I'm being lazy y'all, I'm sorry. As many of you know I write for PotomacLocal.com as well as for PWC Moms and right now I'm multi-tasking. Here's my newspaper voice. AKA, the big girl voice. You can catch it every Thursday on PotomacLocal's "Weekend Calendar Highlights".
Friday, July 1
*Fabulous Fridays at Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City will be feature a “Happy Birthday USA” theme and includes food specials, giveaways and games from 5:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when the park closes.
*Not ready to be decked out in red, white, and blue quite yet? The Potomac Nationals 7:05 p.m. game will have a “Star Trek Night” promotion.
Saturday, July 2
*Leesylvania State Park hosts their monthly Kid’s Fishing Tournament on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. by the marina. Children do not need game licenses, but adults who plan to “help hold the rod” should be sure to have one. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies.
*Kick back and celebrate early with the Arts and Stripes Picnic at the Lorton Workhouse. The picnic is a free event, but a $5 donation is suggested. Parking will be available onsight to picnic-goers who are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Entertainment will include interactive art demonstrations, the Navy Commodores, New Dominion Choraliers, and a keynote from Congressman Gerry Connolley.
*Join the Potomac Nationals for their “History of Baseball” night featuring vintage jersey auction, bobbleheads for the first 1,000 fans, and fireworks after the game, which begins at 6:35 p.m. Special tickets are available that include an all-you-care-to-eat picnic style dinner before the game.
**Closed: Prince William County Neighborhood Libraries
Sunday, July 3
*It’s everyone’s favorite mascot’s birthday, and Uncle Slam plans to celebrate in style. Special tickets are available that include an all-you-care-to-eat picnic dinner before a 6:35 p.m. Potomac Nationals game, which will feature mascots from around the area. After the game, be sure to stick around for fireworks!
**Closed: Prince William County Neighborhood Libraries and Regional Libraries
Monday, July 4
*The Dale City Independence Day Parade begins at 10am, but Dale Boulevard will become 1 lane each direction at 8:00 a.m. and should be avoided if possible. The parade will feature between 150-200 entries and is being Grand Marshaled by hometown hero Marine Corporal Joshua Himan. Parking lots at Beville Middle and the Dale City Boys and Girls Club, and Center Plaza will be closed for event use, but any other plaza on Dale Boulevard may be used by parade watchers for parking. Center Plaza commuter lot will be the site of the annual Family Fun Day that follows the parade and ends at 2:00 p.m.
*Celebrate America with Old Town Manassas. Starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Train Depot in Old Town there will rides for kids, food concessions and a red, white, and blue hayride. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets at 4pm to get seats at the Manassas Museum Lawn for the 9:15 p.m. fireworks display, which is one of the largest in Northern Virginia. Festivities also include Jay Henley and the Stone Brook Band at 4:30 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion.
*Join the Potomac Nationals at 6:35 p.m. for the largest game of the season! Special tickets are available that include a picnic meal before the game, and be sure to stick around after the final pitch for a large fireworks show in honor of the 4th of July.
6/22/11
PWC Amateur Radio Field Day
The public is invited to come out and talk on a radio to a person located
in the United States or overseas.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed the week of June 21,
2011 as Amateur Radio Week. The Proclamation recognizes the public assistance
provided by amateur radio operators throughout Prince William County.
Each year the Woodbridge Amateur Radio Club (WWI) participates in a field day which
is an exercise in preparedness. Field day tests the ability of amateur radio operators
nationwide to establish radio communications to augment emergency communications
networks should a disaster strike reducing normal communication. This exercise is
particularly important since Amateur Radio is part of the Home Land Defense plans to
provide nationwide communications should disaster strike. WWI was instrumental in
maintaining communications within the County during 9/11. WWI will establish nine
radio nets using generators and/or batteries on June 25th and 26th in the field opposite
BJ’s gas station (Golansky Blvd).
Amateur radio operators are licensed by the FCC and are called "hams." One of the
main tasks for “hams” is to be able to set up and operate under any circumstance, such as
a natural disaster, that would disrupt normal communications. This also includes police
and fire radio communications that may have been disrupted for one reason or another.
The measure used to see how well an amateur radio club can perform is to count each
message sent and received, to and from other amateur radio stations. Points are awarded
for contacts with other radio stations. WWI has participated in this event for over 30
years and has placed in the top ten of the nation for several years. Last year WWI was
first in their class and second overall. This field day WWI will erect eight towers that
will support antennas to make contact with other radio clubs throughout the world.
