van Metre includes 59 town homes in the Historic Downtown area of the City of Manassas.

play there,” said Prince William Association of Realtors [PWAR] President Terrylynn Harrell. She added that increasing the diversity of housing within a subdivision can further increase a neighborhood’s desirability, offering more selection close to those sought-after amenities. “More newer developments strive for a mixed usage, where you find apartments and/or condos, townhomes and detached homes,” observed Harrell, also a licensed broker with Exit Choice Realty in Woodbridge. The strategy is attracting buyers. “When they started developing it, we knew this is where we wanted to be,” said Potomac Shores resident Allison Simon. “We have an awesome 10-plus miles of hiking trails going over bridges and creeks, wooded and gorgeous.” Simon and her husband also enjoy dining “family style” at the clubhouse on Friday nights. “Everyone is upbeat and happy. Everyone is excited to be in this new community,” she said, adding that she looks forward to soon being able to walk to retail and restaurants as well.

“Vibrant Urban Centers” Construction is also humming along in the areas that provided the blueprint for mixed-use developments—actual city centers. In its 2015 Emerging Trends report, Urban Land Institute reported an “almost universal trend” in the development of “vibrant urban centers.” Locally, the City of Manassas is experiencing this phenomenon with residential redevelopment in its downtown area. Manassas Community Development Director Elizabeth ViaGossman described an influx of new residents looking for “the best attributes of the city, but at an affordable price. Young professionals are priced out of Arlington, Alexandria and the District. … [yet] they want to go to a restaurant at 5 o’clock and not get in the car.” It’s not just so-called millennials, either. Via-Gossman said that empty nesters and baby boomers are also moving to Manassas for the combination of convenience, a small-town feel and activities. (continues on page 6) prince william living May 2015 | 5

Moyers, an associate broker with Long and Foster Realtors in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

(continued from page 5)

Photo courtesy The City of Manassas

A five-story, mixed use building will soon occupy the space that once housed the Manassas News & Messenger newspaper.

“[There is] a clear trend now for people to move back into cities, where you can be part of the community and close to dining, shopping and cultural activities,” said City of Manassas Economic Development Director Patrick Small, noting local institutions such as Hylton Performing Arts Center, Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory and the Manassas Ballet Theatre. Small said that the new developments popping up in the historic downtown area are an “effort to recreate the kind of environment that already is the City of Manassas.” A prime example is Van Metre Homes’ Olde Towne Square, a 58-unit townhome development on Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas. Architectural details blend into the historical setting, resembling the stately brick row houses found in many cities, but packed with modern amenities. The interior features “brick walls, and a loft-like, very urban feel,” said Via-Gossman. A 5-story mixed-use building is also planned for the Manassas site that once housed the Manassas News and Messenger, a newspaper that closed years ago. The developer, Rector Companies, has proposed calling it “Messenger Place” to honor the unique history. The site sits across from Manassas City Hall and will include upscale residential apartments, as well as retail space. Other downtown redevelopment is being planning as well. “We have an authentic downtown. It is already established with one-of-a-kind restaurants and unique shops,” Manassas Communications Manager Patty Prince said of the appeal. “People are looking to live with a small-town feel, but close enough in and where you can hop on transportation like the VRE or 66, and know you’re not that far away [from everything this region offers].”

The Government Effect “We are a little different,” said Peggy Burke, Associate Broker/ Owner of Virginia Realty Partners in Woodbridge, of the region’s residential housing market. “We have huge military and government employment and their support structures. People transfer in and out and people retire.” “A good majority of the buyers and sellers in this area are government, military or support personnel,” said Maryanne 6 | May 2015 prince william living

“This is predominantly due to proximity and convenience to D.C., the Pentagon, and military bases at Quantico and Fort Belvoir,” explained Sam Mangrio, a broker with Avery Hess Realtors in Lake Ridge. The bases also attract a slew of government contracting firms, and their employees, to the area. As a result, federal and military spending affect the area’s housing market more so than in most other parts of the country. “Sequestration slowed our market, which did not happen all over the country,” recounted Burke. “Concerns with federal spending and budgeting have direct effect on buyer confidence,” said Harrell. “When whole federal departments shut down and employees lose income, it [can] make a buyer question if buying now is the right thing to do.” Commuting patterns also play a large role in the area’s real estate market. “While our ‘at place’ employment numbers are increasing, with more people working in Prince William and not commuting out, we are still a predominantly bedroom community, where over 60 percent of our employed residents leave the county every day to work,” said Harrell.

A Strong Rental Market The transient nature of employment with the military and some federal agencies comes with a silver lining: a strong rental market in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park. Sometimes, it is seen in the people who are stationed here for a short time preferring to rent versus buy. Of the military and government families who do buy in the area, some plan to return to live in their homes after retirement, renting it out in the interim. Still others simply see a good financial opportunity in becoming landlords. Mangrio saw so many clients deciding to either rent a property or become landlords that he started his own property management company in 2008, Synergy Property Management. One of his clients, Elizabeth Greninger, plans to find a renter for her Montclair home when she and her husband, a federal employee, relocate overseas this year. “We see a benefit to retaining a property in the U.S. while we are abroad,” she said. “It seems that Montclair and other surrounding areas in Northern Virginia have a healthy rental market. We feel we have a great property so we decided that it makes sense to use it as a rental property.” Another factor in the rental market: The influx of young professionals in areas such as the City of Manassas. “[They] might not have deposits saved up. They’ve seen family burned in the market crash and parents that may be underwater. The dream of the white picket fence that was so Norman Rockwell Americana is not their dream,” Small said. “Their dream is mobility; to walk down the street and get a new place, or fly to Seattle and get a new one.” (continues on page 8)

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Enhancing the Sale

(continued from page 6)

Even in a seller’s market, there are steps that homeowners should take to enhance the value of their property and ensure a quick sale. “It is important right now to have a clean, well-lit home. They won’t buy dirty, messy, dark houses,” Moyers said.

Crash and Recovery in Prince William “Prince William County suffered badly…in the early years of the recession,” Burke recalled. “The good news is that much of our value has come back.”

“The typical buyer makes up their mind about the house in a zone 10 feet outside the front door to 10 feet inside the front door,” explained Harrell. “You have seen the curb appeal and the general maintenance of the home before going in and you see the interior condition and feel of the home from right inside the door. Next comes the kitchen where many people say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ before viewing the remainder of the home.”

Other realtors concurred that the Prince William housing market has recovered. “In October 2007, 52 percent of the houses on the market were foreclosures,” reported Harrell. “As to the crisis and the effects, we are beyond the worst of it. Prices are progressively moving upwards.” She noted that sellers are receiving more than 95 percent of their listing price. “We are on an incline for year 2015,” she said.

“The more turn-key condition sellers can get their home in, the more bang-for-their-buck they will get,” Mangrio said.

“Unemployment [in greater Prince William] is at 4.1 percent and median household income is over $95,000 per year. Since 2007, household income has increased more in Prince William County than any other county in Northern Virginia,” said Mangrio. “Prince William County has maintained its AAA bond rating and is still very attractive for business. These are all positive signs that draw people to our county, keeping our real estate market buoyant and well.”

