Neighborhood news: Fitness testing for seniors planned at Chinn

Did you know that May is Older Americans Month? The 2009 theme is "Living Today for a Better Tomor-row." Keeping active is an excellent way to do that and the parks and recreation centers have much to offer. The Agency on Aging says that social activities within the community can greatly improve mental and physical health, leading to greater life satisfaction.

Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center will celebrate Older Americans Month with 60+ years young Senior Fitness Testing. Testing will include six-station functional fitness tests at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.  Personalized results and refreshments will be given on May 20 at noon. The fee is $8. For more information, call 703-730-1060.

'Music of the Heart' slated at Manassas Baptist

Woodbridge residents Ria Barrows, Larry Brewer and Kay Evans will be singing as members of the Manassas Community Chorale when it presents its "Music of the Heart" spring concert on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Manassas Baptist Church.

You can help the chorale's "Concert with a Cause" as they support the Manassas Senior Center by bringing personal care items to the concert to donate.

Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students 12 and under with a paying adult. Manassas Baptist Church is located at the corner of Sudley and Stonewall roads in Manassas.

Woodbridge Page Turners celebrate 16th anniversary

The Woodbridge Page Turners, a local book discussion group, celebrated its 16th anniversary at Daks Restaurant on May 6 with dinner and a novel-inspired orange marmalade cake touted in the "Mitford" series books by Jan Karon.

"The Girl with the DragonTattoo" by Stieg Larsson was the book under discussion and "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy is their next selection.

Members present were Lois Eaton, Darlean Hoisington, Melissa Clark, Debbi Shelmidine, Linda Shuman, Sarah Burke, Jane Henshaw and Becky Kinson. A door prize, "The Book Lover's Cookbook" by Shaunda Kennedy Wenger and Janet Kay Jensen, was won by Becky Kinson.

The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 14806 Blackburn Rd. New members and guests are always welcome.

Flea market/cookout scheduled today

The Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent 14 and its Auxiliary will host its semi-annual flea market/cookout today from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All funds raised go toward the group's hospital programs. If you have questions please call MOCA hospital chairperson Nancy Dazzo at 703-361-6041.

Cokesbury UMC's weekly flea markets have started

The flea market at Cokesbury UMC is in full swing each Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The flea market is open most Saturdays until November at the corner of Reddy and Blackburn roads across from the Woodbridge post office. For more information call 703-494-5400.

Beta Tau to meet Monday

Beta Tau, Woodbridge Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha will hold its monthly business meeting at noon on Monday. For additional information, contact Jane Shamblin 540-899-9876.

Veterans Park pool, waterslide to open soon

Veterans Park will open its pool and waterslide on May 23 from noon to 6 p.m. From May 24 through June 12, hours will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

The park boasts a 50-meter outdoor pool with two water slides and a snack bar open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

AAUW to hold its annual spring luncheon next week

The Woodbridge Branch of the American Association of University Women will be holding its annual spring lunch-eon for potential members on May 16 at 11:30 a.m.

If you hold an associates or college degree, you are eligible for membership. For additional information, please call Tania at 703-670-3683.

Learn to decorate on a budget at library

A free program about thrifty decorating by a representative from IKEA will offer suggestions about decorating on a budget at the Potomac Library on May 17 at 2 p.m. Registration is recommended but not required. Potomac Library is located at 2201 Opitz Blvd.

'Women and Investing' program coming to library

Investing is not just for the wealthy and a free program offered at the Potomac Community Library will explore this idea for women on May 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The program will include ideas for being more proactive now while planning for the future. Discussion will include planning, budgeting and saving strategies that may enable women and their families to work toward their long-term goals.

Registration for this free program is not required, but is encouraged. Drop-ins are also welcome at this program. For more information, call 703-494-8126.

Bunny Mahar reports your neighborhood news from the Woodbridge area every Saturday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Bunny at .