Neighborhood news: 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk

IN MANASSAS ...

The Virginia Generals 10U Travel Baseball Team will host a 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk at Virginia Gateway in Gainesville on Dec. 5. All participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the Northern Virginia Family Service holiday toy drive.  Additionally, they have committed to donate 10 percent of the proceeds to Children's National Hospital in Washington. Please join in support of these great causes. The 1 Mile Fun Run is free and starts at 8 a.m. The 5K start is at 8:30 a.m., and the $25 fee includes a T-shirt and jingle bells. For more information, please contact Liz Witt-Lee at or register at http://www.sign meup.com/66559.

Local students to dance in Thanksgiving Day Parade

Four local high school students will travel to New York City to dance in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The girls, members of the Spotlight Dance program at Ben Lomond Community Center, will join a team of teens from across the country.

The four girls are Katelyn McGlothlin and Heather Teschke, who attend Battlefield High School, and Karen Bagnell and Megan Hendrix, who attend Brentsville High School.

The local dancers will be featured on Channel 4 performing in front of Macy's Department Store at Herald Square. They will perform about halfway through the parade, but no exact time is available.

Ben Lomond's Spotlight Dance program serves ages 2 through adult with tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and pointe classes. Contact the Ben Lomond center at 703-361-7126 or http://www.pwcparks.org/BLCC for more information about the dance program.

Golden ticket

There's still a chance that you could find the golden ticket in Old Town. Merry Old Town Chocolate Bars are still being sold at participating merchants in Old Town Manassas, and one of these milk chocolate bars contains the golden ticket. The lucky person who finds the golden ticket will win the opportunity to be Santa's guest on his float in the 64th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Dec. 5. A parent or guardian will be able to accompany the winner if necessary.

The Old Town Chocolate Bar can be purchased for $2.50 at Allyssa Bryn, Ashby Jewelers, Curves Hair Studio, Echoes at the Manassas Museum, Fulton Bank, Manassas Clay, Opera House Gourmet, The Things I Love, The Old Town Visitors Center and Whimsical Galerie.

IN MANASSAS PARK ...

Thanksgiving dinner

K2 Restaurant and Lounge (formally known as Kilroys ll) in Woodbridge is having a free Thanksgiving dinner for families in need. This includes the homeless, those in need, seniors, etc. in the Prince William County area. K2 is located at 14633 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge. This event is from 1 to 4 p.m.

Turkey stom

Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center will host its annual Thanksgiving Day group fitness extravaganza, Turkey Stomp—Gravy Splash on Thursday. The 10-year-old Prince William County fitness traditions are back by popular demand after a year absence.

Turkey Stomp will feature a whirlwind of Chinn's group fitness offerings in the gym and in the pool. The Turkey Stomp runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and costs $15 in advance and $18 at the door. The first 50 participants will receive T-shirts.

For more information, please contact Chinn Fitness Coordinator Leslie Stone at 703-730-1060 or see http://www.pwcparks.com.

Spaghetti dinner

Buy tickets now for the Parkside Middle School PTO's fundraising spaghetti dinner on Dec. 3. The dinner will be at Parkside Middle School, 8602 Mathis Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for elementary aged children. The reservation deadline is Wednesday. Tickets at the door will be $9 for adults and $6 for elementary aged children.  Children age 4 and younger get in free. Volunteers are still needed.

To purchase tickets or to volunteer, contact Parkside PTO at 703-361-3106 or visit http://www.Park sidePTO.com.

Madrigal feaste

Osbourn Park High School will present a Madrigal Feaste on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 6:30 pm. at the Bethel Lutheran Church at 8712 Plantation Lane in Manassas.

There will be a four-course renaissance banquet featuring an evening of fine dining, music, costumes and theatrics. Tickets are $28 for the full banquet performances on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. On Dec.10 the performances will include dessert only and tickets are $12. Order tickets by sending your name, address, phone number, performance date and a check made out to OPHS Choral Boosters to Betsy Hermann, OPHS, 8909 Euclid Ave., Manassas, VA 20111. Contact her at 703-365-6500, or visit http://www.OPHSChoral Boosters.com for more information.

Brenda Facemire reports your neighborhood news from Manassas and Manassas Park every Monday in the News & Messenger. 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 at brendafacemire@veri zon.net. If you live in a Manassas Park neighborhood, please send your news to bfacemire@veri zon.net.