Neighborhood news: For those with a sweet tooth

IN MANASSAS...

A Great American Bake Sale is today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. there at the Boys and Girls Club, 9501 Dean Park Lane, Manassas. The money raised helps to end childhood hunger. Please come by and purchase some cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, etc. There is also a 50/50 raffle.

"Strength's Great American Bake Sale" is the name of the event. If you are unable to make it, you can also go to www.gabs.strength.org to make a donation. (Go to donate at top right, click on support a Bake Sale, Enter her Bake Sale ID # 45525, then click on Michelle Facemire and Donate!)

Wednesday concert

On Wednesday, during the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., hear the music of Demetrios at the Harris Pavilion. Bring your lunch and set at the tables and chairs that are provided. This is a good way to see some friends and make some new ones.

Upcoming flea market

The Manassas Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary is holding an Indoor Flea Market on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company. They are located at 9322 Centreville Road. Vendors are welcome. Tables are $25. Please contact Betty Kealey at bet tykealey@yahoo.com or 703-335-8167.

Free dance lessons

Free dance lessons from John Hinkle will be at the Harris Pavilion on Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Festival

The 19th Annual Manassas African American Heritage Festival takes place at Grace Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road, on Saturday.

Come and enjoy a day of family fun. There will be over 100 exhibits, vendors and displays. There is no admission fee. For additional information, call 703-369-2475 or go to www.maahf.com.

Saturday night dance

On Saturday, enjoy dancing to the sounds of the "T-Birds." The fun starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. This free and open to adults event is being held at the Harris Pavilion.

Ice cream social

On Sunday, the Harris Pavilion's Ice Cream Social's music will be provided by the "Bull Run Troubadours." The free ice cream and music are from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Manassas Park...

Manassas Park Dog Days of Summer movies will be outdoors and should start at 7:30 p.m. or dusk at Signal Hill Park. The movie is free and open to the public. The movie on Saturday is "Hotel for Dogs."

Birthday

Happy birthday on Friday to Lisa Speed.

Summer camps

Listed below are the various summer camps offered each week. Each camp is Monday to Friday. They are held at Signal Hill Park or Costello Park. You can go on the website (www.cityof manassaspark.us) to register and find out more information.

Preschool Camps: Cost per camp is $50 (Manassas Park residents), $55 (non-residents), 3 to 5 years old, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., all children must be potty trained. Things to bring each day: snack, drink, water bottle, swim suit and towel.

School Age Camps or Sports Camps: Cost per camp is $100 (Manassas Park residents), $105 (non-residents), grades K to 5, children must have completed kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Things to bring each day: bagged lunch, snack, drink, water bottle, swimsuit and towel.

Each week is a different theme. Next week's themes are: Preschool is All Aboard: The Puppet Train, School Age is Froggin' Around, and Sports Camp is Secrets of the Ninja 2, ages from 6 to 13, (Signal Hill Park). This covers Aug. 3 to 7.

Blood drives

Friday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Bethel Lutheran Church, 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Coles District Vol. Fire Station #6, 13712 Dumfries Road, Manassas

To make an appointment, call 800-272-0024.

Virginia Tech orientation

I went to a freshman orientation at Virginia Tech with my niece and sister-in-law. It was great. The campus is so beautiful and big. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was so nice. "Everyone" means the staff at the college and the people there to visit the college. It seems that people have come together and put the event of the past behind them. They said that close to 20,000 students applied to attend Virginia Tech.

Brenda Facemire reports your neighborhood news from Manassas and Manassas Park every Monday in the News & Messenger. 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 at brendafacemire@verizon.net. If you live in a Manassas Park neighborhood, please send your news to bfacemire@verizon.net