Bull Run Mountain Neighbors - May 2021 by sweetbaypublishing

MAY 2021

Life is a Whirlwind with the Buck Family Cover photo by The Little Photo Shop | An exclusive magazine serving the neighborhoods of Piedmont and Dominion Valley

ALSO INSIDE:

The History Within the Walls: Saving the M.J. Dogan House at Manassas Pg. 11 Congratulations to the Class of 2021 Graduates! Pg. 12 Celebrating the Nation’s Youngest Heroes Pg. 16

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BULL RUN MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

Dear Readers, May is National Military Appreciation Month.

I had an established career when Erik and I began dating. He was stationed at the Pentagon; I was working for a non-profit in DuPont Circle. Even after our wedding, I never really felt like we were a “military family.” And then we had kids. PUBLICATION TEAM Publishers: Michael and Debbie Wykowski Content Coordinator: Marianne Weaver Designer: Jody Zipp Contributing Photographer: Melinda Ratcliff, The Little Photo Shop

Debbie and Michael Wykowski, Publishers

Marianne Weaver Content Coordinator

ADVERTISING Learn more about becoming a sponsor. Contact: Michael and Debbie Wykowski Email: mwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-203-9130 FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: mweaver@ bestversionmedia.com. HOA SUBMISSION INFORMATION Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to the residents. We create customized homeowners’ association sections at no cost to the HOA or the residents. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

It’s said that military children will say goodbye to more significant people by age 18 than the average person will in their lifetime. My kids attended an assortment of preschools in Virginia, Pennsylvania and South Carolina before landing at Glenkirk Elementary School. They have made countless friends … and they’ve said good-bye (or rather, see you later because we never say goodbye) to just as many. We are many years out from those turbulent times. But I’ll never forget the days when we all sat on pins and needles awaiting news on a potential assignment (read: move). Every night – and I do mean EVERY night – Anna cried and asked if we were moving. On the flip side, nothing was as sweet as seeing Ryan reconnect with his pre-school friends during summer vacation. Although the two hadn’t seen each other in years, it was as if they were only apart for a week. This month we feature Our Military Kids. Take a moment to read how this organization steps in to help military children when they are most in need.

Debbie and Michael Wykowski,

PUBLISHERS

Marianne Weaver, CONTENT COORDINATOR

Willing Warriors Events Providing a “Home Away From Home” for our wounded, ill, and injured service members Submitted by Major Dean J. Dominique, U.S. Army (Retired) Willing Warriors Board of Directors Willing Warriors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Haymarket whose mission is to provide cost-free retreat stays and programs that positively impact wounded, ill, or injured service members,disabled veterans, and their families. Our programs include more than 60 cost-free educational and recreational activities, including seminars that address the issues of dealing with PTS and TBI. Please join us for one of our events. • Memorial Ride/Poker Run –May 22 • Vettes for Vets –July 10 www.WillingWarriors.org 16013 Waterfall Road Haymarket, VA 20169

• Warrior Ride –September 11 at the Farm Brewery at Broad Run • Gala –November 6 at Lansdowne Resort Call 571-248-0008 or email info@willingwarriors.org

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MAY 2021

EXPERT Contributors AUTO DETAILING On The Fly Detailing Dillon Thompson, Owner 571-469-1055 | contact@ontheflydetailing.com OnTheFlyDetailing.com Facebook: OnTheFlyDetailingVA Instagram: @OnTheFlyDetailing

On The Fly Detailing is a family-owned auto detailing company focusing on the exclusive desires of the motor vehicle enthusiast. Every vehicle touched by On The Fly Detailing is treated as a valued piece of artwork; but unlike art, vehicles are constantly exposed to uninvited abuse from sun, terrain, and daily use. So when you need the absolute finest level of care for your vehicle, look no further than On The Fly Detailing.

