Neighborhood news: Church has free Thanksgiving dinner planned

A free dinner will take place at Old Bridge United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Thanksgiving day. The dinner is open to the community. Refreshments will start at 12:30 p.m., for those arriving early.

Please call in advance, 703-730-3895, or Charles and Lee Pearre at 703-590-7571 to let us know that you plan to attend, so that we know how many people to expect for dinner.

This is the 15th year of hosting the dinner, and it is a gift to the community so that none will have to be hungry or alone on this special day.

Lake Ridge viola players to be in regional orchestra

Lake Ridge Middle School's orchestra students chosen to perform in Junior Regional Orchestra are viola players Katie Petway and Lawson Long.

Santa sails into Occoquan this Saturday

It promises to be an exciting time in downtown Occoquan on Saturday. Santa will arrive by boat—an Occoquan tradition—at noon. Bring the family and have your cameras ready so you can welcome Santa.

There will be time to visit Santa at Occoquan Town Hall, where he will spend time with the little ones.

Holiday show of artwork at Tall Oaks on Saturday

The public is invited to the Annual Holiday Show of artwork by local artists on Saturday. Stop by Tall Oaks Community Center in Lake Ridge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Be thankful for the holiday

I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving, and have many blessings to count. I'm looking forward to some family time, and maybe an extra piece of pumpkin pie!

Gayle Urban reports your neighborhood news from the Lake Ridge and Occoquan area every Tuesday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Gayle at .