Neighborhood news: Cheerleading camp is on

This summer, rising first- through eighth-graders are invited to attend a cheerleading camp at Brentsville District High School, 12109 Aden Road.

The camp, facilitated by the Gainesville Grizzlies, will run July 27 through July 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. Beginners will learn what cheerleading is all about. Experienced cheerleaders will advance their skills.

Online registration is required and will be closed July 17 or once 150 participants sign up. There also will be a waiting list of 10 participants in the event of cancellations.

Registration for the first cheerleader is $125, and each additional sibling costs $100. Parents will be asked to complete a medical release, as well.

Register at grizzlyfootball.org. E-mail for more information.

JMU student working hard this summer

Nokesville’s Owen Thomas will be busy this summer. Thomas, a rising junior at James Madison University, is learning to run his own College Works Painting business while earning money for tuition.

College Works Painting gives students an opportunity to beef up their resumes and to gain marketable leadership skills.

The program helps students develop, implement and illustrate a strong work ethic while honing communication, organizational, management and sales skills.
“My business is going well,” Thomas said, “and I am, in fact, doing a lot of work in Prince William County.

“The foreclosure market has had a huge impact on Prince William County real estate. As homes are abandoned and taken back by the bank, they are often left in disrepair. I am working with Realtors in the area to offer my services to get the home inventory ready for marketing.”

When meeting with potential customers, Thomas said he stresses the importance of routine maintenance and restoration.

In addition to running his business, Thomas has completed a project with Habitat for Humanity.

“I am glad I am helping local people to improve the curb appeal of their homes and to improve the general condition of the neighborhoods in our community,” Thomas said.

For more information, contact him at 703-586-7186.

Support group available for chronically ill

A weekly support group for the chronically ill meets Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Spiritual Care Support Ministries’ Bristow/Manassas satellite office at Manassas Assembly of God, 11500 New Life Way.

The group provides an opportunity for the chronically ill to come together for fellowship and encouragement through prayer and a Biblical perspective. The gatherings are nondenominational and free.

Call Chaplain Liz Danielsen at 540-454-1676 for more information.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at .