Nokesville Biz  August, 2005

 Bench Area Ready to Enjoy

 By now you’ve probably seen the new seating area between Patriot Bank and the office building on Fitzwater Drive. It’s a project sponsored by the Nokesville Business Association as a small step toward improving Nokesville’s business and community environment.

The area has three benches, landscaping and a brick surface. The current bricks are temporary and will be replaced by commemorative bricks. The first set has been fabricated and replacement work will begin soon. The NBA is still taking orders for these personalized bricks at a cost of $30 for two lines of up to 15 characters each.

Please see the order form on page 3. [Note: the price has been increased for reasons beyond our control.]

Of course, the area’s creation could not have been possible without support from a few dedicated and helpful people. Stan Keys, the current NBA Vice President, conceived the idea of a common area in the village core, even if only temporary until a larger space could be found. The property’s owner was amenable to the use of that space after seeing the design created by Keys and NBA President Tom Basham.

The NBA project account and a generous contribution from Basham purchased the three benches, landscaping and bricks for the area. Wise Guys Construction dug out the grass so that the landscaping and bricks could be placed. Nokesville Lions Club members Ray Wentz, a lifelong masonry professional, and Stan Gilreath, a willing helper, laid the bricks as a community service project.

Scott Nelson, owner of Majestic Landscaping, placed the tree, shrubs and flowering plants purchased for the area. On that evening, Keys, Basham and Gail Williams helped with the landscaping, bench assembly and cleanup.

It all came together just before Nokesville Day! The NBA hopes the community will enjoy the area by using it for lunch breaks, rest stops, meeting with friends, quiet reading, people watching, whatever. But remember, please take your trash with you, as there’s no trash receptacle.

Whether or Not You Danced, the Concert Was a Fun Event

The Prince William Community Band (PWCB) returned to Nokesville Park to entertain the crowd, this time with a variety of music designed to bring the audience to the dance floor or imagine the scenes portrayed by the music.

The band, distinguished from an orchestra by the lack of stringed instruments, played big band, swing, Latin, contemporary, Dixieland, rag and patriotic selections. Some of these were created by such notables as Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller.

Before the Father’s Day performance, John Hinkle (John Hancock Financial Network) and Carol Collins (magician and Bingo the Clown) demonstrated East Coast swing dance moves. Hinkle explained that the dance originated in the Charleston era and was the rage during World War II and included the Lindy hop. The Jitterbug was popular in the 1950s.

The audience of around 100 listened as the band, under the direction of Ed Jones, played a variety of danceable music, such as In the Mood, Mack the Knife, and Alexander’s Ragtime Band. In addition, the Dunbar Saxophone Quartet, which actually had five members, played a selection called That’s a Plenty. The trumpet section played their own set, Bugler’s Holiday. The Symphonic Duke, quite a feat for this band, was so tight, it was crisp.

  When PWCB played The Great Locomotive Chase, one could almost see and feel the Civil War escapade involving the capture of a supply train and subsequent effort to reclaim it. Since 9-11, the band has concluded every concert with its rendition of America the Beautiful.

  A few brave folks took up Hinkle’s and Collins’ invitation to try their hand – er, feet  – at some swing dance steps. However, when the band played In the Mood, the floor was filled with willing participants, both new and experienced, enticed by the lively bop music.

Ed Jones has been PWCB’s conductor since 1996, when it held its first rehearsal. He had taught music in Prince William County for over 20 years and was Supervisor of Music for the last six. He said the band of about 50 players still has some of its first members.

PWCB played in the park in the first series sponsored by the NBA in 2003. They had expressed their pleasure at being invited back to Nokesville.

Said Jones, “You all have a good community here,” during an interview prior to the concert.

While the NBA sponsored the concert in the park, special thanks are extended to Tom Basham’s SAP Films and Nokesville Design for transporting the band’s instruments and equipment and providing the sound system.

The NBA especially thanks John Hinkle and Carol Collins for their dance demonstrations and lessons. They added a unique touch to the event.