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT Claire Machosky-Ullman, BA, MS, SAS Author: A PATH TO LEARNING AND LITERACY and STUDY*LEARN*SUCCEED 516-384-9517 | cmachosky@comcast.net Claire’s mission is to help students learn “How to Study”. She believes students need to be taught how to study, and her recently released book, A PATH TO LEARNING AND LITERACY, does just that. An experienced teacher, school administrator, and educational consultant, Claire designed and successfully taught programs that improved student understanding and performance. She served on curriculum and assessment committees with the NY State Department of Education, and is currently a Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Coach with the Library of Congress. As an author and based on the content of her book, she gives talks on School Success and offers “How to Study” workshops for students.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Deborah Trnka - Edward Jones Advisors Deborah Trnka 571-248-8267 deborah.trnka@edwardjones.com Edward Jones is a different kind of investment firm. To us, face time and think time make sense. We meet with you to learn your individual needs so we can develop a strategy to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. You can expect personalized service to develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you. Contact me today!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Health & Wellness with Lisa Lisa Gorsuch 202-455-5017 www.healthwellnesswithlisa.com healthwellnesslisa@gmail.com Facebook: healthwellnesslisa

Lisa has her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. For the past five years, she has worked in a private, outpatient practice helping individuals and families. Due to COVID-19, she transitioned to working at home and is now a Certified Mindset Life Coach. With a holistic approach, Lisa helps her clients overcome obstacles, achieve their goals by developing healthy thoughts, beliefs and attitudes, and ultimately experience the necessary change and results that they want in their lives.

HEATING, COOLING AND PLUMBING Appleton Campbell Featured Employee: Chris Wilson 540-347-0765 appletoncampbell.com “Appleton Campbell believes in me and is giving me the opportunity and skills to grow. I’m excited to excel in my career for me and my customers. “ – Chris Wilson, Plumbing Install Technician since 2019. Appleton Campbell has masters in Plumbing, Gas Fitter, HVAC and Electrical. To learn more please visit appletoncampbell.com

INSURANCE - HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS Stover Insurance Agency Eddy Lang 571-261-2700 www.stoveragency.com haymarket@stoveragency.com The Stover Insurance Agency has served individuals and businesses with their insurance needs since 1930. Whether you are insuring your family, your home, your automobile or your business, you want to feel confident that you have an organization behind you that will take care of your needs. The Stover Insurance Agency is there for you.

ORTHODONTICS TEEM Orthodontics Dr. Madueke Ekoh 703-753-4777 | teemortho.com Dr. Ekoh’s journey started in Nigeria, obtaining his Pre-Bachelors in Dental Surgery before emigrating to the U.S. He received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery and Orthodontist certificate at Howard University. To keep up with the advances in orthodontic care, Dr. Ekoh regularly attends numerous seminars, and is an active member in several professional associations, including the American Association of Orthodontists. He lives in Haymarket with his wife and four children. “My vision is to make advanced, high quality and cuttingedge orthodontic care available and affordable to everyone. I believe that great orthodontic care should not only improve the smile, but help people experience the joy of living better.”

BECOME AN EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Michael and Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or 703-203-9130.

MAY 2021

BULL RUN MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

PERFORMING ARTS Lasley Centre for the Performing Arts Kalie Lasley 540-905-2782 | klasley@lasleycentre.com www.lasleycentre.com Kalie Lasley is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Affiliate Teacher and the Executive Director of Lasley Centre for the Performing Arts in Vint Hill. Ms. Lasley has an extensive background in dance, including time as a professional dancer at the prestigious San Francisco Ballet. Lasley Centre opened in 2011, growing into a 9,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility where students from pre-ballet to pre-professional train to be technically sound artists in a nurturing environment.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OmniRide 703-730-6664 omniride.com OmniRide has provided mobility services for Northern Virginia for over three decades. This includes Local bus service in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park; Express service for commuters between Prince William County and employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.; and Metro Express which connects riders with Metro Stations. OmniRide also offers assistance to carpoolers and vanpoolers and coordinates a variety of employer services. For more information visit OmniRide.com.

REAL ESTATE Century 21 New Millennium Diane Quigley 703-732-5952 www.dianeqworks4u.com Diane is a successful Real Estate agent with Century 21 New Millennium and also a Broker who has been a professional realtor for over twenty years. She earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration/Real Estate degree from Florida International University, and then became a Real Estate Broker and was Vice President of Century 21 Alinco Associates. Diane founded a Real Estate appraisal business and she has served as Chairman of the Virginia Real Estate Appraisal Board. She is also a Professional Stager and a Certified Military Residential Specialist.

SOCIAL EDUCATION National League of Junior Cotillions Kathleen Geneva 703-901-1498 | kathleen.geneva@nljc.com www.nljc.com/chapter/westprincewilliam Kathleen Geneva is a licensed Modern Etiquette and Cotillion Instructor with the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC) and the Emily Post Institute.She was recently awarded the Best New Director of the Year by the NLJC and also received recognition for Best Public Relations for her local franchise Chapters.Mrs. Geneva has a genuine passion for teaching children the importance of social education. Her goal is for every student to leave her program with an increased sense of knowledge, confidence, self worth and skills that will assist them in young adulthood and last them a lifetime.

