Neighborhood news: Arts and crafts return to town

Rain or shine, it's time for the outdoor "Fall Arts and Crafts Show" in the town of Occoquan this weekend.

For more than 20 years, crafters from near and far have brought their wares to Occoquan for what has become an annual tradition. The event will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shuttle buses will be running; the cost is $4 for a round-trip on the bus. Shuttle locations will be at the commuter lots at Tackett's Mill, at Gordon Boulevard and Old Bridge Road, and also the Interstate 95 lot near Gordon Boulevard and Annapolis Way.

Along with the arts and crafts, which will be set up throughout the streets of town, there will also be the indoor shops, music, and a variety of food booths. Come and enjoy the day!

Another annual craft event will be the Fall Bazaar at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Lake Ridge on Nov. 7 and 8. Vendors who wish to participate in this popular bazaar are invited to call Mary Ann Glenn at 703-491-6311 for details. The cost for a table for the two days is $40.

Volunteers are needed for Occoquan cleanup project

Do you have a group that would like to volunteer with the Friends of the Occoquan cleanup project? This will be on Oct. 17. This FOTO project helps preserve natural resources, and the cleanup will be done at several local locations. Volunteers are needed, and information is at www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org.

MOPS group plans craft activity

Old Bridge UMC Moms of Preschoolers will meet Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., and free childcare is provided.

MOPS was designed with you in mind -- the mother of children from infancy to kindergarten, to help make you the best mom possible. At this meeting we'll be learning how to create personalized photo frames to celebrate your family! No need to bring anything except your creativity … and don't worry, if you aren't feeling super creative, we'll have ideas that you can copy.

For more information, e-mail obumcmops@verizon.net.

Learn to square dance at new class this Friday

Come and join the fun, as folks of all ages learn to square dance! The Grand Squares of Prince William are starting a new square dancing class. Free classes begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Woodbridge Senior Center on Church Hill Drive in Woodbridge.

You can call instructor Ron Dean at 703-497-7201 or caller/instructor Walt Peterman at 703-494-2556. From chil-dren to seniors, all ages can come and dance!

Library program to help with students' papers

Are you a high school student who needs to write a research paper or a term paper, and would like some help? There is a free program being held at Chinn Park library, and you'll get lots of good ideas and resources for writing your paper.

The program will be Thursday at 7 p.m.

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