The NBA invites its members to forward and help carry through any ideas for two or three concerts for Summer 2006. It’s a great way to get the community together for an afternoon of music, picnicking and fun.

 Co-written by John Hinkle, Coordinator Summer Concert 2005

What’s Inside

Spotlight: Whiteley Design Studio.........2

Nokesville Quilt.....................................3

Friends Uniting Nokesville.....................3

Summer Pet Protection...........................5

Meeting Minutes.....................................6

Bits and Pieces........................................7

Contact Information................................8

And much more!

 Whiteley Design Studio Adds Class and Uniqueness to Your Home or Business

Lynn Whiteley has wanted to be an artist since childhood. Now he is a professional artist in business as Whiteley Design Studio, specializing in decorative finishes and Italian plasters. While Whiteley Design Studio is in its fourth year, he started his business thirteen years ago as Creation Graphics, which focused on graphic and web design and stained glass work.

            Whiteley has a long and wide range of experience brought about by his innate talent and his desire to learn from the best in the fields. He has studied art since fourth grade and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1989. He then studied under Martin Allen Hirsch at the Decorative Finishing Studio in Louisville, Kentucky. In Atlanta, he learned the ancient art of Italian plasters under Doyle Self III. Most recently, Whiteley studied marbling and wood graining from Mike MacNeil, a leading artist who has worked in the homes of Steven Spielberg, Charlie Sheen, Casey Kasem and George Clooney.

Whiteley said he became interested in plasters during his first decorative finishing class. While using faux plasters, he was introduced to real Italian plaster.

“And I was hooked,” he said. “[Italian] plasters and techniques have been used for centuries and they out-perform any faux plaster, especially such products you would find in home improvement stores. The Italians just know how to do it right!”

 His faux finishes come in a wide array of colors and textures, including aged plaster, brick, stone, distressed leather, tortoise shell, elephant hide. His custom artwork includes mural and trompes l’oeil, which bring uniqueness to any room or office.

 Whiteley’s artistry doesn’t stop at walls, though. He does such work as antiquing kitchen cabinets and furniture, applying crackling to fireplace mantles, and texturing furniture.

 Whiteley described some of his work of which he was most proud. One was a recently-completed foyer, which feature his Venziano plaster with a gold wax top coat. The tray ceiling received a gold leaf treatment to complement the walls. He said the owners were astounded at the transformation from sterile white to palatial.

He is also pleased with two stained glass windows he created for a chapel in Carthage, Missouri. The windows, displayed near the entrance, depict the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Whiteley’s wife, Ute, works with him; their customers like the fact that, being artistic and from Germany, she brings a European perspective to the business.

Said Whiteley, “I can honestly say that I’ve had great customers and it’s been a pleasure to work with each of them.”

 To further his skills and stay up the current trends, Whiteley takes specialized class once or twice a year. Last year, the Whiteleys went to the Fauxcademy in Las Vegas. They will attend the Stencil Artisan League convention in Baltimore this month.

 Whiteley enjoys playing with his triplets, reading, and riding his bike. In addition, he works with boys in his church in a program called Royal Rangers, which is similar to the Boy Scouts, but with a heavy emphasis on Christianity.

 Whiteley welcomes work with interior designers, realtors and builders, in addition to homeowners and businesses. Contact Whiteley Design Studio at 703-335-5522, lhw@whiteleydesignstudio.com or visit www.whiteleydesignstudio.com.

Get Your Own Unique Piece of Nokesville History

            Want a unique piece of Nokesville history?

            The NBA is raffling off a quilt with embroidered squares of Nokesville’s historic buildings, including the Hawkins barn, the Brethren rectory, the depot, and several more.

            Tickets are $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Sales will cover the labor and cost of the material for the women of the Nokesville Brethren Church’s Martha Early Circle and other talented women in the community. The proceeds will go toward the purchase of holiday wreaths and flags as the NBA plans for the annual tree lighting in December.