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RESIDENT FEATURE

Life is a Whirlwind with the Buck Family By Marianne Weaver | Photos by The Little Photo Shop Jeff and Samantha Buck grew up in the Midwest, but they’ve made a life for themselves—and their daughters—in Haymarket. “We love living on what we’ve dubbed ‘the best street in Piedmont,’” said Samantha. “We could not have hand-picked better neighbors and we love getting together and especially look forward for our annual Christmas party!” The family attends neighboroold BBQs and Samantha is part of the bunco group. The girls – Berlyn, 8, and Juliana, 6 —have many friends on the street and love riding scooters and bikes.

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Of course, the kids are active and full of energy: Jeff played college and semi-pro football. Samantha played many sports but excelled most at softball, which she played from when she was little throughout high school. In 2004, she discovered Jazzercise and became a certified instructor in 2007. In 2016 she opened the Jazzercise Haymarket Fitness Center. “Being a small business owner in a big business world can have its challenges,” she said. “Owning a small business (especially in fitness) during a pandemic can be completely devastating.”

But that wasn’t the case for Samantha. In fact, she said, it’s actually opened up doors that she hadn’t considered prior to the pandemic.

IN THE BEGINNING … Although Jeff and Samantha were both raised in the Midwest, it was fate that brought them together.

“When I had to close the studio in March, we began live streaming classes from home,” she said. “We had to quickly learn how to teach to just a camera and delve into the world of technology and figure it out fast. Thankfully, we supported each other, got through, and reopened our doors June 1.”

After graduating from University of Nebraska- Omaha, where he played on the football team, Jeff moved to Europe where he earned a master’s degree in international business. While living in Europe for a decade, he played semi-pro football in England, Spain, Italy, Austria and France.

Jazzercise Haymarket Fitness Center offers 19 classes per week and eight different formats to include dancing, strength training, fusion, HIIT, kickboxing, and more. In-person class sizes are limited; however, all classes are streamed live.

“I was working on a contractual basis at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, and also teaching English,” said Jeff. “I flew back to the Midwest in summer 2005 to attend my sister’s wedding and met Samantha later that summer.”

“Thanks to our amazing community, fantastic instructors and live streaming workouts, we have managed to hold on to our sanity, boost our immune systems, avoid therapy and come out stronger than ever,” she said. “My passion for this program is undeniable. I truly believe in it and the impact it has others. I have never had more fun, or seen better results doing anything else.” This summer, the studio will expand and move to a bigger space across the hall from the current location at 14600 Washington Street. “We all know how important it is these days to stay active, exercise regularly, relieve stress, build our immune systems, and strengthen our bodies and minds,” said Samantha. “Our Jazzercise community is simply amazing. We are very close knit and at the same time welcoming to everyone. It’s truly a program for everyone and anyone. All classes offer high impact and low impact options so you can modify to your ability and comfort level. We have members and instructors ranging in age from 20s to 70s! I’m so grateful for the amazing support and friendships we have built here.”

They met at a local bar in West Omaha and spent most the night laughing and joking. “Our sense of humor and personalities were a perfect match,” said Samantha. “The summer flew by and I knew he had to go back overseas.” They went bowling for their first date, but he won her over with his cooking. “I would always look forward to the nights he would make me dinner and dessert - Jeff is a fabulous cook,” she said. “He can make anything out of nothing and it always ends up delicious.” Although he returned to Europe just a month later, Samantha said they were dedicated to make the long-distance relationship work. “We talked every day, by phone or email,” she said. LONG-DISTANCE LOVE Jeff was back in Slovakia, working in Vienna. Samantha was in Omaha. Although they’d only been dating about a month, they decided to take a trip and meet in Los Angeles.

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“We rented a car and drove to San Diego to go skydiving. That’s when I knew this was the man I wanted to marry,” said Samantha. “We were super adventurous and spontaneous! We spent a few days in San Diego and the beach in Orange County before returning back to reality.” Before parting ways, they planned to meet at Christmas for a three-week European tour. “My big Christmas present before I returned home was a plane ticket for him to return back to the states with me!!!” she said. They moved in together, but only for six months before Jeff landed a foreign affairs job with the federal government in D.C. “I was extremely happy for him but was not looking forward to the long-distance relationship again.” But they were experts on making long distance work … which they did for another three years. “I was extremely hesitant to leave my hometown, family, friends and job behind to join the fast-paced life in D.C.,” she said. “So I waited.” They got engaged in May 2007 while on vacation to attend a friend’s wedding in California.

