Neighborhood news: Christmas bazaars can be found throughout area

You don't have to look far to find a Christmas bazaar. There are several bazaars in the community this weekend.

Seton Crafters host a bazaar in the Parish Hall at 12085 Valleywood Drive in Lake Ridge, on Saturday (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Food, quality handmade crafts, toys, clothing, woodwork, stained glass, and a variety of crafts from local and North Carolina vendors will be for sale.

Bethel United Methodist Church invites one and all to its Christmas bazaar on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature vegetable soup, baked goods, funnel cakes, a cake walk and more. There will be vendor items for sale, and all are welcome. This will be at the corner of Minnieville and Smoketown roads.

The following Saturday, Lake Ridge Fellowship House will hold a Christmas bazaar. Continental breakfast, as well as lunch and beverages, will be for sale, as well as homemade pies, cookies, candies, brownies and other goodies.

Save on this year's Turkey Trot by registering now

Early registration for the Turkey Trot 10K Run and 5K Walk is open until Friday for $25. After that, the cost is $30. You can register at www.lakeridgerunners.com, or in person at the LRPRA office at 12350 Oakwood Drive in Lake Ridge.

The event will be on Nov. 15 and prizes are awarded in all age groups. This year's proceeds go to OWL Station 14.

Become a volunteer, and help increase literacy

Becoming a volunteer tutor with Literacy Volunteers of America is a way to change lives for the better. You can contact 703-670-5702 or lvapw@aol.com to find out how you can help.

Upcoming workshops to train tutors will be on Saturday and on Nov. 21.

Old Bridge MOPS will meet next week at UMC

Old Bridge United Methodist Church's MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting for this month is Nov. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. Although it meets at Old Bridge UMC, it accepts all moms regardless of their beliefs. Snacks are served and free childcare is provided.

At MOPS, you'll experience authentic community and mothering support. For information, e-mail obumcmops@verizon.net.

ACTS Operation Turkey in search of volunteers

ACTS Operation Turkey 2009 is a project that is expected to provide holiday meals for over 2,000 families, and many volunteers make it possible. Volunteers help sort food, or distribute bags, or drive to pick up donations.

If you can help, call for the ACTS food pantry coordinator at 703-221-3186, Ext. 240 to offer your assistance. This is the time that volunteers are most needed.

Gayle Urban reports your neighborhood news from the Lake Ridge and Occoquan area every Tuesday. Contact Gayle at lakeridge.news@gmail.com.