            The quilt will be awarded on the Nokesville Ruritan Brunswick Stew Day on Saturday, October 15, 2005. To purchase your ticket, please visit Patriot Bank (Nokesville) or see the board member list on the back page, or call Stan Keys at 703-594-3654.

Protect Your Pets During the Summer

By Mark Swanson, DVM

            Summertime heat can be as difficult to your dogs and cats as to yourself. In addition, there are hazards unique to this time of year, some of which can also affect pet owners.

            Dogs and cats are outdoors more in the summer, so are more exposed to other dogs and cats, as well as wild animals, ticks and fleas. The most critical protections are up-to-date vaccinations and good flea and tick control.

            Dogs need current rabies, distemper, Parvo, kennel cough and Lyme disease vaccinations. Cats who go outdoors need to be up-yo-date on their rabies, distemper and feline Leukemia vaccinations. Both dogs and cats should be checked at least twice for intestinal worms by taking stool samples to the veterinarian for analysis.

            Both species should be on a good flea and tick program and there are many products available. Flea and tick sprays and powders can be used every few days. Topical spot applications, such as Frontline®, and Advantix® are applied at the nape monthly. Revolution® is a topical, used monthly, that also prevents heartworm.

            Since dogs and cats are vulnerable to heartworms, they should be given a preventative such as Interceptor®, Heartguard® or Revolution®.

            It is advisable to keep dogs and cats indoors in air-conditioned areas on hot days. However, if they must be outside, keep them in shaded areas with good air movement.

            Always keep fresh water available. Never leave animals in closed cars or small outbuildings that get hot or have poor ventilation. Old or obese dogs and cats should be kept indoors, in air-conditioned areas.

            While some believe long hair is a good insulation for keeping dogs and cats cool, I recommend trimming in the summer. Of those dogs I’ve seen lost to heat exhaustion, most had long hair.

            Rabies has been a problem in Prince William County for many years, but this year has been particularly bad for cats. Symptoms in dogs and cats include change of behavior, such as aggression or timidness. Be sure to keep their rabies vaccination current. Animals at high risk of exposure should be vaccinated annually. All dogs and cats involved in a fight with an animal of unknown rabies status should have a rabies booster.

            Dr. Mark Swanson can be reached at 703-594-3216, 12831 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville.

Rebuilding Nokesville One Brick at a Time

            To purchase a personalized brick, please fill out the application below and mail it, with payment, to NBA, P O Box 482, Nokesville, VA 20182. Please make checks payable to: Nokesville Business Association. Thank you for your order.

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________

CITY: ________________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: ______________________

PHONE: _______________________ E-MAIL: ______________________________________

Qty of bricks _________ x $30 each = Total: __________________

Your brick will read: 

LINE 1:    ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___

LINE 2:    ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___   ___

You’re Invited....

            The next NBA network social will be held on September 20 at 6:45PM, just before the general meeting at the firehouse. This is an opportunity to put your face to your business name, meet fellow businesspeople, exchange ideas and opinions, catch up on local news and, of course, enjoy some free refreshments.

            Even if you can’t stay for the entire meeting, you’re welcome to join us so we can meet you.

 Friends Uniting Nokesville Ready to Go to Work

            Friends Uniting Nokesville is in the process of incorporating as a non-profit 501c(3) organization. FUN’s mission is to initiate projects beneficial to the community, such as a pavilion for concerts, a village green, and a community meeting room. Among fundraising ideas planned are dances, talent shows and sales of Nokesville memorabilia.

            The Board consists of Stan Keys, President and Treasurer, Dona Swanson, Vice President, and Gail Williams, Secretary. FUN needs volunteers (no membership fee) with ideas and a willingness to help get these projects off to a great start.

            Funds are needed immediately to pay fees associated with the establishment of this worthwhile organization. You can help now by sending your tax-deductible donation to Friends Uniting Nokesville, c/o Patriot Bank, 12912 Fitzwater Dr, Nokesville, VA 20181. Stan Keys can be reached at 703-594-3654.

