Neighborhood news: Learn more about wild mammals at Alliance discussion

A deer in the garden, a mouse in the pantry or a raccoon rummaging through our garbage doesn't exactly elicit delight. Still, our wild mammals are important, interesting and sometimes fun.

Learn more about the friends we share our world with at "First Thursday Nature Tales," brought to you by the Prince William County Conservation Alliance. Dr. Larry Underwood, board member of the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges, retired biology professor from Northern Virginia Community College and Friends of the Potomac River Refuges board member, will share information about the fascinating wild mammals of our region.

The event will be held Thursday, April 2, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church, 9350 Main St., Manassas.

For more information, contact alliance@pwconserve.org or call 703-499-4954. This program is free and open to the public.

Benedictine Sisters to hold Circle of Love Brunch

On April 18, the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, through the generosity of the George Brent Council of the Knights of Columbus, will host the "2009 Circle of Love Brunch." The brunch will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9290 Stonewall Road, Manassas.

The Circle of Love Brunch will benefit the community service ministries of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia and provide an opportunity for the Sisters to thank their ever-widening circle of friends and supporters. The brunch will include a performance by the Woodbridge Flute Choir.

Volunteers' tickets are on sale at $20 for adults, $5 for children. Call 703-361-0106 for more information.

The Benedictine Sisters serve the community through their various programs, including Transitional Housing BARN, BEACON Literacy, Benedictine Counseling Services, Benedictine Pastoral Center, Linton Hall School and St. Gertrude High School.

Nokesville library offers story fun for little ones

Pre-schoolers ages 3 to 5 will appreciate Miss Glenna's Storytime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Nokesville Neighborhood Library, 12993 Fitzwater Drive. Let your little ones be entertained as they learn to listen, never suspecting they are being enriched and educated at the same time!

The next March readings will be held March 19, when Miss Glenna will present "Monkey Tales," and March 26, when she will amuse with "Elephant Tales."

These are free, drop-in activities open to the public. For more information, call 703-792-5665.

Woof! Lab meet-up planned

Give your dog some playtime! March 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. the NOVA Labrador Retriever Meet-up will host a doggie play-date at the Leesburg Canine Country Club, an off-leash social club for dog lovers and their best friends. Children 8 years and above are welcome to attend.

Anyone who owns a Lab, loves Labs or is just curious about the breed is invited to join through www.meetup.com/NOVA-Labrador-Retriever-Meetup.

Once you join online, please review play-date rules and visit www.leesburgcaninecountryclub.com for details.

One dog costs $8, the second dog $4. Contact Nokesville resident Heather Lay at hllay@hjlay.net for more information.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt@comcast.net.