Neighborhood news: I want to speak with YOU!

No, you're not in trouble.  Something wonderful happened this week: Executive Editor Susan Jessup Svihlik offered me the opportunity to relay YOUR special events every week!

Bristow, Nokesville and Brentsville now have an official place for fun announcements and goings-on in OUR neck of the woods. How will I know what to report? It's simple: you tell me!

Community groups, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations, send me your news!

The fastest way to get your information to me is via e-mail:  . Be sure to include a contact name, telephone number and e-mail address so I can get back to you with questions.

Welcome to the first installment, and I look forward to speaking with YOU!

Fun-draising for Victory Elementary

Want to try something different and fun to help out your school? Harris Teeter offers the "Milk Challenge." Collect washed milk jug caps from Harris Teeter or Hunter Farms brand milk. Each cap is worth 5 cents. See how high you can build your pile! Then bring your mountain to Victory's front office.

For official rules, see harristeeter.com/files/TIE/TIE_Milk_Challenge_Rules_08-09.pdf.

For other fundraisers or questions, e-mail

Trunk or Treat at Greenwich Presbyterian Church

What is Trunk or Treat?

It's trick-or-treat ... from the trunk of your car! Start making plans now to dress up your car and your kid for this year's theme, "All American Sports."

Choose your favorite sport or all-time favorite team and compete for a prize for the best-dressed car!

Children of all ages will visit each car for a unique trick-or-treat event. Before the event starts, kids will parade in their costumes. (Please, no ghoulish or scary get-ups).

• When? Sunday, from 5 to 6 p.m.

• Where? Church parking lot, 15305 Vint Hill Road.

Schedule:

5 to 5:15 p.m.: Park your car and start decorating!

5:20 p.m.: Children's costume parade

5:25 to 6 p.m.: Trunk or Treat

Questions? Contact Joy Yates at 703-754-7933 or .

November's early holiday gifts for PWC student

Yes, we know there will be tears from children who love to go to school. But the Prince William County Public School Calendar lists several days off in November.

So be sure to remind your children to take a break. And, if you forget, well ... they will most likely remind YOU!

• Nov. 4: Teachers' work day

• Nov. 11: Veterans Day

• Nov. 26: early dismissal for Thanksgiving break

• Nov. 27 and Nov. 28: Thanksgiving break

See the full calendar at pwcs.edu/departments/accountability/?SchlCal/calendar_opener.html

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 kgotthardt@ comcast.net.