While low-budget tasks such as decluttering, cleaning and fresh paint are essential, in some cases homeowners may want to update bigger ticket items. Burke said buyers most value updated kitchens, baths, windows and flooring. Still, she said, “the biggest seller of any house is clean and neat… and priced well.” “Every transaction has its own remarkable story…There is never a dull moment and it is always interesting,” Burke said of being a real estate agent in the dynamic Prince William real estate market.

Moyers said that Prince William is even outpacing other sections of Northern Virginia. “Prince William County sales are…more brisk than Springfield, Fairfax and Alexandria,” she said. “Prince William County has such a great range of home prices that all markets are busy...the inventory for homes is low.”

Emma Young is a freelance writer, stay-at-home mother, and home owner in Dumfries. She can be reached at eyoung@ princewilliamliving.com.

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on a high note

History’s Table Faux Foods Make History Real By Carla Christiano | Photography by Robert Jinks

T

o give visitors insight into the life of William Skinker, who founded the Town of Haymarket in 1799, the Haymarket Museum re-created a typical 1825 Christmas dinner last December. Much like Skinker might have enjoyed during the holidays, museum staff laid a feast of baked Virginia ham, roasted grouse with stewed pears and cheese, carrots in butter sauce and French rolls on a white tablecloth with blue and white china, set around a centerpiece of oranges, apples and pine and holly leaves. There was even apple pie, a wedge of cheddar cheese and walnuts, a carafe of red wine and a foamy pitcher of cider. Although such a feast could have made Skinker’s mouth water, none of the food was real. It was all created by Heather Hembrey, owner of History’s Table, Faux Period Foods. History’s Table evolved from Hembrey’s work at museums and from her love of history and food. She started her one-woman company more than four years ago in her Manassas home, where, in a room she shares with her rabbits and guinea pig, she creates lifelike replicas of period foods for exhibit in historic sites and museums nationwide. In addition to the Haymarket Museum, locally you can find her handiwork in displays at Rippon Lodge, Ben Lomond and other sites run by the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division. “I was on staff [at Historic Preservation] for about five years. I helped build a lot of the exhibitions for the historic houses they were opening, and faux food was part of some of those exhibitions,” she said. Although most of her creations could grace 18th or 19th century tables, Hembrey can tackle food from any era. She has sent proposals to museums for displays that range from an 1830s German Easter dinner to an American 1930s home canning operation. Last year, she worked for the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “They had me replicate some foods for an exhibition they were doing on ancient Greece and how [that food] culture hadn’t changed since then,” Hembrey said. For that exhibit, she made olives, 10 | May 2015 prince william living

anchovies, onions and other foods still found at Greek dinner tables, and across the world, today. Hembrey said her first concoction was a fruitcake she made for the Paul Revere House in Boston, where she worked in the late 1980s. The cake was needed for a display, and she was curious to see if she could create it. “I’ve been in the museum field since I was in high school so I’ve always been really fascinated by historical cooking—the ways that it’s done, the foods that were available,” she explained. Hembrey makes her faux food out of materials such as resin, clay, plaster, rubber, sand and foam—Styrofoam and pillow foam. Wax, she said, is too volatile to use. “The objects that I make need to be stable so that they can be within a museum environment without off-gassing or attracting little creatures. Even some foods that used to be made out of paper mâché or even sandpaper can’t really be used anymore in places where there are lots of hungry little ones,” she said. For a cake, she said foam makes a good base and there are a number of materials to stack on top of that to make a texture for a frosting. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of building layers, replicating what you do in clay and with paint to make it look as though it has layers and texture,” said Hembrey. If it is more economical for a client, Hembrey will order pre-made fake food and then adjust or distress it to make it as appropriate. “I could not find very good pictures of the anchovies—their size, their scale—so I ended up ordering some [rubber] fishing bait anchovies and fixing them up so that they would look uniform and pretty. Fixing up is a loose term,” she laughed. “I try very hard to make everything look nice but I also try to make it look realistic. A ham will look greasy. There might be a fly on something,” Hembrey said. For example, at Ben Lomond, which served as a hospital after the 1861 First Battle of Bull Run, museum staff decided that having flies on food would

This display by Heather Hembrey, owner of History’s Table, Faux Period Foods—complete with period appropriate insects--was on display at Bristoe Station in Manassas.

depict the gruesome conditions during those hot July days. “It’s drawn a lot of comments,” she said. With a background both as a museum specialist and archaeologist, Hembrey bases her creations on solid research. “Generally, I look at historic documents or books to see what foods were popular and what foods were available. Sometimes there are period images. For the Greek project, there were mosaics of some of the foods,” she explained. She also finds pictures of historic foods on the internet and has relied on cookbooks published by Mount Vernon, Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg, as well as reproductions of historical cookbooks such as The Virginia Housewife written by Mary Randolph, a relative of Thomas Jefferson, published in 1824. “She had a lot of recipes of what people were eating in the early 19th century. The diet was a lot more diverse than what we tend to think it is…She’s got recipes for curry, for okra, for tomatoes, any number of things that most people don’t even think were thought of in the 19th century but they were certainly around and quite popular,” Hembrey said.

Hembrey believes that food exhibitions are a good way to draw visitors into museums. “We happen to be in the age of the foodie right now,” Hembrey said. “People love to see food. They like to look at a nice table and imagine they could eat it, I suppose.” Carla Christiano is a native of Prince William County, admitted history geek and a technical writer for Unisys. She can be reached at cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com. To see more photos from Heather’s exhibits please visit www.pwlphotos.com and look for the May 2015 issue album.

4/6/2015

occ_arts&crafts_PWLiving.jpg

Hembrey’s displays are also contextual. She considers the time period, the setting and the particular meal, season or holiday that is being represented, as well as the social standing of those being portrayed. “The foods for someone who is a middling class or not very wealthy would be different than someone with a high status,” Hembrey said. Hembrey also incorporates period ceramics, dishes or glassware. “Until I went into archaeology, I didn’t really think much on dishes. Now I love them and try my best to incorporate that into the artificial food that I make,” she said. Haymarket Museum Director Denise Hall said that Hembrey’s faux food in the holiday display enabled visitors to “paint a picture” of what a home would look like in 1825. “I was very impressed with her work, with the level of detail,” she said, also noting that the display had one of the museum’s highest visitor turnouts. prince william living May 2015 | 11 chrome-extension://nlkncpkkdoccmpiclbokaimcnedabhhm/gallery.html

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destinations

Sporting Fun for Sk8er Bois (

(and Girls)) S

By Michael Spiro | Photos by Robert Jinks

kateboarding has been a pastime of kids and young adults for decades. It’s a sport that has cornered not only a fashion market, but is, for some, a perfectly viable way to get around town. Or at least one’s neighborhood. And while the warm weather brings thoughts of fly balls and strikeouts for some, for others around Prince William it’s time to hit the pavement in skate parks around the area. Scott D. Eagles Skatepark in Woodbridge “is crowded any day there isn’t snow in the bowl,” said Dianne Cabot Wahl, who works in community engagement for Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation. Located within Veterans Memorial Regional Park, it advertises “an 11-foot drop vert ramp which is accompanied by a concrete street-skating park designed by east coast skateboarders. The 60-foot kidney bowl is situated next to the 6300-square foot open-flow course, designed with several ledges, stairs, grind rails, ramps and jumps.” “Vets” skatepark, which was renovated in 2012 and is maintained by the Parks and Rec Department, seems to be a favorite of many area skaters. In addition to being open year-round, it is the largest skate park in the Prince William area and offers numerous skateboarding classes throughout the year, from beginner to advanced. 12 | May 2015 prince william living

If you build it, they will skate.

