Neighborhood News: Flying carpet rides with ‘Aladdin, Jr.’

In Manassas Park ...

The Center for the Arts' Pied Piper Theatre brings "Aladdin, Jr." to the stage this fall. With three wishes at his command, a dashing young Aladdin, played by newcomer Terrell Washington, becomes entwined in a series of magical adventures as he pursues the attentions of the captivating Princess Jasmine, portrayed by PPT veteran Maria Davis. 

"Aladdin, Jr." is directed by Vince Worthington. Nathan St. Pierre is the music director and Gretchen Lamb is the choreographer. "Aladdin, Jr." features 40 of the area's most talented young actors and takes the stage at Osbourn Park High School, 8909 Euclid Ave., on Nov. 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 and 22 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $9 at the door.  Advance tickets can be purchased online at http://www.center-for-the-arts.org.

NBA fit

On Wednesday, Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center will host the NBA Fit Challenge, a basketball-themed fitness competition where top participants win an all-expense paid trip to the the NBA All-Star game in Dallas.

The challenge tests kids' speed, strength and agility as they run, jump and pass their way through a timed fitness course.

The highest-scoring participants from each age category will have the opportunity to advance to the regional competition. Regional winners go on to the national finals at the All-Star game in Dallas in February.

The challenge is open to children ages 5 to 14. It runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and corresponds with the PWC schools district's Veterans Day holiday.  A $5 registration fee includes lunch.

Register by Tuesday at the Chinn Center or by calling 703-730-1051. For more information, please contact Chinn Fitness Coordinator Leslie Stone at 703-730-1060 or .

In Manassas ...

Veterans Day observance

The GFWC Woman's Club of Manassas Inc. will sponsor its annual Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday.  A wreath laying ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the War Memorial on South Main Street.

Hope for Africa's children

The Hope for Africa Children's Choir, comprised of at-risk children from the nation of Uganda, will be performing at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Rd., on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. These 22 children, ages 6 to 12, will be coming from the Orphans and Vulnerable Children's Ministry of the East African Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The community is invited to come and enjoy an energizing performance which will benefit this important ministry.  Admission is free. For further information, call 703-361-7800 or go to http://www.umcgrace.org.

If you live in a Manassas neighborhood and have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Brenda Facemire at brendaface . If you live in a Manassas Park neighborhood, please send your news to .