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Kristine Koethe, Cindy Siler, Samantha, Lisa Hutson, Caiti Costello

“We went to San Francisco for lunch at the Top of The Mark hotel,” said Samantha. “When the waitress brought my martini, there was a diamond ring at the bottom of my drink. Jeff knelt down and proposed. It was quite the event!” The two dreamed of a destination wedding, which came to fruition in May 2010. “We were married in Maui on a secluded beach surrounded by close family and friends,” said Samantha. “It was the most memorable and beautiful experience! Following the wedding, our reception was held at a luau, with a beautiful Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop. We spent the next week soaking up the sun and enjoying the many adventures and beauty that Hawaii has to offer.” She said Jeff enjoyed scuba diving in an extinct volcano. They both loved snorkeling. They parasailed, took a dolphin cruise and drove the Road to Hana. “Of course, jumping off waterfalls was not the safest, but def fun,” said Samantha. “Great food, best friends and family, and forever memories.”

AT HOME IN HAYMARKET The couple originally wanted to live near D.C., but after a yearlong unsuccessful house search, decided to expand the search. “We found the perfect home in Piedmont,” said Samantha. “While a long commute, Haymarket is really an oasis in Northern Virginia, and we love the small town feel and nature. We could not imagine living closer to D.C.” Berlyn and Juliana both attend Mountain View Elementary School. Berlyn, a second grader, loves reading, writing and science. Juliana, a first grader, enjoys reading and maker’s space. “They are both super creative and love crafting, puzzles, coloring, painting and writing,” said Samantha. They also enjoy swimming, soccer and recently tried paddle boarding and kayaking at Lake Anna, and boogie boarding in Virginia Beach. “We love vacationing to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. That’s our favorite getaway,” said Samantha. “We have recently visited Lake Anna this past summer and hope to make that a new tradition as well. We try to make it back to the Midwest at least once a year to visit family and friends. We also cannot wait to go back to Hawaii with the kids this time, and also try a cruise.” Samantha said in addition to sports, she has always had a passion for animals.

“I was the kid who would bring home strays and I wanted to save them all,” she said. “I ended up landing a job as a vet assistant and soon after that I fell into grooming in 2003 and that felt like a perfect fit.” She founded Grooming by Samantha LLC, eight years ago. “Starting my own grooming business has been so amazing and rewarding,” she said. And also not one she leaves at the office. “Our furry family members include Moose, Bruiser and Roxy,” she said. The three are rescues. “Since moving to Piedmont we have been active in dog rescue groups, fostering unwanted pups until they find their forever homes.” They are currently fostering for ‘A Forever Home Rescue’ organization, which saves many dogs from the south. “We feel so fortunate to be able to help in this small way,” she said. “It is incredibly rewarding.” The family attended Sheppard of the Hills Lutheran Church, where both kids were baptized, and recently been attending Park Valley Church. “We absolutely love this community and have met some amazing lifelong friends here,” said Samantha. “A good family motto for us would be (the way we view everything going on is) ‘We will get through this TOGETHER.’” Do you know a family that has an interesting story to share or who owns a business and might like to be featured in the magazine? Let us know! Send an email with the contact information to dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com.

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PET CORNER

Sponsored by Minneland Academy

Alex Cooley Alex is planning to go to James Madison University.

Xander Geneva Photograph by Kate Mitchem Xander is in the Philharmonic Orchestra at Battlefield High School and has been playing the cello since middle school.

Nathan George Nathan has a go-big-or-go-home attitude. He loves to ski, play basketball and golf, and hang out with friends. But his number-one passion is lacrosse. He’s a four-year varsity player for Battlefield and will be heading to Ohio Wesleyan University in the fall to continue his passion.

Austin Hensley Photograph by Pam Banegas of Pam Banegas Photography Austin plans to continue his education at Grove City College in Pa., where he will major in computer science.

Jeffrey Lazar Jeffrey will be attending the College of William & Mary, majoring in biology in the pre-med track.

Katie Lemanski Photograph by Victor O’Neill Studios Katie graduated from Osbourn Park High School and will continue her academic and basketball career at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.

Kaitlyn Loggans Kaitlyn will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University where she will major in biochemistry. She plans to attend medical school.

