It's My Town: Credit union, Synergy One stand out in diabetes fight

Seeking a repeat…

For the past three out of four years, Synergy One Federal Credit Union and Heltzel-Synergy One Mortgage All Stars were the top fundraising team for Prince William County in the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes.

The organization, which has donated more than $100,000 to the ADA since 2001, conducted its kickoff 2009 campaign this week with a goal of raising $9,000.

The campaign will run through Oct. 31 when the ADA conducts its annual benefit walk at the Micron Technology and the Prince William Campus of George Mason University.

“Many events are planned to raise money in an effort to reach our goal,” said chairman Sondra Thomas.

The events include “Dress Down for Diabetes” Casual Days, potluck dinners, and a walk team of 30 who will raise pledge money. A $100 prize will be awarded to the top fundraiser.

The campaign is dedicated to Laurie Graves, a Synergy One employee who has lived with diabetes for most of her life and just returned to work after an an extended hospitalization due to complications of diabetes.

The 2009 team shirt has a special message on the sleeve: “Stepping Out for Laurie Graves! Stay Strong!"

In addition to Thomas, the 2009 Campaign Committee includes Graves, Amarjot Tikka, Michelle Corum, Nancy Munro, and Ruth Smith.

Family history buffs will have an opportunity to learn about methods, strategies and resources for tracing their roots at a free session sponsored by the Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center, which is a special collection on genealogy and local history at the Bull Run Regional Library in Manassas.

The hour-long program, conduced by Beverly Veness of the RELIC staff, is scheduled for July 28 at 7 p.m.

The program, “Genealogy 101,” will highlight the numerous free genealogical resources available at RELIC and will explore basic techniques for tracking ancestors.

To register for the free program, stop by the library at 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas; e-mail Relic2@pwcgov.org; or call 703-792-4540.

Hair Cuttery, the largest family-owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, will conduct its 10th annual Share A Haircut program to provide children in need a fresh haircut to start the new school year.

From Aug. 1 through Aug. 15, every time a child (18 or younger) receives a haircut at any of the nearly 800 Hair Cuttery salons (including those in Prince William County) a free haircut will be provided to a disadvantaged child in the community. Hair Cuttery has donated more than 450,000 haircuts since the program’s inception in 1999.

Manassas will have a new upscale sports bar on Aug. 1. That’s the date, partners Nick Kekeris and George Stewart plan to open Center Street Grill in the former O’Meara’s restaurant in Old Town.
The facility is presently ongoing a remodeling, getting ready for the opening. It will have a bar area, restaurant area and room for special events.

Both of the owners have past restaurant experience.

Vpstart Crow Productions will hold auditions for its first show of the 2009-10 season, “Macbeth.” Director Rob Bataria will hold auditions Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. Callbacks will be Sunday at 11 a.m.

Performers should have a prepared Shakespearean monologue. The production will be set in the modern era but will utilize the original script.

… for more information, go to www.vpstartcrow.com.