Neighborhood news: Volunteers help fire victims

On June 26, there was a terrible fire here in our neighborhood at Friendship Apartments, displacing about 45 people. Those folks lost all their belongings and one even lost her dog in the fire. Some of those people were personally known to us, which made it seem even more disastrous.

That evening of the fire, the Red Cross provided immediate provisions, such as emergency housing, food and cloth-ing. Prince William Red Cross disaster service volunteers later helped fire victims purchase beds and other furniture paid for by the United Way of the National Capital Area. All Red Cross disaster assistance is provided free, because of the generosity and support of area citizens, businesses and organizations.

Other members of the community have also assisted in helping victims into new homes, with needed items and generally being a shoulder to lean on. Thanks for all the help that has been provided by the Red Cross, United Way and volunteers in helping bring some semblance of normalcy to these uprooted lives.

Virginia tax holiday

I hope you made out your school supply list.Next weekend, August 7 to 9, school shopping is tax free in Virginia. Purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from the sales tax on the tax-free holiday.

Blood drive

The local area Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on August 10 at the Potomac Community Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd. from 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 10, 2 to 7 p.m. As always in the summer, there is a critical need for blood donors. Please register to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE in advance. Drop-in donors will also be ac-cepted.

Geek wear at Potomac Library

Reduce, reuse, recycle and reclaim computer parts to make original necklaces, bracelets and key chains.

Program is for students entering grades five to seven at Potomac Library on Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. Register in person or by phone beginning Aug. 4; each person participating must be registered. Attendance is limited to 24.

Water day!

Beat the heat on the sunny Potomac Library patio. Wear a bathing suit or clothing you don't mind getting wet, and join in fun and games to cool you off. Participants must wear footwear -- sneakers, sandals or flip flops. Don't forget your towel and sun block. Remember that you will get wet!!

The fun event will be on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. for all ages, but get your tickets early. Pick up free tickets beginning Aug. 8. Each child participating must have a ticket. Limit is 60 children.

The program will take place rain or shine, but in case of extreme weather, such as thunderstorms or high winds, it will take place on Aug. 22.

Broadway play

"Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years," a popular Broadway show, will be presented by the Creative Performing Arts Center (CAPAC) on Aug.7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and matinees on Sat-urdays, Aug. 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. General admission is $12, $8 for seniors and students. Groups of 10 or more should call 703-441-2479. The show will be at Northern Virginia Community College, Woodbridge Campus, Seefeldt Building, Lakeside Theatre. Parking is available in Lot B5. Advance tickets may be purchased from A2G Music Inc. at 703-490-1715.

New student registration about to begin

Families new to Prince William County Public Schools that have not yet registered their children for the 2009-10 school year may contact their local school beginning Aug. 3 to find out scheduled dates and times for registration. Parents may identify their base school by calling the Planning Office at 703-791-7312.

Families with children new to PWCS whose first language is not English can register at Ann Ludwig School, 14575 Potomac Branch Drive, Woodbridge. Phone 703-491-8432 for information on registering at the Ann Ludwig site.

No Lions bingo

Woodbridge Lions Club will not hold bingo in the big tent this summer, which was traditionally held the last week in July and the first week in August at Marumsco Plaza. It was a fun way to spend a warm summer evening, but due to the recent economic downturn, the club feels it is not feasible to hold this fund-raising event this year.

Bunny Mahar reports your neighborhood news from the Woodbridge area every Saturday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Bunny at wood-potnews@aol.com.