Area skaters can also enjoy year-round fun at FearCliff, an indoor skate park in Woodbridge not far from Veterans Memorial Park. “Outdoor parks are generally crowded during the warmer months,” he said. “I skate Vets and it’s still crowded. You have to dodge others in the park, literally.” Kemper started skating when he was 12, and although he lives, and sometimes skates, in Alexandria, he commutes to Woodbridge where he has operated his business since 2012 and skates with his customers, who he considers practically family. However, indoor facilities like FearCliff are a rarity. “There will always be space for skaters, however more parks would be nice,” Kemper explained. “Having a secure place for skaters, mainly young ones, not only helps keep them safe but it brings skaters together. I’ve seen lots of friendships take hold at a skate park.” Though some might prefer outdoor parks, Kemper explains the advantages to having an indoor park. “[FearCliff has] bay doors that go up so you can enjoy the warmer weather as well. All of our ramps are movable and changeable, meaning there are endless ways to skate them. And the best feature is having a shop attached with snacks, drinks and spare parts when you need them,” he said.

“You Can Never Have Enough” Sharon Mullen of Manassas said that her 15-year old son Tyler frequents Old Town Skate Park, next to Osbourn High School and operated by the City of Manassas. “Tyler is too young to drive and the park options are very limited. The skate park in Manassas is on the small side, but offers some good options for the skateboarders,” Mullen said. “There is enough space for skaters, but it does get really crowded at the skate parks sometimes,” said Tyler. “I definitely think there should be more parks built so that people can be more spread out at each park.” Still, Kemper believes Northern Virginia is fortunate to have as many options as it does. “Skaters in the area are very lucky to have what they do, considering other counties and areas that skate on dirt,” he said. “However, we always want more. You can never have enough places to skate.” The City of Manassas Park is hoping to add to skating options in the area. “We are in the planning and pre-implementation stage,” said Jay Swisher, the city’s manager of Parks and Recreation. Those interested in making the park a reality are encouraged to join the Skatepark Committee, which meets the second Wednesday of each month, 4 p.m. at the Manassas Park Community Center. Supporters can also buy a “Manassas Park Skate Park” shirt for $10. So where does the activity’s popularity come from? It isn’t a common staple on TV like other sports, but professional competitions like the X Games attract large followings. Tony Hawk, 12-time vertical skating world champion, has long been the most familiar face and ambassador for the sport. As for Tyler, it

started with a gift: “I became interested in skating when my aunt and uncle gave me a skateboard for Christmas. I’ve been attached to it ever since then.” Skateboarding is a unique sport that offers something others like baseball or football might not. “There are no set rules in skateboarding. It’s just you and you can do whatever you want,” Tyler explained. Kemper agreed. “Skateboarding is truly an individual sport. There’s no coaches or even teammates,” he said. “What’s so great is that skaters are always willing to help and cheer on other skaters. Even though it’s a competition, you’re still always so stoked to see what everyone lands.”

Practice and Dedication Laszlo Kurucz is a 14-year-old skateboarder who lives in Montclair. He also thinks there should be more skate parks, but chooses to practice at home if the parks are too crowded or he doesn’t have transportation. Though, even on rainy or snowy days, Laszlo emphasized that “skateboarders are never bored.” He uses these opportunities to fix, rebuild or paint his boards, and even draws pictures of new designs or logos for his boards. Just like any other sport, skating takes hours of practice and dedication. And when a kid takes up any sport, it usually means just as much dedication is required from the parent. “It is not a cheap hobby...the shoes get worn down very fast...then there is the deck [another term for the board],” Sharon Mullen explained. “A nice board and the hardware to go with it, you are looking at pretty close to $150 if you don’t find a good sale.” But Mullen believes the money and time driving Tyler to parks is worth it. “[It] helps him get outside in the fresh air and do something different and fun,” she said. “He is always looking to learn a new skill and never seems to tire of spending time outside working on his latest tricks and creating videos showing the tricks he has learned.” Tyler and Laszlo are both involved in gymnastics as well. So after hours of participating in other sports during the week, skateboarding can serve as a hobby. Mullen agrees: “I think for people like my son, it is a great outlet for them to go to and socialize and burn off some much-needed energy in a creative way.” Interested in skating? Check out pwcgov.org/government/dept/ park/vetspark/ and visitmanassas.org/listing/the-skate-park-atold-town/. Or visit www.fearcliff.com for more information on the indoor skate park. Michael Spiro is a former journalist with the York Daily Record in Pa., who relocated to Woodbridge in 2014. He now works as a proposal writer in Alexandria, and is enjoying exploring his new community. He can be reached at mspiro@princewilliamliving.com. To view more pictures from area skate parks, visit pwlphotos.com. prince william living May 2015 | 13

giving back

CRIME SOLVERS:

The Real Sherlock Holmes of Prince William

By Helena Tavares Kennedy

W

e may imagine a detective with a magnifying glass, trenchcoat and funny hat sleuthing around to find clues when thinking about people who solve crimes. Crime Solvers, a community based nonprofit, is working to change that perception and let the community know that anyone can help. We too can be those detectives with a watchful eye, noticing things or people around us that may prove crucial in solving a crime (funny hat and trenchcoat optional).

Sleuthing Collaboratively “Crime Solvers brings together citizens, the media and the police department to solve crimes, locate wanted suspects, seize illegal drugs and recover stolen property. In doing so, Crime Solvers hopes to improve the overall quality of life for the community,” according to the Crime Solvers page on pwcgov.org. The group traces its roots to a previously unsolved 1975 murder in Albuquerque, N.M. Police officers reenacted the crime on local television, hoping to elicit leads from the public, offering both rewards and anonymity to citizens providing useful information. It worked. Within 10 hours of airing, the reenactment prompted tips that broke the case and led to an arrest. Over time, this successful crime-solving model spurred a national program with affiliates in communities throughout the nation. Crime Solvers of Prince William County, Virginia began in 1982. Currently, its board of directors is made up of eight volunteers: ordinary community members volunteering their time to make their neighborhoods a little safer. Each month, they meet to review any recommendations made by Prince William County Police Department Information Officer Jonathan Perok, who serves as the department’s liaison to the program. “It’s very rewarding in this position, especially seeing the community taking an active role in helping the police department serve and protect the community,” said Perok. From Perok’s recommendations, the board selects which cases to advertise to the public, seeking tips through media such as television, radio, newspaper and social media. 14 | May 2015 prince william living

The board also generates ideas for fundraising to support the program. “I can’t stress how important donations are to a successful program. Crime Solvers still relies entirely on contributions from businesses and individuals,” said Board Chairman Owen Thomas.