Amanda Lund Amanda will be attending James Madison University and plans to major in justice studies.

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KIDS CORNER: CONTINUED

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021

Emma Meyers Emma was a Battlefield High School varsity gymnast (and senior captain) throughout high school. She was involved in Buddy Club and Star Club, and a member of the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society. She will attend University of Kentucky to study nursing.

Austin Newman Austin will be attending Christopher Newport University in the fall, planning on majoring in computer engineering. He will be a member of The Marching Captains, one of the largest marching bands in Division III.

McKenna Powers McKenna is a competitive synchronized figure skater and has been a member of the National Blades Synchronized Skating Team for 10 years. She works and teaches group lessons at the Haymarket Iceplex. Next year, she will attend Liberty University.

Peyton Ramos Photograph courtesy of Sumser Photography, Ashburn, Va. Peyton plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College in the fall, then transfer to James Madison University.

Lily Stephens Lily plans on attending Auburn University where she will major in integrative biology with the intention of going into forensics. She’s excited to follow in family’s footsteps: Her father, aunt and cousins are all Auburn Tigers.

Jordan Vrchoticky and Taylor Vrchoticky Jordan will be pursuing a criminology degree at Christopher Newport University. Taylor will be pursuing a psychology degree at Old Dominion University.

Mackenzie Wolfe Mackenzie will be attending Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. in the fall.

Tony Zieleniewski Tony loves adventure, travels, fishing, hiking and water sports.

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MAY 2021

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating the Nation’s Youngest Heroes By Michelle Criqui Photos provided by Military Kids

Everly Gliot and father

Our Military Kids is a best-in-class national nonprofit organization that supports military children (ages 3 through 12th grade) by funding sports, arts and other enrichment activities while a parent is deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserve or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence during an otherwise difficult time in their lives. Since 2004, Our Military Kids has proudly given more than 72,000 activity grants worth more than $28 million to these incredible children, thanks to support from individual and foundation donors. In 2020, Our Military Kids recognized the additional stress on military families who were coping with a deployment or recovery during the pandemic by expanding the program to offer an additional $300 activity grant to eligible children, and including families who had a parent activated stateside on a COVID-19 response or Southwest Border Mission. In the first 120 days of this program expansion, Our Military Kids awarded more than 2,570 extracurricular activity

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Everly with horse

grants worth more than $733,457 to the children of deployed, activated, and recovering service members representing every branch of the U.S. military from all 50 states and three territories. These additional opportunities for activity grants have a significant impact on military families. The Gliot family shared that the start of SSG Richard Gliot’s 400-day deployment with the Army National Guard came just one month before COVID-19 hit, magnifying the challenges for his wife Karen and their 6-year-old daughter, Everly. Karen expressed the isolation and longing she felt as she and Everly

faced quarantine on their own when other families were able to face this challenge together. “Living in New York when COVID hit, just a month after my husband deployed, was surreal,” said Karen. “I remember going into a grocery store and overhearing customers make comments like, ‘Leave the kid at home,’ and ‘Where is that child’s father?’ I felt like wearing a sign that said, ‘My husband is deployed, and no, I have no other choice.’” Due to extensive medical procedures for ongoing health issues since early childhood, Everly was already coping with PTSD and anxiety and the absence of her father during the pandemic only added to the family’s stress. Fortunately, an Our Military Kids grant allowed Everly to continue with her equine therapy that worked wonders to alleviate her anxiety and brought peace of mind to the entire family. “Through her connection with horses, Everly has gained confidence, laughs with her whole heart, and is able to embrace people once again,” said Karen. “Because of Our Military Kids, we are so grateful for every giggle and smile that we receive.”

Above: Ayjah and Isaiah Villarreal at cooking camp

I appreciate you even more, Mom, for doing the things you do.” Inspired by his mother’s service, Isaiah aspires to become a combat medic when he gets older. For now, he and his sister showcase their military kid strength and kindness by supporting their mother through her recovery and utilizing skills they gained in their grant activity to give back. “I know how to make mac ‘n cheese from scratch, and now I’m going to make it every single day,” said Ayjah. “Now you can just relax, Mommy! My brother and I will cook for you!”

