Neighborhood news: Dig into Master Gardener program

Many of you have been asking me about when the next Master Gardener series. There will be an Introduction to the Master Gardener Program, where you can find out about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Prince William County. This popular program is rewarding, but involves a commitment. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer program, plan to attend one of the two information sessions. They will be Aug. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the McCoy room at Sudley North Government building, 7987 Ashton Ave., Manassas; and Aug. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. in room 107 at the Development Services Building, 5 County Com-plex, Woodbridge. There is no cost for this first session but registration is necessary, so call 703-792-7747 to regis-ter.

On Sept. 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the extension will have its wonderful Saturday in the Garden series featuring "Dividing Perennials." Come join Master Gardener volunteers and discover techniques on dividing perennials and vegetable gardening including cover crops. The Prince William County Gypsy Moth and Mosquito Control will also discuss mosquito control, fall cankerworms and gypsy moths.

While you are there enjoying this class, the kids can join the children's program "Pet, Pinch & Sniff." Registration for both of these programs is requested so please call 703-792-7747.

Project Mend-A-House hosts first golf tourney

All you duffers out there, Project Mend-A-House is hosting its First Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 18 at Bristow Manor Golf Club. The ''s Choice Four-Person Scramble tournament begins at 8 a.m with a shot gun start. The entry fee per golfer is $100 and can be mailed to the Project Mend-A-House office at 7987 Ashton Ave., Suite 231, Manassas, VA 20109.

A buffet lunch will follow the tournament in the clubhouse. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 per hole. For more information, please call Kevin English, tournament chair, at 703-499-2247 or e-mail vareal-est@aol.com.

Project Mend-A-House, a volunteer-based home repair and home modification program for seniors, disabled and low-income residents, has been keeping clients safe and independent for nearly 25 years. This year, volunteers assisted 130 homeowners with more than 210 home projects. All tournament proceeds will directly benefit Project Mend-A-House's clients. So come out have some fun and support this very worthwhile organization.

Enter the chocolate challenge

On Aug. 16 bakers -- young and seasoned -- can enter their favorite chocolate creations in the Fifth Annual Choco-late Challenge sponsored by BR Associates (formerly Hershey's Cocoa Classic) at the Prince William County Fair.

Contest entrants can bring their baked item and enter through fair gate No. 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to the Block Home Arts and Craft Building. The judging begins at 3 p.m., and awards will be given at 4pm. Specific information is available on the Web site at www.pwarc.org.

First place or not, bakers can take pride in their entry because samples of the chocolate confections will be sold beginning about 4:30 p.m. Fair participants can select their personal favorites, or check out the judges' selec-tions. Samplers are sure to enjoy the treats and donations from the bake sale, which will benefit the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross to support local disaster relief.

Cathy Cowger reports your neighborhood news from the Dumfries area every Thursday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Cathy at pn@CathyCowger.com.