Cracking Unsolved Crimes “Crime Solvers gives the voice to the individual who may be too timid or scared to come forward in fear of retaliation,” said Thomas. “With blatant acts of crime in today’s world, having an avenue where one can provide information without providing their name is comforting.” While the goal and structure of the program has not changed much since its start, the technology has. “The way technology has grown means more video and picture evidence is available now than in the past. Tipsters still call a dedicated telephone line and those tips are then passed to investigators to follow up on,” Thomas said. “One new technology that we have taken advantage of is social media. In 2012, the board started their own Facebook page where information is shared directly to the public,” said Perok. “Without this service, I think many of the crimes that have been solved or those fugitives that have been apprehended through this service would remain open or unsolved.” Last year, Crime Solvers of PWC received 199 tips, leading to nine approved reward payouts totaling $2,700. (Payouts are only given when tips lead to an arrest.) Thomas said that Crime Solvers led to the arrest of the East Coast Rapist, a man who eluded authorities in four states for two decades, attacking dozens of women including a trio of teenage girls in Dale City in 2009.“The tip to Crime Solvers was directly responsible for solving [the] case,” Thomas said, referring to a call received during a multi-state, multi-agency publicity campaign seeking information in the case. Thomas added that Crime Solvers of PWC is currently purchasing a billboard in Dumfries to seek information on the murder of 21-year-old Glenda Marisol Coca-Romero. She was killed last February during her shift at Platanillos Grocery and Jewelry in Woodbridge. No motive or suspects have yet been identified; as of press time, authorities are offering a reward of $21,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Becoming a Crime Solver Citizen reporting can play a crucial role in breaking cases like this, and nothing is too small to report: an overheard snippet of conversation, the memory of a figure lingering where he didn’t belong. You never know which tip will point police in the right direction.

protects their anonymity, and also provides Crime Solvers board members with immunity from civil liability. “Please, if you have information that could possibly solve a crime, call. One day, you may need the assistance of someone who could provide information to solve a crime against you,” said Thomas. Additional ways to support Crime Solvers including donating time and money. The program welcomes new board members, and funding is needed for rewarding callers whose information leads to an arrest. Crime Solvers of PWC Vice Chair Tony Brula said that fundraising is an ongoing concern. “Without having funds in our account, we would not be able to give out rewards,” he explained. To learn about joining the board or donating, call Thomas at 703901-5892 or email gowitho@comcast.net. “The fact that we have great citizens in this area that have stepped up and provided tips that have led to arrests, resulting in getting bad people off the street, makes me sleep better at night,” said Brula. Helena Tavares Kennedy, a marketing and communications consultant also enjoys freelance writing and blogging at LivingGreenDayByDay. com. She has lived in Prince William County for over 13 years with her family. She can be reached at hkennedy@princewilliamliving.com. LPW Ad_Apr15_Layout 1 3/12/15 10:56 PM Page 1

Why Leadership Prince William?

For Yourself, For Your Career, For Your Community Leadership Prince William engages and inspires individuals to improve our community through collaborative leadership. Become part of our growing network of leaders in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park! ■ Adults—Apply for our Signature Program by June 15 ■ Students grades 6 to 9—Apply for our Summer Leadership Academy by May 15 ■ Students grades 10 to 12—Apply to be a Leader In Training at our Summer Academy by May 15 All applications available now at www.LeadershipPrinceWilliam.org Call 571-765-7568 or email info@LeadershipPrinceWilliam.org

To view unsolved cases, visit pwcgov.org/government/dept/ police/pages/crime-solvers or facebook.com/PWCCrimeSolvers. Call 1-866-411-TIPS [8477] or 703-671-3700 to report tips. Callers are not required to give their name or other identifying information. However, should they choose to do so, Virginia law prince william living May 2015 | 15

health & wellness Why can’t I get pregnant?: A Closer Look at Infertility By Tenisha Waldo

C

ouples struggling with infertility can feel lonely, especially when it seems like everyone they know is expecting a baby. But there’s hope. “Infertility is when a couple cannot successfully get pregnant after trying for one year,” said Dr. JoAnne Gutliph of Novant Health Prince William OB-GYN. “Infertility can stem from a collection of things,” Gutliph said. “There are different factors, like behavioral and lifestyle factors, environmental factors and physical factors.” Behavioral and lifestyle factors for both men and women include excessive alcohol and tobacco use, as well as vitamin deficiencies. Even environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides and lead, can disrupt ovulation and normal hormone function. Women can be affected by increased caffeine consumption, medications and medical conditions, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, as well as being underweight and excessively exercising. Inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes and the uterus can be factors, too. Hormone imbalances may cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of female infertility. Factors for men include stress, which can decrease sperm production. Sperm shape and movement, as well as sperm count, contribute to a man’s fertility as well. “Age is definitely a factor,” Gutliph said. “A woman’s chances of getting pregnant start to decline around age 32. For men, it’s around age 35.” “There are several options for couples who struggle with infertility,” Gutliph said. Recommended lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking and exercising in moderation. Certain medicines can help regulate ovulation and stimulate the development and release of mature eggs. Assisted reproductive technology options for women include intrauterine insemination, or placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus to help increase the chances of conception. If a woman has blocked, damaged or absent fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilization is the process where a woman’s eggs are extracted and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory and then the embryos are transferred back into her body for gestation. Consult with your OB-GYN to learn about the best approach to help you conceive. Tenisha Waldo is online public relations manager at Novant Health and can be reached at twaldo@novanthealth.org.

16 | May 2015 prince william living

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taking care of business

Steve’s Auto and Tire A Culture of Learning, Service and Community By Tracy Shevlin | Photos by Robert Jinks

S

.T. Billingsley and Scott Whitling have been business partners and co-owners of Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire since 2005, when they purchased it from the original owners. Located a block off of Route 1 amidst heavy competition, Steve’s Auto has more than doubled its business since that time and has a loyal customer base. In addition, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce awarded the company its Community Outreach Award in 2014, for Billingsley’s involvement in organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Salvation Army, along with company-wide projects like roadside cleanups and collecting gifts for Angel Tree.

Prince William Living met with Billingsley to ask him about his business strategies in the face of a changing auto industry. PWL: You told us that you and Whitling worked together as technicians before you purchased Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire. As you transitioned from technicians to business owners, what were the greatest challenges? Billingsley: One of the biggest challenges was getting away from working in the business to being able to work on the business. During the first five years, we were learning as much as we could about the business of auto care, but also about running a business in general. We spent a lot of our time and resources on professional development. We have been known to purchase the same learning materials in both book and CD formats because not everyone learns the same way. Some people absorb more 18 | May 2015 prince william living

S.T. Billingsley is co-owner of Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire in Woodbridge.

through the audio recordings rather than by reading. We also participated in professional trainings through the Automotive Training Institute, Business Network International and Action Coaching. The ironic thing for me was that for someone who didn’t like schooling when I was younger, I realized that there was no way around it if we wanted to be successful. Since then, we’ve established a culture of learning; professional development has become part of our business style. Everyone we hire participates in some sort of continuing education or professional development and has required readings such as “The One Minute Manager.”