Although this is a US event sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League, many
foreign radio operators will be on the air to make contact with the US operators.
Come out and see what amateur radio is all about. The Club members will begin setting
up at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 24 and the contest will take place from 2:00 PM Saturday,
June 25th to 2:00 PM Sunday, June 26th. The Club welcome center is one of the first
items to be erected so come out and talk on a radio to other states or other countries.
Experience what it means to be a Ham.
6/13/11
Good Information to Know
This information from PWCS may not apply to you or your family, but it might be useful for children in your neighborhood.
Prince William County Public Schools is participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided at eligible schools during their summer school session. Breakfast and lunch will be available to those students enrolled in summer school, as well as any children ages 18 and under from the surrounding community who care to eat. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:
School
|
Dates
|
Times
|
Bel Air Elementary
|
7/11–7/29/2011
|
9–9:30 a.m.
|
noon–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Belmont Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:40–9:30 a.m.
|
11:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Dale City Elementary
|
6/27–7/29/2011
|
8:45–9 a.m.
|
(Tues. Wed. Thurs. only)
|
11:55a.m.–12:25 p.m.
| |
Enterprise Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9:05 a.m.
|
10:45–11:45 a.m.
| ||
Featherstone Elementary
|
8/15–8/19/2011
|
8:30–9 a.m.
|
11:15–11:45 a.m.
| ||
Fitzgerald Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
9–9:30 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
| ||
Fred M. Lynn Middle
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
7:45–8:15 a.m.
|
11:15–11:45 a.m.
| ||
Godwin Middle
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
7:45–8:40 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–noon
| ||
Kerrydale Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9 a.m.
|
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Loch Lomond Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:40–9:10 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
| ||
Minnieville Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9:15 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Neabsco Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9:40 a.m.
|
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Occoquan Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:40–9:20 a.m.
|
12:30–1:10 p.m.
| ||
Potomac View Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9:15 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
| ||
Rippon Middle
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
7:30–8:00 a.m.
|
9:45–1 a.m.
| ||
Stonewall Middle
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8–8:30 a.m.
|
11a.m.–11:45 a.m.
| ||
Sudley Elementary
|
7/5/–7/22/2011
|
7:45–8:10 a.m.
|
11–11:45 a.m.
| ||
Triangle Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:45–9:30 a.m.
|
10–11:30 a.m.
| ||
Westgate Elementary
|
7/11–7/29/2011
|
8:00–8:30 a.m.
|
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
| ||
Yorkshire Elementary
|
7/5–7/22/2011
|
8:30–9:15 a.m.
|
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m
|
6/1/11
More Super Cuteness!!
Oh mommas, how I love it when I get a new box in the mail for a giveaway!! I have not once been disappointed by the cuteness inside!! (I'm waiting, as I've mentioned before, but hasn't happened yet!)
When PWC Mom Amy Harmon emailed me about doing Thirty One Gifts, I was psyched! Anything with "gifts" in the title has got to be good. Plus, she was mailing me her giveaway item and I LOVE getting real mail. I just never outgrow it :) As far as I can tell if you love personalized items from a certain retailer that rhymes with "Hottery Tarn" or "Hottery Tarn Dids" you'll probably love Thirty One Gifts. Here's a few of my favorites (all pictures used have been taken from the official Thirty One Gifts Facebook Page)
I also completely love the Thirty-One Gifts is named after the Proverbs 31 Woman. Nobody likes her, she's way too perfect, but I definitely want to be her. Wise, admired, and together. Yep.
Our fantastic local Thirty-One Gifts consultant is Amy Homan, who's so excited to share the adorable wares she sells with you that she's giving away a Fold and Go Organizer in Boho Patchwork Paisley. I've got mine here right now- it's fully wipeable (yay!) and has a pocket, a pad of paper, and a pouch, all of which fold up perfectly to go from purse to purse. I've been using mine for coupons, you guys know how I love those, and a calculator and a shopping list- but you could also take out the paper and easily do wipes, diapers, and toys. It looks just like the one below but in a different color (my camera is not cooperating right now)
This photo is from Amy's Facebook page and she's using hers to cart a Nook! Love it!!
These gifts are adorable and there's tons of great storage and organization products, which I love-especially in cute prints!! Check it out!!To win, visit Amy's website HERE and then leave a message on her facebook page HERE letting her know your favorite item in the catalog.
This contest is closed, but you can still visit Amy's pages to order!!
