Neighborhood news: Snowstorm changes plans for Christmas

The snow took its toll on lots of plans for the Christmas holiday. Besides getting your shopping done late, many activities were canceled or delayed. I hope everyone was able to dig out in time to share and enjoy the holiday with their families.

Cokesbury UMC children's program and a Christmas cantata on Saturday and Sunday had to be canceled. However, the children will perform and the cantata will take place on Sunday morning at 10:30. There will be refreshments following the service and everyone is welcome. The church is located on Reddy Road, across from the Woodbridge post office.

School's Out special: Movie and Munchies

Enjoy a special "School's Out: Movie and Munchies" program at the Potomac Library on Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. Take your lunch or a snack to the library and eat while watching the holiday movie. This feature film is for all ages. Beverages and a holiday treat will be provided for each movie attendee. The program does not require tickets or registration, but attendance is limited to 100 people. Please contact the library for the movie title. For more information, please visit Potomac Community Library at 2201 Opitz Blvd., call 703-494-8126 (voice); 703-494-8129 (TTY), or visit the Web at www.pwcgov.org/library.

NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra

The NMSO Annual Family Concert, "Magic and Whimsy," that was postponed due to the blizzard will now be held on Jan. 9 at 3 p.m. The performance will be at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas. The program is unchanged.

Young children attending the concert will be invited to sit on blankets in front of the orchestra. Maestro Villani will explain the various pieces to the children during the performance, providing a pleasant intro-duction to orchestral music for the kids. This event will be fun for the whole family.

Pre-purchased tickets will be honored at this or any remaining 2009-10 Season concerts. Contact tick-ets@manassassymphony.org for purchase, refund or other ticket information. This concert is sponsored by the City of Manassas and the Ferde Grofé Foundation. Tickets will be available at the door, $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for all students. Advance tickets are at www.manassassymphony.org, or e-mail tick ets@manassassym phony.org. Call 703-257-6500, Ext. 47737 for more information.

Building with Legos from Sir Brix-a-lot

Enjoy a Lego-filled afternoon at the Potomac Library on Jan. 16. Sir Brix-a-lot will be bringing lots of Legos (and some Duplos for youngest kids) and will offer three 45-minute sessions of building. The three separate sessions will share the fun with as many families as possible. Sessions will begin at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. with 15-minute breaks between each, and timed tickets will be available. Sir Brix-a-lot is an expert at build-ing and creating with Legos and will guide children as they create amazing buildings, cars and other objects out of colorful plastic. You may pick up free tickets for the session of your choice beginning Jan. 2. A ticket will be required for each child participating, with a five-ticket limit. Please be on time for your ses-sion. Limit 50 persons per session. For more information, call 703-494-8126.

Bereaved parents

It is particularly difficult at this time of year for those who have lost a child. Bereaved Parents of the USA Northern Virginia Chapter Support Group will meet at the Hylton Education Center (Garden Level of Sentara Potomac Hospital) on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. This is helpful to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandpar-ents suffering the loss of a child, brother, sister or grandchild at any age and from any cause. For more information, call 703-869-1363.

1st Sunday ballroom dances

Join the fabulous dance sessions on the first Sunday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Center for the Arts in Old Town Manassas. Arrive at 3:30 p.m. for a dance lesson with great dance instructors teaching you specific dances, followed by an open dance session where you can practice what you've just learned or refine steps you may already know. Beginners and advanced dancers are all welcome. Try the gorgeous floors of the Kellar Theater at the Candy Factory. Cost is $15 per person for lesson and dance session, $10 for dance only. Pay at the door. Jan. 3 class will feature lessons on swing.

The basics of gardening

Gardening is probably not on your mind in this cold, snowy atmosphere. But if you are a serious gardener, then you will be interested to know that the Master Gardeners of Prince William with the Virginia Coopera-tive Extension will sponsor a series of classes titled "Basic Gardening, Winter 2010." Students will learn some of the science behind gardening, plant culture and pest and disease solutions. The series will focus on research-based knowledge of plant resistance, problem avoidance and the most effective control strategies.

Classes are scheduled for Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 30 and March 6, then 9 a.m. to noon, Feb. 6 to 27, at the McCoy Conference Room, Sudley North Government Bldg, 7987 Ashton Ave., Manassas. (A snow date is scheduled for March 13.)

A fee of $50 for the series includes all materials and light refreshments for adults and youth older than 16. Couples may register for $80 for one set of materials. Questions may be addressed to the Extension Horti-culture Help Desk at 703-792-7747 or by email at master_gar dener@pwcgov.org. Registration ends Jan. 15.

New Year celebration

The Harvest Life Changers Church will sponsor a concert featuring Kirk Franklin and guest comedian John Gray on Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Hylton Memorial Chapel. Tickets are $44.99 for adults, $29.99 for youth, and free for childrenyounger than 2. For ticket information, call Harvest Life Changers Church at 703-490-4040 or visit www.lyleanddebo rahdukes.com. Tickets may be available at the door on Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Hylton Memorial Chapel is located at 14640 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge.

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 woodpot news@aol.com.