PWL: How would you explain your business philosophy? Billingsley: Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire gives customers an alternative to the dealer for tire and repair services. We are also an official Continental Tire dealer, needed for BMW and Mercedes vehicles, but we pride ourselves in being a one-stop shop for the whole family. Our philosophy is pretty simple. We strive to have a trust-based relationship with our customers. It’s one of the big issues in car care business. Customers may have had bad experiences in the past and don’t always trust the dealership or repair facility at first glance. We’ve trained the staff to advise the customers as they would their mother. We want to make sure that customers know that we will provide them with top-notch service and that we will take care of them. We are looking out for their interests to keep them safe and their vehicles performing well. PWL: Does the local competition affect your ability to recruit employees? Billingsley: I don’t feel that the competition has hurt us necessarily, but there is a shortage of well-qualified applicants. Our technicians are top-notch and ASC (Automotive Service Center) Certified. The auto industry has changed tremendously. The day is gone where those who weren’t college bound would be steered towards careers in automotive repair. Technicians have to deal with mechanical issues, electronic diagnostics and many different kinds of vehicles and have to take additional training on a continual basis. It’s interesting to note that NOVA and Germanna Community Colleges have both revved up their automotive programs and we are starting to see more applicants from their programs. PWL: Tell us how you view the relationship between outreach and marketing. Billingsley: For many businesses, outreach equals marketing. That may be true, but we don’t think of our community outreach in that way. There is a difference between exposure with expectations of a return and being involved in the community because it is the right thing to do. For example, as we became involved with the Salvation Army, The Boys & Girls Club and Rotary Clubs in the area, we were able learn some of the needs in our community and how we could help. It’s like [professional speaker and author] Bryan Dodge says: “It all starts with you.” We view our marketing efforts as ways to get our name in front of our neighbors in the greater Woodbridge area. We have been flexible and open to different ideas and have been diligent in finding ways to track the success of each campaign. You need to know what you are getting back, in terms of return on investment, and you must keep records of what works and what doesn’t. However, we also sponsor local schools or events when we are able to, without an expectation of return.

Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire is an official Continental Tire dealer, and tries “to be a one-stop shop for the whole family.”

PWL: Do you have any new goals or projects coming for Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire? Billingsley: We are hoping to roll out a telematic device for our customers by the end of the year. Developed by CAARMO, the device tracks the maintenance and performance of the vehicle and will help owners feel more secure about the health and safety of their vehicle. For example, the device will communicate things like check engine codes, maintenance needs and detects issues before they become larger problems. The device communicates to the repair facility and our role will be to communicate back to our customer whether any issues are safety related or [if they are] minor things that can be scheduled later. This type of information will be helpful for personal vehicles as well as fleet management. We hope that the device will provide customers some peace of mind and will minimize some of the anxiety that people feel when they bring their car into the shop. This is a win-win for both the customers and the repair facility. For more information about Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire, call 703-670-8005 or visit stevesautorepairva.com.

Tracy Shevlin is a native Virginian and long-time Manassas area resident. She is a full-time administrative assistant and parttime student at George Mason University completing her degree in Business Communication. She can be reached at tshevlin@ princewilliamliving.com. prince william living May 2015 | 19

family fun

Go Fly a Kite By Amanda Causey Baity

A

lthough National Kite Month took place in April, as long as the wind is blowing and the sun is shining it’s always a great day to fly a kite. Every time I think about loading up the kids for this activity, I immediately think of “Mary Poppins,” one of my all-time favorite movies. The iconic “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” musical number at the end, where the father realizes that his children are more important than his work, has enough love and happiness to make anyone want to send a kite soaring.

Choosing a kite There are more types of kites out there than you might think, but for beginners, you really only need to worry about two: the delta (triangle shaped) and the diamond (see the DIY instructions following). Both are simple to assemble and fairly easy to fly. As for size, there is no “right” answer. A bigger kite will need less wind to get going, but it will have a lot of pull—so on windier days, small children might have a hard time hanging on. Small kites will be easier to manage once they’re in the air, but might need a little more patience to get started.

Weather Most people assume that the breezier the day, the better the kite flying, but that’s not necessarily true. It can be dangerous to fly a kite in overly gusty conditions.

With his back to the wind, have your child hold his kite out in front of him. On more windy days, your kite will automatically catch the wind and practically fly itself. Have him slowly unravel the line to give the kite more altitude and watch it soar. To bring it back down again, slowly wind the line back in. If the wind isn’t quite that strong, your kite might need a little help getting up in the air. Have your child hold the line while you walk the kite about 50 feet away, keeping the line taut. When your child says “Launch!” throw the kite straight up while he quickly pulls the line in, hand over hand. This will create the wind you need, much like running, but with a little more stability. As the kite gains altitude, let the line back out. If you are still having trouble, have your child run with the kite and watch for any odd movements. If the kite is spinning or swaying, it may not be assembled correctly.

The Benefits Of Flying Kites Although not strenuous most of the time, kiting is quite a healthy activity! It’s good exercise for your eyes, focusing near and far all the time. Breathe that fresh air and soak up some vitamin D, but don’t forget the sunscreen! You can even fit in a bit of moderate exercise sometimes as you walk or run while searching for faster air.

How To Make A Kite

For beginners, try flying in a consistent light to moderate breeze of about 5 to 20 miles per hour. This means you should see leaves and branches moving, but whole trees—even small ones—aren’t swaying yet. Remember that the wind you feel in your neighborhood is only a fraction of what it will be in a wideopen field. Never let your child fly a kite on a stormy, or even potentially stormy, day. Despite the example set by Benjamin Franklin, lightning mixed with kites is a recipe for disaster.

Materials n Two wooden dowels or straight sticks n Scissors and a craft knife n String or twine n Glue n Lightweight fabric, nylon or plastic n Ribbon or extra fabric for the tail n Knitting needle or hole punch

Watch it Soar

Instructions n Cut a notch in both ends of the sticks using a craft knife. The notch should be deep enough for the string or twine.

Once you have a kite and a clear, beautiful day, flying is the easy part. Find a wide-open space at least the size of a soccer field, free from trees and power lines; an actual soccer field works just fine. 20 | May 2015 prince william living

(continues on page 22)

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(continued from page 20) n Mark the center of the stick that will be horizontal. Make a cross using the two sticks. Place the horizontal stick about 2/3 of the way up on the vertical stick. Make sure the horizontal piece is at a right angle to the vertical one. Tie the two sticks together by wrapping the string securely around the center points making a crossed pattern. After the sticks are secure, tie a knot with the string. n Note: Do not cut the long end of the string yet! Wrap the long end of the string and secure it to the notch at the top of the vertical stick. Work your way around the kite, placing the string in the notched points. You will create a frame for the kite. Remember to keep the string taut, and wrap the string back to the center of the kite frame, and tie a knot again to secure the string. n Lay the kite frame on top of your fabric or nylon and cut the fabric around the frame, allowing at least an extra 1-2 inches all the way around. n Fold the fabric or nylon over the edges of the kite frame and glue to secure. Reinforce the top and bottom tips of the kite with extra glue. n Use a hole punch or knitting needle to create a hole at the top and bottom of the kite. Cut string and thread one

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end through the top hole and the other end through the bottom hole. Secure both ends with a knot. This string is the kite’s bridle. n Tie the end of the flying string to the bridle—about 1/3 down from the top. n Attach additional string to the bottom hole and tie cloth bows or ribbons for the kite tail. To see more detailed photos of this craft, visit pwliving.com and look under Family Fun.

Amanda Causey Baity, Prince William Living’s marketing director and photo editor, also blogs about thrifty family activities on her blog GreenOwlCrafts. com. She can be reached at acausey@ princewilliamliving.com.

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Linton Hall School provides preschool through eighth grade Catholic education that values the past, honors the family and inspires success. Linton Hall School’s Little Sprouts Preschool Program is an excellent opportunity for children aged two and a half to five years to develop the skills for life-long learning. Call for more information. Or Join Us for

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www.pwice.com (703) 730-8423 prince william living May 2015 | 23

home & hearth Get Your Home Sold: Advice from Local Realtors By Emma Young

“T

he typical buyer makes up their mind about the house in a zone 10 feet outside the front door to 10 feet inside the front door,” said Terrylynn Harrell, Prince William Association of Realtors President. We gathered tips from local Realtors on how to maximize that first impression.