When PWC Mom Amy Harmon emailed me about doing Thirty One Gifts, I was psyched! Anything with "gifts" in the title has got to be good. Plus, she was mailing me her giveaway item and I LOVE getting real mail. I just never outgrow it :) As far as I can tell if you love personalized items from a certain retailer that rhymes with "Hottery Tarn" or "Hottery Tarn Dids" you'll probably love Thirty One Gifts. Here's a few of my favorites (all pictures used have been taken from the official Thirty One Gifts Facebook Page)
If you can put ruffles on it, I can rock it. I think this purse is ADORABLE and I would wear it with everything. All the time. Ever.
Take that Hottery Tarn Dids! ;) There are various patterns, but I love the customized backpacks!!
Polka Dots. Smart.
Oh hello June, why yes, you did sneak up on me. Cute gift for the teacher? Done!
I also completely love the Thirty-One Gifts is named after the Proverbs 31 Woman. Nobody likes her, she's way too perfect, but I definitely want to be her. Wise, admired, and together. Yep.
Our fantastic local Thirty-One Gifts consultant is Amy Homan, who's so excited to share the adorable wares she sells with you that she's giving away a Fold and Go Organizer in Boho Patchwork Paisley. I've got mine here right now- it's fully wipeable (yay!) and has a pocket, a pad of paper, and a pouch, all of which fold up perfectly to go from purse to purse. I've been using mine for coupons, you guys know how I love those, and a calculator and a shopping list- but you could also take out the paper and easily do wipes, diapers, and toys. It looks just like the one below but in a different color (my camera is not cooperating right now)
These gifts are adorable and there's tons of great storage and organization products, which I love-especially in cute prints!! Check it out!!
This contest is closed, but you can still visit Amy's pages to order!!
5/28/11
Date Night!
I had a reader ask me about Date Night ideas, so here we go!! Please leave your ideas in the comments section below!!
Date Night in (and close by) PWC:
1) Manassas Side- Head to Carmello's Little Portugal. It's a little on the expensive side, but was always super super good before the fire. They've reopened and I'd be willing to give it another shot :) Since dinner was on the pricey side, head to something on the cheap for afterwards! The Harris Pavilion offers a number of free and low-cost dances, concerts, and more!! (Also, we're in a recession, so if you want to hit the Subway directly across the street from the Pavilion as opposed to the fancy restaurant, I won't tell!!)
2) Awesome Wife Night- Do you want your husband to stop whining about the last chick flick you took him to? We've had some fun nights (fine, some fun laughing at my lack of hand eye coordination) over at Hard Times Cafe in Woodbridge. With sports, cold beer (blech), pool, and frequent special events like Live DJs and Karaoke, you can have a really great time hanging out with your guy and earning brownie points for the next Ralph Finnes movie you need to see. (There's also a Hard Times in Manassas)
3) If you need a little sunshine in your orange juice- Occoquan's Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe does $8 evening tastings as well as free daily mini-tastings. Most of the shops close early, but you can enjoy walking the waterfront, feeding the ducks, window shopping and then a belgian waffle for dinner (do not judge me!) at the Cock and Bowl. They also serve mussels, which I don't eat, and an impressive list of imported beer. Caution, however, because when my friend's husband's band (Yeah, it's called Derelict Dog. Bonus points for using an SAT Hot Word in the name of your band Kevin and Bill!) would play the outdoor patio (which is where you want to sit, under the lights- very cute) our little group of 6-10 people would run up a pretty impressive bar tab if we weren't careful.
4) If your wine drinking needs would better be served in Montclair, Giorgio's/Wine Styles is the way to go. I haven't been personally, but a few of my girlfriends did a ladies' night there and are planning another one. The great thing about these tasting nights is that you can actually talk to each other. Sit, have a few tastes, relax, and really talk. My husband and I have a rule that we get any "business" out of the way in the first 10-15 minutes. That means no talking about the kids, the finances, the cleaning, the dog, the drycleaning, etc. after that. If you have forgotten how to talk to your spouse (and it happens) try this incredibly corny list to get the conversation flowing: http://scottmoonen.com/2008/03/14/date-questions/
5) Hike. Seriously. Pack a picnic and head out to your favorite trail. Try them all. Bring bug spray. Have a grandparent nearby? You can camp while you're at it. A little campfire and some s'mores with your honey? C'mon that's amazing. (Day Date: Head out to Skyline Drive and hike 7 Falls. If you're hardcore, you can do Big Schloss way out in the boonies. Here's a tip- don't do it several months pregnant in the middle of August, okay? Good)
6) Twilight Golf. After 4pm you can hit the green for a reduced rate. Little much for you? That's okay! Head out to your local mini-golf (Woodbridge, Manassas, Gainesville/Bristow, Montclair/Dumfries/Triangle)
7) You know all those local plays I list on the calendar all the time? They're pretty cheap and usually really good! VPstart Crow does some great work from what I hear.
