Neighborhood News: Laurel Loop Trail needs some TLC from volunteers

Come out to Prince William Forest Park tomorrow evening for the Forest Film Festival featuring "Shrek 2" at the Pine Grove picnic area at 8 p.m.

And celebrate National Trails Day at the park Saturday.

Volunteers are needed to help restore the popular Laurel Loop Trail alongside members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. No prior trail maintenance experience is necessary and training and tools are provided.

Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring water, leather gloves, eye protection, and a bag lunch.

On-site registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Pine Grove picnic area parking lot. The event will end at 2:30 p.m. To pre-register for the event, e-mail your name and phone number to Jenn Kays at Jenn_Kays@nps.gov or call 703-221-7181.

Also Saturday, birders may join the Early Birders Bird Walk, with special guest naturalist Kurt Gaskill. Bring binoculars, good walking shoes, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Meet at the park visitor center at 7:30 a.m. This is an easy half to 1 mile of walking with flat terrain.

After your easy hike, join the Historic Cabin Camp Tour at the Cabin Camp 3 parking lot at 10:30 a.m.

For the kids, the Children's Craft Cabin will take place at Cabin Camp 3 A-Unit at 10 a.m. Do your children know how to play hop-scotch? How about how to make homemade paper dolls? Join park rangers and volunteers at the craft lodge for an hour of nature crafts. Craft supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campers and visitors alike enjoy the various fun, family-friendly programs offered by rangers at the Saturday night Campfire Talks. This week's program will feature National Park Service trivia at 8 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Campground Amphitheater.

On Sunday, Rock'n The Forest will offer a 15-minute journey through 150 million years of forest history! Meet at the petrified wood tree stump in front of the visitor center at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn about the natural history and personal stories in Prince William Forest Park. No walking required.

Relive history during Prince William Resolves Day

Come by the Dumfries Community Center at 17757 Main St. on Saturday at 2 and 3:30 p.m. for Prince William Resolves Day. You may participate in a living history event marking the 235th anniversary of the Prince William Resolves.

Join re-enactors portraying famous Virginians such as George Mason and Henry Lee as they debate the "Prince William Resolves, 1774" -- amongst the first of official acts in northern Virginia against Great Britain.

Let your voice be heard and vote for freedom or will you remain loyal to the king?

This is sponsored by Historic Dumfries. For more information, call 703-221-2218.

Builders' Yard Sale

Project Mend-A-House will hold its Ninth Annual Builders' Yard Sale and it's open to the public. The sale will be held rain or shine Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prince William County Landfill at 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas. Cash and checks will be accepted.

Find great deals on new and gently used windows, doors, cabinets, flooring, trim, lighting fixtures, kitchen and bathroom sinks, furniture, appliances, shutters, pavers, trim, hot water heaters and tubs.

Local builders from the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, other construction businesses and private citizens have donated their excess inventories and they have been deeply discounted.

This is your chance to support Project Mend-A-House to help your neighbors remain safely, comfortably and independently in their own home. For nearly 25 years, Project Mend-A-House, a non-profit organization, has helped thousands of needy residents from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. For more information on Project Mend-A-House, visit the Web site at www.pmahweb.org or call 703-792-7663.

Locust Shade Park offers day camps

This summer parents will find full- and partial-day camps at Locust Shade Park, for campers 3 to 14 years. A new full-day camp beginning June 29 and running through Aug. 7 offers field trips, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor adventure and more. Before- and after-camp service is available to accommodate commuting parents. Call park manager Ron Neuhaus at 703-221-8579 or register online at www.pwcparks.org

Catch some tennis lessons

at Locust Shade Park

Locust Shade Park will offer youth tennis lessons beginning June 22. Lessons are held every Saturday for PeeWee players ages 4 to 6 and every Tuesday and Thursday nights for ages 6 and older. Space is limited. Call park manager Ron Neuhaus at 703-221-8579 or register online at www.pwcparks.org

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.