We have roots, where others have branches.

Curb Appeal “Windows should be clean and the front door should have fresh paint or stain. Trim around the door should be in good shape. It makes a strong first impression.” —Nancy Pratt, Century 21, Redwood

“Spruce up the yard with fresh mulch and plant some seasonal flowers to give that friendly first impression. Taking care of small details like clearing out gutters [helps]. ‘Wow’ factors include stone/brick patios and nice landscaping.” —Sam Mangrio, Avery Hess Realtors

Clean and Clear “The biggest seller of any house is clean and neat. It pays to get a cleaning service in to clean after you have put things away or thrown them out.” —Peggy Burke, Virginia Realty Partners

“A clean, clutter-free living space will help the buyer see the value of the home.” —Terrylynn Harrell, Prince William Association of Realtors

Floors “Hardwood floors rule, and wide plank always appeals to buyers over the smaller planks…Darker colors are still the preference; however we are seeing oak floors make a comeback.” —Maryanne Moyers, The Moyers Team

Bath “Tile bathrooms with oversized tile on floors and shower walls. Huge two-head showers are…preferred with frameless glass.”

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Kitchens “Most buyers will often have viewed builders models in which they will see stainless steel appliances, granite counters. … When they see these items in a resale, it certainly carries a ‘wow’ factor.” —Sam Mangrio, Avery Hess Realtors

“Kitchens are kings. We are seeing buyers seeking out more solid color subway tile styles than the busy mosaic or glass tile [for backsplashes].” —Maryanne Moyers, The Moyers Team

24 | May 2015 prince william living

Virginia Realty Partners, LLC 4004 Genessee Place #209 Woodbridge, VA 22192

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Introducing a kitchen that’s brand new and all you Our completely new SEKTION kitchen has more of everything you love: a wide range of styles, innovative features, integrated appliances and full customization. Visit IKEA Woodbridge or IKEA-USA.com/kitchen to start planning your dream kitchen today.

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SEKTION kitchen with BODBYN gray doors, drawer fronts, glass doors and MAXIMERA soft-closing drawers SEKTION cabinet frames in white melamine foil. BODBYN doors/drawers fronts in painted finish and glass doors in tempered glass. MAXIMERA drawers in powder-coated steel and melamine foil. Shown with FÅGLAVIK handles and knobs in chrome-plated zinc and PERSONLIG quartz nougat countertop. Requires assembly. *See IKEA store for 10'×10' layout details. SEKTION cabinets have a 25-year limited warranty. See IKEA store or IKEA-USA.com for details. © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2015 We apologize for, but will not be bound by or responsible for, any errors in our advertisements. See IKEA store for country of origin information. Not all products may be available online or in all stores. See what is available at your local store by calling or visiting IKEA-USA.com/stockavailability. Valid in the US only.

prince william living May 2015 | 25

local flavor

Argentine Flair

Comes to Prince William By Olivia Overman | Photos by Robert Jinks

W

hen Norberto Correa visited The Knife while in Miami two years ago, he knew it was just the type of restaurant he too wanted to open. With its familystyle servings typical of the cuisine, including appetizers, entree, dessert and drinks all for one price, it delivers the flavors and style Correa was looking to introduce to Prince William. It’s what Correa, originally from Argentina, believes Argentine restaurants are all about: family, friends and good food. Correa has now set out on his first venture into the restaurant business by opening a Woodbridge outpost of this small chain restaurant with locations in Florida, Spain and now, Virginia. “[He is] bringing a little bit of his country’s cuisine and culture to Woodbridge,” said Johanna Aquino, a manager at The Knife who spent six months helping him prepare the business for its opening. While the eatery is part of a franchise, Correa has put his own touches into creating an interior that is sleek, clean and fresh. Contrasted with this modern decor are the handmade tables assembled with old tree trunks for their bases, “chairs made out of wine barrels, and the floor and bar made from an old barn,” said Aquino. The decor, she noted, is “the owner’s particular choice; it’s all his credit.”

A Cut Above “Our ‘All-Inclusive’ rates offer you the opportunity to enjoy our large selection of grilled meats, traditional Argentinian cold appetizers, a variety of fresh vegetables and salads, homemade desserts and drinks,” said Aquino. The all-you-can-eat style allows for sampling the variety of meats: all manner of beef from bottom sirloin, outside skirt, picaña (top sirloin) and short ribs, to grilled chicken, chicken cordon bleu, pork ribs, pork loin and pork pamplonas. “What sets us apart from the rest is the 26 | May 2015 prince william living

The Knife, in Woodbridge, reflects what Argentine restaurants are all about: family, friends and good food.

quality of our Argentine-style cuts of meat, charcoal-grilled in the traditional way, allowing each customer to unlimited choices of what he wishes to eat, but also the beverages and the choice of desserts we include in our regular fee,” Aquino said. The person responsible for the menu is Wilson Martinez, the restaurant’s master griller. Originally from Uruguay, Martinez

For one price, diners at The Knife can enjoy an array of meat and vegetables from the parrilla (grill), as well as desserts and salads.

helped open the very first ‘The Knife’ in Hallandale Beach, Fl., in October 2001. His experience includes stints with fine restaurants and resorts in his home country. Grilling for the restaurant begins with rubbing fat from the meats on the grill (or parrillas as they are known in Argentina), before cooking with charcoal, giving the meat its unique layers of flavor. While beef is the meat most closely associated with Argentine food, fish is also available from the grill; just ask the chefs about the catch of the day. “The parrilla may [also] be completed with a variety of sweetbreads, kidneys, chinchulines [chitlins] and grilled vegetables, such as onions, sliced in half and seasoned with olive oil and salt, or various pimentos, seasoned with olive oil, vinegar and salt,” said Aquino. Asked why he and his family had chosen to dine at The Knife, Woodbridge resident and first-time visitor Robert Rodriguez said, “I just like to eat meat. I’ve had flank steak and vacio relleno [stuffed beef]; I had to make room for that.” Before you choose your main selections, make sure to whet your palate at the extensive salad bar that includes everything from a variety of salads (Waldorf, Russian, pasta) to ceviche, vitello tonnato (sliced veal with a mayonnaise-like sauce) and antipasto, to name but a few. “The food is very good here. It’s a nice salad bar; I like the variety it offers,” said Robert’s wife, Anna. “I was just saying to my daughter that maybe we could come with some people from work one evening.” For group events, there are two private party rooms that can accommodate 41 and 54 guests respectively. “They are sold

out every weekend, so make sure you book at least a week in advance,” advised Aquino.