Our Military Kids’ impact goes beyond providing military children with the gift of the extracurricular activity of their choice, but also recognizing their service and sacrifice on the homefront while their parents serve our nation. For siblings Isaiah, 14, and Ayjah, Every grant recipient is 12, from Florida, Our mailed a “Top Secret” Military Kids grants for Military Kids’ packet along with the cooking lessons meant a check for their chosen chance to gain a lifelong recognizes their activity, which includes skill and a different service and a personalized grant perspective while their sacrifice on the certificate, dog tags, and mother, a U.S. Marine an Our Military Kids patch, Corps Combat Medic homefront while showing these children Veteran, recovered from their parents that they are appreciated combat-related injuries for all they do. sustained while she was serve our nation deployed overseas. To learn more about Our Military Kids’ mission, and “Man, [cooking] is so to find how to make a donation or much fun,” said Isaiah. “But I didn’t apply for an activity grant, please visit realize how exhausting it is to be www.ourmilitarykids.org. on your feet and cooking all day. BULL RUN MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

MAY 2021

CAN YOU HEAR ME? Active Listening is a Way to Say “I Love You” EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR By Claire Johnson Machosky BA, MS, SAS, Book Author

“When parents actively listen, they will be surprised at all they learn about their children.” – A Path to Learning and Literacy, A Note to Parents, page 55 Think about your friends and identify the person you would call to share your latest news. Why call him/her? You call him/ her because you value their ability to hear what you are saying. That friend is a good listener. Their ability to listen makes you feel valued and important. Listening is a vital skill that is too often ignored. Parents, because of full schedules frequently give lip service when their children are talking, but often fail to hear what their children are saying. It is important to find the time to actively listen to

your children. Our children are finding ways to cope with their world - sibling rivalry, peer pressure, virtual leaning, and doing schoolwork. Parents show children how much they value what they have to say by getting them to talk about their likes and dislikes, their fears, their friends, what makes them happy, online sites, virtual classes, TV shows, and then actively listen to them. Give your children feedback on what you hear them saying, encourage them to discuss their feelings and ideas, and guide them in making choices and decisions. This is active listening! This is telling your children you value them and their opinion! When you, as a parent, model active listening, you are teaching your child a valuable lifelong skill. Children learn from their parents and transfer what they learn to their own lives. For your child, school is the focal point. Learning to actively listen in school will advance their ability to know what they are studying, comprehend the lessons being taught, and masterfully and promptly complete assignments. Listening in the classroom means one is paying attention to what the teacher is saying and doing. If there are diagrams, power point presentations, or other activities going on, the student needs to be actively engaged so he/she can describe the content and how it was taught. Then, using notes and other materials, a student should be able to give specific information about the lesson and what he/she learned. When parents inquire about school be sure to ask your child for the details about the content of a lesson and how it was explained. Doing this sharpens your child’s need to listen in class while it hones your comprehension of what is going on and if or how you can help. Assignments are follow-ups or enhancements to lessons. When an assignment is given the teacher frequently explains expectations and answers questions. Too often students fail to hear the teacher’s directions and unknowingly neglect some aspect of the assignment. Have your child tell you about classwork and what instructions were given regarding their

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assignments. If your child can explain the classwork and the assignment without hesitation, it means he/she is on target regarding listening. But you are not done! Assignments and projects are graded, and grading is a source of feedback. Feedback involves active listening so a student can appreciate his/her work, identify what works, and make corrections or improvements. Feedback is formative assessment and is the foundation for success. Evaluate teacher’s comments and suggestions and view them as paths to improvements. Good listening is not just hearing but absorbing and processing. Learning to carefully listen to your children amplifies their ability to learn to listen carefully and actively in all situations. Listening is extremely important to everyone at every stage of life. Parents listen to your children! When you truly hear them, your children become more willing to talk with you, and share their thoughts and feelings because you make them feel valued! Active listening and feedback are essential skills for everyone. This month my Two Stars go to the teachers, parents and students who continuously strive to listen, and adapt to the needs of online learning. My wish is that we all sharpen our active listening skills because good listening promotes trust, illustrates empathy, develops teamwork, and most importantly shows love! Claire Johnson Machosky BA, MS, SAS, is a parent and educator dedicated to helping all children learn to study and succeed. She is the author of “A Path to Learning and Literacy.” Her email is cmachosky@comcast.net.