8) Speaking of VPStart Crow, they work out of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, which offers a great variety of performances. It's a great way to dress up and go to the theatre without getting on 95, which, as we all know, is the devil.
9) I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I love the Workhouse. I just do. I know it's technically in Lorton, but that's way close to Lake Ridge, where I kick it ;) Their special events feature movies, gallery shows, dances, and more. And, it's free to walk around and look....another cheap one!! There are some great thought-provoking pieces.
10) Wicked expensive but totally awesome: Sailing at Leesylvania (less expensive: paddle boating or canoeing, most local parks with water access offer really affordable rentals, or borrow a kayak from a neighbor- we all know someone with one!) Scuba Lessons together (less expensive, your local pool/indoor swim center for some laps)
Anyone else have thoughts for local dates?
Date Night in (and close by) PWC:
1) Manassas Side- Head to Carmello's Little Portugal. It's a little on the expensive side, but was always super super good before the fire. They've reopened and I'd be willing to give it another shot :) Since dinner was on the pricey side, head to something on the cheap for afterwards! The Harris Pavilion offers a number of free and low-cost dances, concerts, and more!! (Also, we're in a recession, so if you want to hit the Subway directly across the street from the Pavilion as opposed to the fancy restaurant, I won't tell!!)
2) Awesome Wife Night- Do you want your husband to stop whining about the last chick flick you took him to? We've had some fun nights (fine, some fun laughing at my lack of hand eye coordination) over at Hard Times Cafe in Woodbridge. With sports, cold beer (blech), pool, and frequent special events like Live DJs and Karaoke, you can have a really great time hanging out with your guy and earning brownie points for the next Ralph Finnes movie you need to see. (There's also a Hard Times in Manassas)
3) If you need a little sunshine in your orange juice- Occoquan's Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe does $8 evening tastings as well as free daily mini-tastings. Most of the shops close early, but you can enjoy walking the waterfront, feeding the ducks, window shopping and then a belgian waffle for dinner (do not judge me!) at the Cock and Bowl. They also serve mussels, which I don't eat, and an impressive list of imported beer. Caution, however, because when my friend's husband's band (Yeah, it's called Derelict Dog. Bonus points for using an SAT Hot Word in the name of your band Kevin and Bill!) would play the outdoor patio (which is where you want to sit, under the lights- very cute) our little group of 6-10 people would run up a pretty impressive bar tab if we weren't careful.
4) If your wine drinking needs would better be served in Montclair, Giorgio's/Wine Styles is the way to go. I haven't been personally, but a few of my girlfriends did a ladies' night there and are planning another one. The great thing about these tasting nights is that you can actually talk to each other. Sit, have a few tastes, relax, and really talk. My husband and I have a rule that we get any "business" out of the way in the first 10-15 minutes. That means no talking about the kids, the finances, the cleaning, the dog, the drycleaning, etc. after that. If you have forgotten how to talk to your spouse (and it happens) try this incredibly corny list to get the conversation flowing: http://scottmoonen.com/2008/03/14/date-questions/
5) Hike. Seriously. Pack a picnic and head out to your favorite trail. Try them all. Bring bug spray. Have a grandparent nearby? You can camp while you're at it. A little campfire and some s'mores with your honey? C'mon that's amazing. (Day Date: Head out to Skyline Drive and hike 7 Falls. If you're hardcore, you can do Big Schloss way out in the boonies. Here's a tip- don't do it several months pregnant in the middle of August, okay? Good)
6) Twilight Golf. After 4pm you can hit the green for a reduced rate. Little much for you? That's okay! Head out to your local mini-golf (Woodbridge, Manassas, Gainesville/Bristow, Montclair/Dumfries/Triangle)
7) You know all those local plays I list on the calendar all the time? They're pretty cheap and usually really good! VPstart Crow does some great work from what I hear.
8) Speaking of VPStart Crow, they work out of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, which offers a great variety of performances. It's a great way to dress up and go to the theatre without getting on 95, which, as we all know, is the devil.
9) I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I love the Workhouse. I just do. I know it's technically in Lorton, but that's way close to Lake Ridge, where I kick it ;) Their special events feature movies, gallery shows, dances, and more. And, it's free to walk around and look....another cheap one!! There are some great thought-provoking pieces.
