It’s my town

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: July 22, 2008

Are ghosts replaying the past at Virginia battlefields, including Manassas National Battlefield Park?

Author Beth Brown's latest book examines reports of paranormal activity at some of the bloodiest sites of the Civil War.

Her investigation and findings are part of her new book, "Haunted Battlefields: Virginia's Civil War Ghosts."

Brown's book includes 20 previously unpublished reports of paranormal encounters and documents her investigations at 13 historic locations, including Bull Run Bridge and Henry House Hill at Manassas.

Brown is a Richmond native, a freelance writer of historical and paranormal articles, and founder and president of the Virginia Society of Paranormal Education and Research.

Only a year old, Gainesville's own girls fast-pitch organization, the Gainesville Gladiators, is going strong and is currently seeking young players who are interested in competitive softball.

The organization will be conducting tryouts for all age groups from Aug. 9 to 17. To register and obtain specific tryout times for age groups, visit www.

gainesvillegladiators.com or call 703-753-1203.

There's still time for local youngsters to sign up for the summer reading programs at Prince William Public Libraries.

Preschoolers through 5th graders can join "Catch the Reading Bug." Children receive a reading log to keep track of their books. Coupons for food and fun are given out weekly along with special incentives when a child reads, 5, 10 and 15 books.

Middle and high schoolers can join "Wild Reads: Metamorphosis" and earn coupons after reading 3, 6 and 9 books. Teens can also submit reviews of their favorite (or not-so-favorite) books. All programs run through Aug. 29.

… Readers will also want to check out all the great free programs.