Neighborhood news: Students win state theater awards

Congratulations to Gainesville Middle School student cast members of "Gift of the Magi" presented at Virginia Theatre Association's Young People's Festival in Lynchburg.  Gainesville received a second place and a silver trophy.

Vying for top honors, each school was judged on acting, costumes, set and technical effects.

Kirsten Whitney played Della; Jack Hill, Jim; Kaelin Carriero, Mrs. Boyd; Lily Winkler, Madame Sofronie; Sarah Ruckle, Felice; Summer Pittman, Mrs. Hartman. Ellora Farris was the narrator.

In addition, Kirsten Whitney and Jack Hill were both named to the All Star Cast.

The Drama Department's next production will be "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The shows will run Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. at Gainesville Middle, 8001 Limestone Dr., Gainesville.

A Saturday matinee will run at 3 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5th in the school's lecture hall.

Tickets for adults are $5.  Students and seniors pay $4. Children under 4 are free.

Contact producer Stacey Pannebecker or director Barbara White at 703-753-2997 for more information.

Lab rescue seeks donatio

Gainesville resident and Labrador Retrievers rescue volunteer Meghan McAuliffe is collecting donations of food, gift cards and items to benefit local Lab Rescue efforts.

Operating for more than 20 years in the D.C. area, Lab Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to saving Labrador Retrievers who would otherwise die in overcrowded shelters.

According to McAuliffe, "Last year, we saved over 650 Labrador Retrievers and found for them new families and new homes."

The dogs come from a broad range of life circumstances including owners who have lost their homes in the economic downturn. Other dogs have been removed from abusive homes.

All rescue dogs are provided with rabies and distemper shots, are evaluated for heartworm and are spayed or neutered. The rescuers also treat broken bones, heartworm, lyme, erlichia, cancerous lumps and parasitic conditions.

Lab Rescue will hold its annual silent auction at Parrish Hall of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 6800 Columbia Pike, Annandale at 1 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5.

E-mail for more information.

Giving Circle awards grant

The Giving Circle of Heritage Hunt awarded four grants to local non-profits working in western Prince William County.

Recipients were: The Prince William Area Free Clinic, represented by Jim Bailor and Michelle Schuller; Project Mend-A-House, represented by Andrea Saccoccia; Prince William Study Circles, represented by Cindy Brookshire, Dexter Fox and Chris Pannell; and BEACON, represented by Deborah Abbott and Marianne Racca.

Members of the Circle save a dollar a day and, after voting, distribute the money to selected organizations who've applyed.

All applicants must prove 501(c)3 status and complete a post-grant evaluation showing measurable outcomes.

In January, members will tour the Prince William Area Free Clinic to see firsthand where some donations are being used.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

This is my second year wishing N&M readers a happy and safe Thanksgiving and recalling the many gifts residents of Prince William County bring to our neighborhoods and communities.  Truly, we have much to be thankful for.  Enjoy the holiday.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Gainesville and Haymarket area every Wednesday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA's activities, please send it to Katherine at .