The Future Looks Sharp Since opening its doors last December, the restaurant’s popularity has grown week by week. Currently employing 54 people, Correa hopes to someday expand into Washington, D.C. or Maryland. For now, though, he is happy getting the name restaurant’s name out there as a place where families are most welcome. The Knife is located at 14425 New Bedford Way, Woodbridge, in what was the former Blue Pearl Buffet. Lunch, served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is $18.99 and includes a soft drink, hot sides and all you can eat from the grill and salad bar. The dinner menu, served Monday through Thursday from 4:00 until close, costs $30.99 and includes the the option of a bottle of wine, two draft beers or a soft drink, hot sides, and all you can eat from the salad bar and grill plus a choice of dessert per person. On Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday, when lamb is included on the menu, the price is $34.99. Visit thekniferestaurant.com for full menus and more. A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman writes articles for online and print publications. She can be reached at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living May 2015 | 27

your finances To Buy or Not to Buy a Vacation Home?

home equity line of credit Rate locked until 2016*

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC

®

Private Wealth Advisor

rates as low as

Y

ou’ve always wanted to own a vacation home, and now you finally feel ready to make that purchase. Before you put an offer in for a cabin on the lake, consider the realities of owning a second property:

Rate adjusts to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, currently 3.25% aPR*.

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Manassas 8700 centreville Rd.

Can you afford it? Owning a second home entails additional expenses such as:

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n Furniture or other household items n Travel costs like airfare or wear and tear on your vehicle n Annual repairs or improvements n Recreational desires such as a boat, winter skis or kayaks n Utilities including heat, air conditioning, water, internet and cable

* % 2.74 aPR

Woodbridge 14229 Potomac Mills Rd.

AppleFCU.org/HomeEquity

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*aPR = annual Percentage Rate. offer onlY available for neW Helocs applied for online and approved 01/01/2015 – 12/31/2015. You may not pay off or make payment to other apple Fcu loans, credit cards or accounts with these proceeds. advances made between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2015: will be locked at your current aPR until 12/31/2015. if rates go down before 12/31/2015 your aPR will not be adjusted downward and will not increase past your current aPR until 01/01/2016. on 01/01/2016, (floor rate of 3.99% for 85% ltV and less) the aPR will be adjusted to the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on 12/21/2015 plus or minus your current margin on the remaining balance and will be subject to change each quarter thereafter as stipulated by your original terms and conditions. Maximum interest rate 18.00% aPR. Minimum advance of $250 required. advance amounts must be within your existing credit limit. advances in excess of your current credit limit will not be honored and may be subject to additional fees. if your account becomes delinquent at any time during the promotional period, you will forfeit these promotional terms and the aPR on the unpaid balance will be increased to the appropriate quarterly rate offered at that time as disclosed in your original note. Membership eligibility required. equal opportunity lender.

n A security system for when you’re away n You also may need to hire a property manager. Is the location right? Have you given much thought to what location means in terms of year-round use? If temperatures dip below freezing, the home will need to be winterized. Where there’s snowfall, there’s snow removal to manage. The ease of getting there is also a key consideration. Will the area that will grow in value or will it be hard to sell? Would renting be better? You don’t have to buy a vacation home to get away on a regular basis. Short-term rental can provide the comforts of a home without the obligations of ownership. Rather than be tied to one place, you can try new accommodations each vacation. Alternately, if you do purchase a vacation home, you may want to explore renting it out. You might be able to generate income—just factor in management and maintenance costs. Will taxes be affected? Different, and somewhat complex, tax rules apply to owning a second home. You’ll want to consult with a tax advisor to sort out the details and discuss how your taxes will be affected if you purchase another home.

Meet your future with confidence. Take the first step toward having peace of mind in retirement with our proprietary Confident Retirement® approach. We’ll work with you to address the four basic principles of retirement. Call us today to get started at 703.492.7732. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 12848 Harbor Drive, Suite 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com www.whitlockwealth.com

Be sure to consider all of these factors, so that if you do buy a vacation home, you can enjoy your getaway with no financial surprises. 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 | May 2015 prince william living

The Confident Retirement approach is not a guarantee of future financial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (8/14)

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calendar Yoga on the Lawn

Saturdays | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15500 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge Yoga on the lawn with views of the Potomac River and Rippon Lodge in the background – you could not ask for a better outdoor venue. Join certified yoga instructor Hamuri Allen for an hourlong Vinyasa yoga practice. From beginning yoga students to devotees, this class is for you. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Beginning students may want to bring a block and/or strap. $5 per class or 5 classes for $20 or 10 classes for $45.

Manassas Regional Airport Airshow

May 2 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Manassas Regional Airport 10600 Harry Parrish Blvd, Manassas The Manassas Airshow and Open House will present a wide variety of displays and attractions for the entire family to enjoy including the Freedom Museum based at the airport. FREE Rainout date Sunday May 3.

may

Free Learn-To-Row Day

May 3 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Lake Ridge Park Golf Course & Marina 12350 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge Come and discover the many benefits of rowing and learn about the variety of programs that PWRC has to offer. Head over to the Oxford Boathouse in Lake Ridge Park for one of three FREE LearnTo-Row days. Get a tour of the boathouse, try out an erg, and get on the water and row! Ages 13 and up.

Monday Madness— Top Chef Competition

May 4 | 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave, Manassas Come test your culinary chops in this fun cooking competition. A mystery ingredient will be given in each round (appetizer, main course and dessert). Youth will use their creativity to come up with something edible. Ages 8-14. Registration begins two weeks before

program date. 20 openings available, call 703-792-4500 for more info.

8th Annual Rainbow Center Golf Classic

(888)945-2468. For information on MBT performances, discounted tickets and on the affiliated Academy, please visit www. manassasballet.org.

May 7 | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Stonewall Golf Club 15601 Turtle Point Dr, Gainesville Help Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center raise funds for their operations at their 8th annual golf tournament. Format is Captain’s Choice. Entrance Fee is $100. Practice and Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start at 11 a.m. Dinner at 4 p.m. Visit rainbowriding.org for more info.

Nokesville Day

Prince William Community Paper Shred

Celebrating and Honoring Your Military Community

May 9 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Prince William County Landfill & Balls Ford Road Yard Waste Compost Facility 14811 Dumfries Road, Manassas & 13000 Balls Ford Road, Manassas, VA The Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a free document shred for Prince William area residents. These events are open to residents only. No business or commercial shredding will be accepted at these events. For other guidelines and restrictions visit www. pwcgov.org/trashandrecycling.

Town of Dumfries Multicultural Festival May 9th | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Garrison Park 17755 Main Street, Dumfries Come enjoy a day of diversified entertainment, vendors and food, face painting, games and fun at the Dumfries Multicultural Festival.

Manassas Ballet Theater— Giselle May 15 - 16 | 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 17 | 3 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Manassas Ballet Theatre presents Giselle, the classic, romantic ballet that speaks to the power of true love. Giselle, with its colorful act one village scene and wistful, romantic act two, is the oldest ballet in active repertoire, remaining a worldwide favorite since the ballet was first performed in 1841. Tickets start at $25 and are available at hyltoncenter.org and

May 16 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville 42nd annual street event by the Nokesville-Bristow Ruritan Club, a community service organization. Nokesville Day raises funds for its programs and projects. Arts & crafts vendors, food, children’s activities, parade along the street. Rain or shine.

May 16 | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St, Manassas Bring the whole family for live music, food and fun!

Picnic with Painters

May 17 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Liberia Plantation 8601 Portner Ave, Manassas Bring a picnic lunch and blanket as you enjoy a relaxing day on the lovely grounds of Liberia Plantation as local and regional artists paint the scenery around this historic landmark. Music, period games, talks, ladies in period clothes strolling the grounds and tours of the house will occur for the entire family to enjoy. Budding artists are encouraged to bring their supplies to create their own art. Free.

