Community notes

Manassas Christmas concert

The Manassas Chorale will perform "Sing We Noel" -- its Christmas concert ---- twice on Dec. 5 at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The 90-voice choral group and its smaller ensemble will perform "an inspiring and refreshing mix of old and new Christmas song," according to its press release.

The chorale will perform at Manassas Baptist Church at 8800 Sudley Road.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and free for children younger than 12 with a paying adult. They may be purchased in advance at the Music and Arts Center, 8029 Sudley Road in Westgate Plaza and at the Whimsical Galerie in Old Town Manassas (checks only, please). Tickets are also available at the door the evening of the concert.

December's "Concerts with a Cause" theme will feature the Matthew's Center for Visual Learning. Donations of items for the center will be welcome from concert-goers. Please bring art supplies, wooden puzzles, books and games (ages 5-10), or teacher supplies (wipes, tissues).

In addition to the holiday concerts in Manassas, the Chorale will travel to Williamsburg for the seventh year to sing a Candlelight Concert at historic Bruton Parish Church on Dec. 10.

Concert-goers are reminded of the dinner and a show offer. Visit City Grille, Panino, Carmello's, or the City Square Cafe, tell them you are going to the Chorale concert, and receive a special deal on your food.

Please visit www.manassaschorale.org/home.aspx for more information or call Artistic Director Becky Verner at 703-368-0883.

Christmas cantata

The music ministry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Road in Manassas, presents "Born a Savior, Born a King" by John Purifoy on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. A reception will follow the presentation of scripture readings and music.This performance is free and everyone is invited.

Pet photos

Santa and his elves (and his photographer) will be visiting The Dog Ease Inn on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For $20 you will receive a 5x7 matted photo as well as digital access to your print. Take an unopened bag of dog food and receive $5 off your sitting fee. Kids and family members are welcome in the photo as well. Call 703-494-1564 for more details and to reserve a time to get your picture taken. A portion of the proceeds benefits the PWSPCA. Rain date is Dec. 6, same time. The Dog Ease Inn is located at 13903 Telegraph Road.

Thanksgiving dinner

Grace Lutheran Church, 1601 Prince William Parkway, will hold its sixth annual free Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. This year will be a bilingual, multicultural service of thanksgiving at 10:30 a.m., with the meal to follow from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to join for a wonderful day of food and fellowship.