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MAY 2021

Graphic Novels: Not Your Dad’s Comics By Tammy Hinkle, Librarian When I started working as a librarian, I quickly realized that the graphic novel section of the library (741.5) was the most popular section for checkouts. The minute I let the kids get up to go check out, they rushed to that section and I often had to stop arguments over who had the book first and would be checking it out. I would often hear screams of, “I found a Dog Man!” by Dav Pilkey. I knew by the end of the first semester that I had to do something so that more students could access this popular genre. The first thing I did was create a section in the library just for graphic novels that was easily accessible and located where my assistant and I could keep a better eye on the gathering crowds. Then I began purchasing as many graphic novels as I could. Every year I add at least a dozen new titles for both boys and girls. We have gone from one little shelf to four overflowing shelves. Well, they overflow in the summertime when the kids are not in school. During the school year, this section is often picked clean. In addition to realizing that this was an area that needed bulking up because of demand, I did a lot of reading about the benefits of graphic novels.

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Graphic novels are not comic books. The similarity is that, like comics, graphic novels are told in story frames with pictures, as well as words, but that is where the similarities end. Comics are usually short and tell part of a story. You have to wait for the next comic for the story to continue. Graphic novels tell a story from beginning to end. They are usually well over 200 pages long. The thing I love about graphic novels is that it allows all children to access books, not just your good readers. One of the first ways children learn to read is by reading the pictures in a book. Graphic novels use pictures and words to tell the story. So struggling readers can figure out words they may not know by reading the pictures. Graphic novels are colorful, fun, and very humorous, which keeps kids engaged in the story. It makes them want to read more! Here are a few of my students’ favorites: DOG MAN SERIES BY DAV PILKEY Warning: If you are not below the age of 12, the humor in this book will most likely be lost on you. Dog Man is born when police dog Greg and his cop companion are injured on

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the job. Thought a life-saving surgery Dog Man is born, with the head of a dog and the body of a human. According to the publisher, “this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?” When I tell you, I cannot keep these books on the shelves, I am not kidding. I have five copies of each of the 10 books in this series and they are never on the shelves for more than a few hours. In September 2019, I was able to meet Dav Pilkey at the Library of Congress where he was speaking. I got to tell him what a difference his books are making in the lives of my students, those kids whose teachers worry about their reading skills. These kids are reading because of him. When I showed the kids the picture of me, Dav, and my assistant, they were impressed. But when I showed them the picture of me with Dog Man, well, let’s just say, I was a rock star! BIG NATE SERIES BY LINCOLN PEIRCE This series by Lincoln Peirce, follows the adventures of 11-yearold Nate Wright. According to the publisher, “Nate knows he’s meant for big things. REALLY big things.” But that’s not how things always play out for Nate. He narrowly survived his dad’s toxic oatmeal, then left his lunch behind when he rushed off to school. As if that wasn’t enough, he body slammed into the principal and insulted his least favorite teacher. “But Nate keeps his cool,” states the publisher. “He knows he’s destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so.”

THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB SERIES According to the publisher, authors Gale Galligan and Raina Telgemeier “perfectly capture all the drama and humor of the original novels by Ann M. Martin.” My students are also loving Baby-Sitters Little Sister series as well. WINGS OF FIRE SERIES BY TUI SUTHERLAND This popular fantasy series about young dragons fulfilling prophecies had been adapted by Barry Deutsch and illustrated by Mike Holmes to tell the story in graphic novel format. I SURVIVED SERIES BY LAUREN TARSHIS This is another popular series that is being turned into graphic novels in order to reach even more children. Lauren Tarshis has written almost 20 historical fiction books about different events that have happen in history. So far three of her books have been turned into graphic novels: “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic,” “I survived the Shark Attacks of 1916,” and “I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944.” I know that graphic novels are not for everyone. I personally don’t enjoy them because I don’t slow down to enjoy the pictures, so I lose half the story. But for many children, these books are a lifeline to reading. For many, the art in these books will inspire them to draw and write their own humorous tales.

Happy Reading! Follow me on Twitter: Buckland Mills Elementary School @hinkle_tammy

BULL RUN MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

MAY 2021

CALENDAR of EVENTS Saturday, May 15

Saturday, May 29

BEN LOMOND’S ANTIQUE ROSE GARDEN TEA

ARCHITECTURAL TOURS OF BRENTSVILLE COURTHOUSE

@ Ben Lomond Historic Site and Old Rose Garden, 10311 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending an afternoon in the antique rose garden at Ben Lomond enjoying historic tea and garden themed treats. Price of admission includes a table reservation that seats up to four people, tea, light refreshments, and a special talk about roses and spring flowers in one of the largest antique rose garden in the Washington D.C. metro area. Advance registration required. Time: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. • Cost: $150 per table www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/hp/Pages/ Historic-Preservation-Events.aspx

@ Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow With five historic structures from four different time periods, the buildings of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre hold a lot of history in its architecture. For Historic Preservation Month, this special tour of the historic centre focuses on how these structures were built, how they were preserved, and how to read a historic building. The tour will include spaces not normally accessible to the public. Tours are limited to seven people and masks are required when indoors. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Cost: $5 per person 703-365-7895

Monday, May 17

Saturday, May 29

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF FAUQUIER CHARITY GOLF OUTING

@ Evergreen Country Club, 15900 Berkeley Drive, Haymarket The event will include a 4-person scramble, box lunch and awards reception following the day of golf. Time: 11 a.m. • Cost: $150 individual, $600 foursome deanna@bgcfauquier.org

CIGAR AND COFFEE DAY

@ Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas Time: Noon - 5 p.m. www.ornerybeer.com/events Friday, June 4

FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT FIRES AT BEN LOMOND: PARKS AND PRESERVATION

@ Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Bring all the kids to enjoy a full day of fun, inflatables, carnival games and activities just in time to celebrate the International Kids Day! All activities are weather dependent and may change based on CDC and County regulations. Lots of arts and crafts vendors, food and live entertainment. Time: 11 a.m. • Cost: Free

@ Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas In a time when the outdoors means more to Americans than ever before, get outside, and enjoy the warm summer nights around a campfire as we explore the history of America’s public parks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket, and enjoy beautiful Virginia nights around a campfire with storytelling, history, recreation and preservation. Masks are required when indoors and recommended when outdoors. Time: 7:30 p.m. • Cost: $5 per person www.pwcparks.org/historicprograms

Sunday, May 23

Saturday, June 5

Saturday, May 22

KIDSFEST SPRING FAIR

GFWC DOMINION WOMAN’S CLUB “GIRLS GONE BUNCO”

@ Dominion Valley Country Club, 15200 Arnold Palmer Drive, Haymarket This event, to raise funds to support club charities, will include raffles, lunch, bunco and prizes. Come join the fun! Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $40 if paid by check, $42 if paid by credit card online dominionwomansclub.org

VINTAGE VIRGINIA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

@ Bull Run Park Special Events Center, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville Guests can enjoy not only wine and ciders from Virginia’s best producers – but also this year, there is a special area with more than 50 Virginia-crafted beers and spirits. Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Cost: $10-$99 drinkeatrelax.com

Saturday, June 19

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TRAIL CAR CARAVAN TOUR

@ Various locations throughout Prince William County Join local historians on a daylong tour exploring the unique and powerful stories behind the African American history of Prince William County. We will travel the county stepping back in time from the 1800s to the 1960s and stopping at many special and sometimes forgotten sites, to learn about the lifestyle, challenges, and the power of education. Participants will drive to the different stops in their own vehicles. The tour will depart from Barnes House Historic Site. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited. Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Cost: $10 per vehicle www.pwcparks.org/historicprograms Sunday, June 27

PWC EATZ AND BREW FESTIVAL 2021

@ Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas PWC’s newest family spring festival will include food vendors, exhibitors, shopping, kids’ events, music, entertainment and more. Time: Noon- 5 p.m. • Cost: Free • PWCEatzandBrew.com Friday, July 2

FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT FIRES AT BEN LOMOND: PARKS AND PRESERVATION

PLAY BALL! HISTORIC BASEBALL CAMP

@ Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Experience baseball’s history in this camp, where participants will play different versions of old-time baseball. During the camp, campers will also make their own 19th century baseball to take home with them. Campers will learn and experience the roots of America’s pastime! Advanced registration required. Time: 9 a.m.-Noon • Cost: $1—per child 8-14 pwcparks.org or call 703-367-7872 Saturday, July 10

OYSTER FEST WITH NOMINI BAY OYSTER RANCH

@ Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch sells Virginia-grown oysters and was a Virginia Living 2018 award winner! Oysters on the half shell 6 or 12 with all condiments, grilled oysters with secret sauce, cheese, bacon and peppers come in 6 or 12. Also available: raw oysters, steamed shrimp, grilled hot dogs, chicken salad sliders. Tickets are not required. Family friendly. Stay all day - pay as you go. Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. • Cost: Free (pay as you go) www.tuckedawaybrew.com

Event information may be out of date due to the COVID-19. Confirm details with event organizers.

MAY 2021

BULL RUN MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS

MAY 2021

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