Woodbridge Flute Choir

May 17 | 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave, Manassas Free, family-friendly concert by the Woodbridge Flute Choir.

Lecture: The 1945 War In the Pacific

May 21 | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Ave, Manassas Representatives from the United States Marine Corps Historic Company will give an in-depth program on two of the most important amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater during the final year of World War II.

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar. 30 | May 2015 prince william living

Discover Prince William & Manassas

DiscoverPWM.com

W

arm weather is finally here and it is time to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor activities and amenities Prince William and Manassas have to offer. Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day and escape to Occoquan for a day of indulgence. Walk through the streets exploring the art galleries, jewelry stores, and gourmet treats. Dine in one of the many locally-owned restaurants such as Madigan’s Waterfront or Blue Arbor Cafe. Free wine tastings can be had at Tastefully Yours, Bottle Stop and Mom’s Wine Shop. Then indulge in a mani/ pedi/facial at Dansk Day Spa. For dinner head on over to the Secret Garden Cafe where menu items made from scratch are sure to please.

Ann Marie Maher

President and CEO Discover Prince William & Manassas

May is also Historic Preservation Month, and with five historic properties in our area that are open to the public year round, there’s plenty to choose from. The WeemsBotts Museum in Dumfries offers weekend ghost tours of one of Virginia’s most haunted houses. Or stop by Rippon Lodge in Woodbridge on Mother’s Day for a complimentary tour of one of the oldest homes in Prince William. You can also find tranquility here every Saturday morning with yoga on the lawn.

M

verP W

@Disco

Facebook.com/pwcmanassas

For a day of family fun, head to Picnic with Painters at Liberia Plantation in Manassas on May 17, with music and games. May 23, travel back in time while sipping tea and looking out on one of the largest antique rose gardens in the Washington D. C. metro area at Ben Lomond’s Annual Rose Garden Tea. Horticulturalists will talk about the roses and spring flowers. The Brentsville Historic Courthouse Historic Centre and the Old Manassas Courthouse also offer events year-round. There’s also modern-day fun to be had as Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow kicks off its summer concert season with Dave Matthews Band on May 23. Be sure to follow Discover Prince William & Manassas on Facebook for more ideas. 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.

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Hylton Center Box Office 1-888-945-2468 www.hyltoncenter.org Tue.-Sat. 10-6pm, Thur. 10-8pm

Featuring: Fascinating Rhythm The Music of the Night What a Wonderful World Drive My Car

Manassas Park Community Center

Community Center Consider this an invitation to come and check out all that the Manassas Features:

• Indoor pool • 2 Wellness Centers featuring TRX Equipment • A banquet hall for Weddings, Birthdays & More • 20,000 Sq. Ft. Hardwood Floor Gymnasium • Dedicated Teen Center • 11 Multi-Purpose Rooms for Programs, Performances and Meetings • And Even a Dog Park!

32 | May 2015 prince william living

Park Community Center has to offer. From programs for all ages to our new wellness center expansion, we have a variety of amenities and activities for everyone in the family! Located in Manassas Park, just off of Old Centreville Road, nestled in Costello Park, our 80,000 sq.ft. facility provides the perfect environment for all of your recreational needs.

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prince william living May 2015 | 331/1

lifelong learning Nanoscience Classroom Prepares Students for STEM Careers Northern Virginia Community College Commits to Being “Leader in Research” By Emily Guerrero

W

ith the launch of its NOVA College-wide STEM Initiative (NCSI) and the addition of a nanoscience classroom at its Manassas campus, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is enhancing its ability to prepare students for success in the modern workplace. “We are purposefully enhancing our curriculum to provide innovative lab experiences for our students, which equips them with skills to become competitive in a host of STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] careers,” said Manassas Provost Dr. Roger Ramsammy, who leads NCSI. The nanoscience classroom, opened in 2014, includes desktop scanning electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes and 3D optical profilers. “The Manassas Campus has invested in state-ofthe-art equipment to incorporate nanotechnology activities into the classroom so our students receive cutting-edge instruction,” said Assistant Dean of Sciences Dr. Ia Gomez, who manages NCSI implementation. “For the biotechnology program, we have a rigorous curriculum that includes a strong hands-on component combined with an internship to prepare our students for a STEM career path.” Ramsammy said that the school’s physics and chemistry classes are also using the classroom, which can accommodate up to 24 students at a time, and that microbiology students will soon start using it as well. “We are also excited about the ongoing training of our faculty and staff as they test out the equipment,” said Ramsammy. “Furthermore, we anticipate that local high school juniors and seniors will benefit from the unique internship opportunities that NOVA Manassas will present.” According to a statement issued by NOVA, the installed Phenom Scanning Electron Microscopes magnify samples up 34 | May 2015 prince william living

to 100,000 times with remarkable detail. The Phenoms bridge the visible world with the nanoscale world, allowing students to investigate the elemental composition of materials as well as see them with high precision. Also featured in the classroom are Nanosurf Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), serving as eyes into the nanoscale world. The AFM can probe smaller dimensions in true 3D, enabling students to visualize the ever-smaller surface structures being created for new technologies. Another classroom tool, the Zeta optical profiler, delivers stunning 3D images in true color. Measurements are made on mechanical devices to look at holes, scratches, steps, roughness and other parameters. Students can also evaluate micromachined parts, conduct failure analysis and inspect surface finishes. Additionally, the nanoscience classroom exposes students to a number of characterization techniques that can be used immediately after high school, creating career opportunities for those who aren’t on the path to obtaining a college degree. Skills gained there can be used in a variety of fields, including pharmaceutical, bioinformatic, physics and forensics. Dr. Ramsammy said that the NOVA also anticipates opening a nano lab at the Manassas campus in 2016. “We are committed to become a national leader in community college research,” said Dr. Gomez.

Emily Guerrero is editor in chief of Prince William Living and owns Mightier Than, a communications firm based in Lake Ridge. She can be reached at editor@princewilliamliving.com.

2015 Influential Women Award Celebration influential women award

P

rince William Living’s Influential Women Award Celebration was held April 24th at Monza. Winners from 2014 and 2015 were invited to attend and bring their guests, along with PWL staff and clients. To see more images from the event and learn more about our 2014 and 2015 Influential Women Award winners please visit http://princewilliamliving. com/influential-women. Event sponsored by Monza. Photography by Robert Jinks Photography.

prince william living May 2015 | 35

Small Business Directory photography

special event, family, marketing

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Workshops ■ Open Studios Arty Parties ■ Summer Camps

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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: 15040 Heathcote Boulevard, Gainesville Appliance Connection 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair City of Manassas 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 9027 Center Street, Manassas 2100 Rippon Boulevard, Woodbridge Discover Prince William & Manassas 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 4290 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Edward Kelly Leadership Center 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas 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 Ice Center One Park Center Court, Suite A, Manassas Park 5180 Dale Boulevard, Dale City Manassas Park – Parks and Recreation Prince William Parks and Recreation 99 Adams Street, Manassas Prince William Public Library System Mason Enterprise Center 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147, Manassas 12964 Harbor Drive, Lake Ridge The Merit School of Prince William 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas Minnieland 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas 4249 Dale Boulevard, Dale City 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Dumfries 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge 5255 Merchants View Square, Haymarket 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville

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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