Neighborhood news: Understand your HAP benefits

Federal real estate help will be the topic Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. as a Homeowners Assistance Program officer from the Army Corps of Engineers will discuss the HAP program.

HAP provides monetary relief for eligible Armed Forces personnel and federal civilian employees facing real-estate losses. 

Learn who qualifies and how to make the most of the program at a seminar at RE/MAX Unlimited, 10492 Bristow Center Drive.

Register by e-mail at . Call Carolynn Blinkinsop at 703-966-9605 for more information. 
                                   
The magic is real at Victory Elementary

Be one of the first 250 to line up at the door for a hugely popular magic show, book reading and signing by magician Joe Romano, creator of “Books! The Magic is Real!” 

The show will take place at Victory Elementary School, 12001 Tygart Lane, on Nov. 20.  Tickets are $2 and will be available at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy the magical coming-to-life of lines from Harry Potter, “How to Eat Fried Worms” and selected Dr. Seuss books.

Pizza is available for purchase through pre-order. E-mail Susan Moore at for more information.

Local artist to participate in show

Nokesville artist Doris Berry will join more than 80 local artisans of the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild at the 27th annual Thanksgiving Weekend Art and Craft Showcase at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE in Vienna.

Berry creates hand-knitted scarves, handmade and hand-painted pottery and figurines.

The Handcrafters Guild provides yearly scholarships to local art students, donates gifts to Meals on Wheels recipients and provides donations to both Alternative House (a haven for teens in crisis) and Main Street Development (a childcare center for low-income families). 

Show dates and times are Nov. 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $3.