Neighborhood news: Learn Colonial cookery

Would you like to learn more about the history of cooking in America? The Visitor Center at Leesylvania State Park will give you a chance to taste the flavors of the 18th century today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be talking about how women used to prepare meals and looking at the sorts of tools they used. Authentic Colonial-era foods will be available to sample and purchase. There is no fee and children are welcome. For more info, please call 703-583-6904.

An 1860s afternoon tea

On Sept. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., you may enjoy a proper Civil War era tea time. The Visitor Center at Leesylvania State Park will be serving hot tea and light refreshments as they explore the finer side of 1860s society. Learn the correct way to hold a tea cup, carry a conversation and serve your guests. After tea, there will be practice speaking the "language of the fan" and you can keep the fan. RSVP to 703-583-6904 or e-mail leesylva-nia@dcr.vir ginia.gov by Sep. 19. Cost is $6 per person.

English discussion group

Potomac Community Library has an English discussion group that meets in the Community Room. This is not a class but an opportunity to practice English in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Join others from all over the world as you sharpen your English skills on Sept. 17 and 24 at 12:30 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome.

Beta Tau

The Woodbridge Chapter of ESA International, a Women's Service Organization providing support for local, state and national charities, will hold its monthly business meeting and luncheon on Monday at noon. For details and more information, contact Membership Director Jane Shamblin at 540-899-9876.

Arthritis walk

Join the residents and friends of Potomac Place for the Arthritis Walk at Forest Park High School on Sept. 26. There is no charge, but the goal is to raise money for donation. To register you can visit www.arthritiswalkpw. kintera.org or call 804-359-1700, Ext 310. Registration opens at 8 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m., and at 10 a.m. there will be mu-sic, a silent auction, a raffle, kids' games and activities. Visit arthritis walkprizes.org to browse some of the prizes for walking.

Third Thursday Thrillers Mystery Dinner

The Third Thursday Thrillers group at Potomac Library will host a Mystery Dinner on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. for a meal with mystery. Participants are asked to read one of the many mysteries that contain recipes and then prepare the actual recipe from the book. Take the title of the book and the dish to share with the group. During the Mystery Dinner, members will discuss mysteries they have read, as well as share the culinary delights that have been pre-pared and the recipes used to make these dishes. New members of the group are always welcome, and the librarians are happy to suggest mysteries with recipes for those interested. Registration is not required for this program, and drop-ins are welcome.

Potomac Community Library is located at 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge or you can call the library at 703-494-8126 (voice); 703-494-8129 (TTY).

Prince William Model Railroad Club

The Prince William Model Railroad Club will hold its 2009 Modular Layout Show today from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Central Community Library. Tracks will be set up in the Community Room and model trains will run throughout the weekend on layouts featuring modeled areas of Prince William County and other points of interest. Club members will be available to answer questions and provide information about model railroading. Central Library is located at 8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas.

Bunny Mahar reports your neighborhood news from the Woodbridge area every Saturday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Bunny at wood-potnews@aol.com.