Neighborhood news: Lake Ridge school installs officers

The parent-teacher organization at Lake Ridge Middle School, led by president Sue Gallagher, has supported the school in a variety ways throughout the year, and is thankful for all of the extra help along the way.

New officers selected for 2009-10 are: Dani Radoye, president; Jackie Slay, vice president; Sandy Taylor, secretary; Debbie Turner, treasurer; Liz Holmes, membership; Kathy Girvin, programs/honors; Lori Zylich, publicity; Mi-chelle Bartlett and Donna Lewis, hospitality; Carmen Rector, historian; Tonia McDonald and Renee' Still-Day, fundraising; Kathy Crosby, teacher representative.

Parks & Rec offers preschool program

The annual summer program of "Creative Preschool Plus" is offered through Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation, and is a program for children who will be 5 by Sept. 1. Fees vary for LRPRA members or non-members.

Children have arts and crafts, stories, sports, swim time and more. They meet daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This summer camp program begins June 29, and those interested can contact 703-497-7112 for information or registration questions.

Mayor, VFW sponsor flag etiquette campaign

"Hats off, along the street there comes, a blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums…"

These long-ago words from poet Henry Bennett continue in a patriotic verse, "Hats off, the flag is passing by!"

In honor of Flag Day, June 14, Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta and B.J. Richardson of Occoquan VFW Post 7916 have teamed up to sponsor an educational campaign on etiquette regarding the display and care of the U.S. flag. The campaign will run through July 4.

Consider NVCC as education option

If you just graduated from high school, and are deciding about the next step of education, there is both telephone and online registration ongoing at Northern Virginia Community College.

NVCC graduates are eligible for admissions agreements that guarantee acceptance at dozens of four-year colleges and universities, including many in Virginia. That means NVCC graduates can transfer as juniors and go on to earn the same degree as students who started as freshmen.

Registration is under way for the fall semester that begins Aug. 24. To enroll, you can contact http://www.nvcc.edu or 703-323-3770, or go to the campus in person.

To students after classes, enjoy the summer

Empty backpacks and lunch bags are another sign that the school year comes to a close. Tomorrow marks the final day of classes for Prince William County schools. For some it means relaxation, for others it's a time of preparation for the next step of life's journey.

We know that there is something to be discovered at any stage of the education process, and there are many teachers and parents to thank along the way.

Students, consider the possibilities you have in your future! Congratulations to the Class of 2009!

Gayle Urban reports your neighborhood news from the Lake Ridge and Occoquan area every Tuesday. Contact Gayle at .