Chocolate chips, marshmallows and graham crackers are jammed into a banana, then the whole thing gets grilled.

Fresh raspberries and the lush flavor of Beaujolais red wine combine for a cooling treat.

Fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well in these simple and delicious dessert bars.

Fruits are always a treat when eaten unadorned and out of hand, but they're also the perfect starting place for an impressive variety of pies, cakes, bars, tarts and crumbles.

Mary Ann Kauchak shares her easy-to-make reicpes in her weekly column, “Shortcuts.“

Good morning, Prince William. I want to give huge cheers to the Matthew Center for their new summer camp program for kids with autism. It seems like yesterday that this school was merely a vision and now it’s a fabulous thriving center for very special kids.

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is the Virginia Triathlon Series (VTS) charity for the 2009 season. OAR in conjunction with the VTS has secured over $50,000 in charitable funds during the past two seasons.

When the burgers and frankfurters are done, keep the grill going for dessert. The heat helps caramelize the sugars in fruit, as in this recipe for grilled strawberries and bananas. Pineapple, plums, peaches and mango are other great options for grilled fruit.

Frozen desserts are a great way to beat the summer heat, but all the fat in ice cream makes it more suitable for an occasional treat than a daily cooler.

Mary Ann Kauchak shares easy-to-make recipes in her weekly column, “Shortcuts.“

"Rita's is a nut-free zone; the only nuts are the employees," Manager Maureen Ruongrat said with a chuckle.

Lianne Wilkens shares the trials and tribulations of being a “Mom on the Run.“

Cinematic fathers offer reminders of all Dad’s endearing qualities

Good morning Prince William and happy Father’s Day! After you’ve enjoyed your special day, please consider helping out the Manassas Museum with outdoor landscaping tasks such as trimming bushes and sprucing up various historic areas in the near future.

The Prince William American Red Cross honored numerous businesses and volunteers for their service to the community at its 2009 annual meeting at Prince William Hospital.

Dogtopia locations in Manassas and Woodbridge are holding a dog wash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19. Donations will be accepted to raise money for the Prince William K-9 unit, which is in need of ballistic vests for the dogs.

The Friends of the Prince William Senior Center at Woodbridge Inc. held its election for office on June 4. The results are: Juanita Whitt, president; Doris Bodwin, vice president; Nancy Holland, secretary; Lana Toby, treasurer.

People should watch what they say and to whom they say it to. The person being addressed may write for a newspaper.

It certainly does feel good to feel good. I’ve jumped in with both feet this week and am enjoying being busy. My first “outing,” after fighting off pneumonia for a month, was going to a concert on Sunday.

When strawberry season hits, it's time to shelve those syrupy daiquiri mixes.

Mary Ann Kauchak shares easy-to-make recipes in her weekly column, “Shortcuts.“

Mike Trowbridge’s talent for teaching showed itself early. By the time he was a senior at Woodbridge High School, the now retired Gar-Field High School Orchestra Director had spent several years giving guitar lessons.

Traci DeGroat, executive director for Prince William County’s Habitat for Humanity, knows from experience what it’s like to live on the verge of homelessness in condemned housing; in fact, it’s what led her to Manassas in the first place.

Even as I go through the steps, the carefully thought-out steps, I know this is a cockamamie plan. But I see no alternative.

May 2
» Erin and Luke Brown of Mitchells, a girl, Molly Elizabeth Brown
May 4
» Katherine and Raymond Todd of Flint Hill, a boy, Xavier Raymond Todd
Candice and Jason Bobst of Linden, a boy, Dylan Matthew Bobst
» Christina and Lewis Christian IV of Marshall, a girl, Shaylee May Christian
» Lindsay and Rick Walters of Remington, a boy, Connor Clayton Walters

Please mark your calendar for this Saturday to join in the fun at the Marine Corps Run Amuck and Kids Run Amuck races at Quantico Marine base.

Summer is really trying to make itself felt, so I thought I would share a couple of suggestions to make this summer more fun. When it’s hot people don’t feel like eating big hot meals so here is one of my favorites. I call it “The Sherry Waldorf.”

I’m back! The wrist is almost healed. The cast is history and I don’t miss it one bit.

After a month in “sick-bay” I’m starting to feel like I ‘m back among the living. Tuesday was the first day I’ve been out of the house, except for doctor’s appointments.
I met the Happy Hoofers, after their performance at Hearth and Home for our monthly birthday luncheon and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Those garlicky, buttery, crispy, chewy breadsticks you love at the pizza shop are easy to make at home, too.