Neighborhood news: 22nd Annual Biker toy run

East Coast Harley Davidson & Buell is sponsoring their 22nd Annual Toy Run on Dec. 6. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at the store at 17975 Main St., Dumfries. Entry fee is $10 or a new unwrapped toy. The police escorted ride begins at noon, rain or shine. It will end at the Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries. All bikes are welcome.

Fitness challenge

For those of us out there today who are planning on eating our fill of the Thanksgiving meal, here is something that will make it all better. Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center will host its annual Thanksgiving Day group fitness extravaganza, Turkey Stomp -- Gravy Splash, today. The 10-year-old Prince William County fitness tradition is back by popular demand after a year's absence.

Turkey Stomp will feature a whirlwind of Chinn's group fitness offerings including, an hour and a half mashup of strength-training, step, Zumba, kickboxing and yoga classes. Each mini class will last about 15 minutes. In the pool, an aerobics class will blend high and low impact techniques with a variety of water accessories, such as noodles and paddles.

The Turkey Stomp runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and costs $15 in advance and $18 at the door.

Then after you have eatin' way more than you should have, Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center is kicking off the holiday season with its new 25 Days of Chinn program. The fitness challenge is offering prizes and a chance for non-members to sample the center's fitness classes for free.

To join the challenge, pick up a free game sheet at the Chinn center starting Nov. 30. On the sheet is a grid of 30 squares. In the squares are tasks that range from taking fitness classes to trying new exercise machines to participating in holiday events. Check off 25 of the 30 squares by Dec. 31 and win a fitness-themed prize. The challenge is open to members and non-members alike. Bring the game sheet to a fitness class listed as "free," and non-members can enjoy a complimentary workout. For more information, please contact Chinn Fitness Coordinator Leslie Stone at 703-730-1060 or lstone@pwcparks.org.

Chamber news

Chamber members, don't forget that the Chamber is gathering donations for the annual "Presents for Prince William" drive. Once again, the organization of area businesses and not-for-profits is helping to collect presents for "Un-Trim-A-Tree," a partnership of local community groups that provide gifts to children in need. Unwrapped presents for children through age 15 are being accepted at all Chamber events and meetings through Dec. 16.

Donated items should be valued at $10 to $20, so that all children receive gifts of approximately equal value. Foley suggests movie, pizza or ice-cream shop gift cards as good gifts for teens, adding that this age group often receives fewer gifts than the younger children.

Visit www.Region alChamber.org or call 703-590-5000, Ext. 106, for more information.

Mark your calendars

Check back next week for news of the wonderful upcoming holiday events (hint: the holiday parade is coming) Dumfries. If you are a member of an organization having a special program, make sure you get your news to me by Sunday so it can be in next week's column.

Holiday greetings

I just want to wish all my friends, family and loyal readers a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

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.