10) Wicked expensive but totally awesome: Sailing at Leesylvania (less expensive: paddle boating or canoeing, most local parks with water access offer really affordable rentals, or borrow a kayak from a neighbor- we all know someone with one!) Scuba Lessons together (less expensive, your local pool/indoor swim center for some laps)
Anyone else have thoughts for local dates?
Playgrounds: Fantasy Playground in Lake Ridge
Nestled on the corner of Hedges Run and Cotton Mill Drives in Lake Ridge, just behind the community center and pool, is Fantasy Playground. This giant wooden play area features balance components, slides, a sandbox, 4 baby and 4 regular swings, a tire swing, covered picnic area, tunnels, and rocks. Lots of tiny pea-sized gravel rocks.
My children absolutely adore this playground. They think that it is, quite possibly, the coolest place in our immediate area. If I drive the wrong way to Starbucks on a nice day all I hear is a loud wail from the backseat about going to Fantasy Playground.It's not that I don't love going to the playground, because I do. I'll hit Lake Ridge Park, neighborhoods, heck, we sit at the school playground for about an hour a day on nice afternoons (and some not-so-warm ones where I just can't go back home yet) and sometimes longer. Also, I know a lot of people think that Fantasy is Fantastic.
(Oh hi, readers. Just a fair warning: If you're an adherent of Lenore Skenazy you should probably save us both the trouble and stop reading this post now. Still reading? Because I warned you....)
I loathe Fantasy Playground. Everything about it. I don't like the tiny gravel that ALWAYS gets in my shoes. I don't like the sandbox, because I'm convinced that 1/2 the western world's squirrels (and small children who are potty training) have ahem, well, utilized it as other than a sand box. Most of all, though, (seriously stop here Skenazy disciples) I hate that this park has terrible visibility and ramps on the play area that dump into the parking lot. I have 3 children that run on 3 different speeds. "I'm on Speed", "Buddha meditating under a tree", and "PUSH THE SWING MOMMA!!!". These three speeds are not conducive to being at this playground and being mindful of my kids. That being said, if you're okay with not being able to see both of your children at once (which I would be if it was just "I'm on Speed" and one other one, since "I'm on Speed" is old enough that I am confident in his skillz without me, but I have 2 that I need to watch) then you'll probably love it here.
Fantasy Playground:
Pros: Large, elaborate space, well-maintained by the LRPRA and re-stained yearly. This playground has lots to do and groups can enjoy the picnic area covered by shade.
Cons: Rocks are fun to throw, apparently. Also, there's limited visibility across the playground so if you have one on the swing you can't see your other one on the slide. Middle schoolers tend to congregate here for some reason when school is out in my experience, so if you're not comfortable reminding preteens that they can't curse on the playground (which I find to be rather fun, actually) be sure to tell your children to earmuff it if there's a group of them.
Caution: If the pool is not open, there is not a nearby bathroom or porta potty. Even if the pool is open, the lifeguard on duty may or may not let you use it if you don't have your pool pass. Even if they will, it's a close call for children who are still in the "when I say I need to go potty right now, I actually mean I needed to go 10 minutes ago and now I REALLY NEED TO GO RIGHT NOW!!" phase. Also, if you have a daredevil, there is a portion of the playground that has a hole in it down to a tire seat below. An easy jump for an elementary kid, I've seen a few toddlers not fare quite so well with it.
Recommended for: This is a toughie. There's no label on this one like there is in Montclair ;) I would say that despite the presence of baby swings and smaller slides/sandbox for younger children, the BEST time on this playground is had by the elementary set.
5/25/11
Edgemoor Art Studio
Edgemoor Classes come in both parent and me and drop-off varieties, and there is an afternoon homeschool class, as well. 8 week sessions run $140 (materials included) for preschool classes, which are an hour long or $160-$220 for older children (again, materials included) which run for 2 hours.
There are also Art Camps offered, which are really on-par price wise with many of the park authority camps. $175 a week, all materials included for ages 4-6 (9am-12pm) or ages 7-14 (1pm-4pm). Phonics class info is available via email.
We were very impressed with Edgemoor and my 7 year old has not stopped talking about how he can't wait to go back!! There's an open house on July 10th, in the evening (there you go working parents!!) and I'd encourage you to go meet the very dynamic instructor. We were definitely impressed and if you're looking for a great art experience for your child, this is definitely the place in Woodbridge to go!!
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