Community briefs for Prince William

By Aleks Dolzenko

Published: September 30, 2008

Get locked in Dumfries' most haunted house

Every Friday and Saturday night in October, Historic Dumfries Inc. will host "haunted museum" lock-ins at the Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries.

The evening begins with a "Haunted Heights Ghost Walk" to explore sites of reported spectral and mysterious happenings, such as the Dumfries Cemetery and Merchant Park. Participants are then challenged to test their bravery by spending the night in what Historic Dumfries has dubbed "Dumfries' Most Haunted House," the Weems-Botts Museum.

Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and tape recording equipment as well as a sleeping bag and a flash-light.

The tour and lock-ins begin at 9 p.m. at 3944 Cameron St. in Dumfries. Space is limited and reservations are re-quired. The cost is $50 a person. For reservations or more information call 703-221-2218.

Join others at annual "Light the Night" walk

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's National Capital Area Chapter invites everyone --children, adults, and seniors --to participate in the 2008 "Light The Night" Walk on Oct. 4 at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion in Manassas beginning at 5:30 p.m.

During the Walk, teams of co-workers, businesses, neighborhoods, friends and families gather to share stories and walk while holding illuminated balloons honoring patients and survivors of blood cancer. There is no fundraising minimum, but the Society recommends a $25 donation to participate.

For more information about the Walk or to register, contact the National Capital Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100, or visit http://www.lightthenight.org/nca.

Begin holiday shopping

at Buckhall UMC bazaar

It's time for Buckhall UMC's bazaar Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 10251 Moore Drive, Manassas.

Crafters and bakers have been working overtime creating one-of-a-kind pieces. There will be Christmas decorations; toys; embroidery; homemade jellies, sauces, and baked goods; and much, much more.

Bring kids for supervised outdoor play while you shop. We'll even have lunch! All proceeds to benefit our church and programs.

Hearing Aid Awareness Week ends Saturday

The International Hearing Society has declared Sept. 28-Oct. 4 as Hearing Aid Awareness Week. This event has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Health Information Center and is included in the 2008 National Health Observances Calendar.

MyLife Hearing, 14130 Noblewood Plaza, Suite 301, Woodbridge, is celebrating Hearing Aid Awareness Week by offering free hearing screenings, and a free hearing aid cleaning to residents in Woodbridge as well as the surround-ing areas.

Regular office hours are Monday—Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and other times by special appointment.

For information or to schedule an appointment, call 703-583-0040 or e-mail woodbridge@mylifehear ing.com.

PW Purlers welcome

area knitting enthusiasts

The Prince William Purlers Knitting Guild will meet Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Java Rock Cafe, 8730 Sudley Road, Manassas.

All interested in knitting are welcome to attend.

Join commemoration of burning Chapman's Mill

Turn The Mill Around Campaign, the non profit organization restoring the walls of Chapman's/Beverley Mill and opening the site to the public, is holding a family event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Burning of the Chapman's/Beverley Mill on Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Mill.

This event is open to all. There will be a free lunch; music by the Bull Run Grass Band; a book signing by Frances Lillian Jones, who wrote "History of Chapman/Beverley Mill"; and exhibits by The Journey Through Hallowed Ground; The International Molinology Society of America; the Mosby Players; the African-American Historical Association of Fauquier County; Cresthill Stoneworks; displays of the history of the Mill and others. The Mill itself will also be open to the public.

To help with food planning it is asked that visitors RSVP by calling the TTMAC office at 540-253-5888 with the number of people who will attend.

Share your loss with others at next Coping

Coping, a six-week recovery program for separated, divorced or widowed individuals, begins Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Phillip's Catholic Church in Falls Church.

The program is designed to help individuals get through the trauma of losing a spouse to separation, divorce or death. Cost is $5 per session, payable at the door.

For information, call Gerri Ellenberger at 670-4845 or Dave Bodek at 703-729-1945.

Stonewall Jackson class

of '88 planning reunion

The Class of 1988 at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas is planning its 20th reunion Nov. 8 at Evergreen Country Club

in Haymarket.

Contact: Monica Thompson Walker at 703-754-2138 or , or go to capitalreunions.com for more information

Dog walk held in memory of Dawn Kirpes

The third annual Prince William SPCA Great Pumpkin Dog Walk will be held Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

This year, the event will be held in memory of Stephanie Dawn Kirpes, an avid animal lover who was struck by lightning and died on July 6. The Forest Park High School graduate deeply cared for people and animals—she nurtured and loved her blind cat Noah. Stephanie had just finished her degree at University of Mary Washington and planned to start her career in August.

The dog walk will be held at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas. Registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by the walk at 9:30.

Walkers can choose between two routes depending on how far they or their dog are able to walk. Route maps will be available at the event. Walk with or without a dog. Cost to register is $20 ($25 after Oct. 1). The fee includes one person and one dog plus goodie bag and T-shirt for first 100 walkers. Kids walk free. Walkers can register by check or on-line with a credit card at http://www.pwspca.org (click on Dog Walk logo).

The Great Pumpkin Dog Walk will be held in conjunction with the Prince William SPCA's annual Pet Adopt-A-Thon and Fall Festival, also at the fairgrounds. Activities of the day include pet contests, kids' activities, Moonbounce, entertainment and food vendors. Admission and parking are free. Event takes place rain or shine. More information is at http://www.pwspca.org.

Pick up groceries for Scouting for Food drive

Bull Run District, Boy Scouts of America will kick off its annual Scouting for Food drive Nov. 1. They will collect food donations for the needy across northern Prince William County. All food collected will be sorted and then sent to Prince William County Securing Emergency Resources through Volunteer Efforts Inc.

On Nov. 1, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers from Bull Run District will place plastic grocery bags on door steps across northern Prince William County. Scouts will return to pick these bags up on Nov. 8. Donations should be placed on doorsteps for pick up before 10 a.m. that morning.

Food donations needed include canned items such as vegetables, meats, chili, soups or juices, and baby formula. Boxed or bagged meals and pastas are also welcome. Please-nothing perishable, frozen or in glass.

Monetary donations cannot be accepted.