Neighborhood news: Look for the Golden Ticket

In Manassas…
In the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a young boy finds a golden ticket that, at the very least, wins him a chance to tour the most fantastic candy factory imaginable. A tour of what was once Manassas’ candy factory might not be as wondrous to a youngster these days, so Historic Manassas Inc. has come up with a better idea.

Beginning Tuesday, the Merry Old Town Chocolate Bar will go on sale at participating merchants in Old Town Manassas. One of these milk chocolate bars contains the Golden Ticket. The lucky child (or adult) 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.
Gallary walk

Autumn brings not only spectacular colors in the trees this time of year, but in the shops and galleries of Old Town Manassas as well. The 10th Annual Fall Gallery Walk in Old Town Manassas is scheduled for Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Historic Manassas Inc. has once again collaborated with the artists and merchants of Old Town, hosting artist receptions at 15 different locations throughout Old Town.  Balloons mark the shops and galleries on the Walk, and maps are available at each location. You can also download the map from http://www.manassasgallery walk.com

Craft fair
The Manassas Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary is hosting a Crafts and More Fair on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the firehouse at 9322 Centreville Road. Start your holiday shopping early. Call Betty at 703-335-8167 and leave a message or e-mail mvf for more information.
Community covenant

The second annual Armed Forces Community Covenant will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion. The free event will feature entertainment, food, games, military demonstrations, information booths and other activities.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by the state and local community to service people and their families.  To learn more, contact Tanya Kern at 703-878-5684 or .

Birthdays
Happy birthday on Wednesday to Diana Pritts and on Thursday to Rheetha Lawlor and Anne Rhatican, on Friday to Rodney Jordan and on Saturday to Matt Elkins.

Flu shots
The Metz PTA will once again offer flu shots Nov. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. through Flu Busters. Register online at https://secure.flu busters.com/home.aspx through Saturday. The cost is $25. If you miss the registration deadline, walk ins will be welcome that night — the cost is then $27.

In Manassas Park..
College night
Woodbridge, Annandale and Alexandria campuses of Northern Virginia Community College will present College Night, a free event that provides college planning advice on Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The seminar is open to everyone. Attendees can register to win one of the $500 scholarships that will be awarded by a random drawing at each location.

College Night will begin at 6:30 p.m. with free pizza and soda. Presentations include choosing the right college or program, understanding the financial aid process and finding scholarships.

For more, go to http://www.collegenightinva.org or contact Shirley Delgado at 703- 878-5863 or sdel .
First tee

The First Tee program of Prince William County received a $10,000 donation from David Southworth and Joseph Deitch the owners Creighton Farms, a luxury community and golf course in Aldie.

The donation was made on behalf of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who visited the course on Sept. 30 and held a golf workshop for The First Tee participants. Creighton Farms is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

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 .