Bits & Pieces

$          Chris Taylor is taking ads for the 2005-2006 Nokesville Business Directory, which will

 be available on Nokesville Ruritan Brunswick Stew Day, October 15, 2005. Contact her at taylor2010@comcast.net or 703-753-4632 to get yours in.

$          The Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) is holding its Five Alarm Golf

Classic on Tuesday, September 13 at the Bristow Manor Golf Club. The $125 entry fee includes a continental breakfast, luncheon, green fee, cart and more. Various sponsor levels are available from $300 to $1,000, in packages including hole signages, logo published in the tournament brochure, and individual player entries. Obtain the entry form on line at www.nvfdrs.org or call 703-594-2134. Checks, payable to NVFD, must be turned in by August 13 to NVFD, P O Box 273, Nokesville, VA 20182.

$          HELP WANTED: The Nokesville Biz newsletter is in need of a new editor and writers.

The editor determines content and layout, writes articles, edits and assembles submissions from other writers, mails it out and distributes the extra copies at the bank, library and post office. He or she doesn’t have to be involved in its desktop publishing and printing. The Nokesville Biz goes out five to six times a year. The time commitment can vary according to the amount of help, interviews, etc., but the work itself is not difficult. One should, however, enjoy writing. Ideas for the next issue are already in progress and the current editor will be happy to help the new one. Please contact Gail Williams at 703-594-2669 or gracedak@erols.com.

$          The Nokesville community will miss the leadership of Dr. Wayne Ralston, who retired

from the Prince William County School System, with his last position as principal of Nokesville Elementary School. The school has always been a source of pride and, under his guidance, it has received several awards for scholastic achievement. We welcome the new principal, Bruce McDaniel, who surely will continue the tradition of high-quality education at that school.

$          Congratulations to Nokesville Elementary School for receiving a School of Excellence

award, with $4,000, for the fourth consecutive year.

$          Congratulations to the recent Brentsville graduates. The NBA wishes you all well and

hope you will consider volunteering in your community, here or wherever you settle.

REMINDER: The NBA General meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM at NVFD (Marsteller). As there will be no meeting in August, the next meeting will be September 20. Please mark your calendar!

 General Meeting Minutes Highlights (April to July 2005)

$          April 19, 2005

                        – Discussion of NBA’s role in Nokesville Day, May 21.

                        – Summer concert scheduled for June 19.

            – Friends Uniting Nokesville (FUN): Attorney will proceed on organization.

            – Brick area: will try to get area established before Nokesville Day, even if we don’t have personalized bricks ready.

$          May 17, 2005

            – Bench/brick area: Wise Guys removed dirt. Basham picked up landscaping. Scott Nelson (Majestic Landscaping) will work Wednesday evening, May 18 but needs help. Ray Wentz and Stan Gilreath were recognized for laying brick.

            – Ornaments: Sell for $25 each. Order forms will be available on Nokesville Day.

            – Basham will get with County to track down grant package and funds for Nokesville revitalization.

            – Quarry: NBA is not taking a position but will poll members on their opinion.

$          June 21, 2005

            – Grant status: Basham met with County officials but hasn’t heard back from them after several days.

            – Concert feedback: Excellent event. Nokesville needs an amphitheater.

            – NBA members should take advantage of its status in the Chamber of Commerce.

            – Quilt: Members should all have tickets to sell for quilt to be given away on Brunswick Stew Day, October 15. Every NBA members should take at least 20 tickets to sell at $2 each or 3 for $5.

            – Bench area: Estimates needed for maintenance.

            – Vulcan plans to attend September meeting.

            – NBA will not meet in August.

$          July 19, 2005

            – Chris Taylor is working on Directory. New prices established. Deadline for ads is August 19.

            – Discussion of tree lighting, December 10.

            – Next meeting will be September 20 and will include network social 15 minutes before meeting

            – Bricks: Second order has not yet been placed; holding for additional orders.