Neighborhood news: Haymarket man, wife to be ordained

Joshua Semovoski of Haymarket will be ordained in Manassas on Oct. 11 at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A 2000 Stonewall Jackson High School alum, Semovoski graduated from Marshall University in 2005 and Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg in 2009.

He has been called to serve at Trinity Lutheran Church in Taneytown, Md., along with his wife, Rachel, who will be ordained Oct. 17 at her home congregation in New Jersey. Both will make their home in Taneytown.

Semovoski said of his upcoming ordination, "Well, after four years of seminary, if feels great to finally move on to the next step. I am very excited as my ordination gets closer, and I am also excited for my wife."

Congratulations to both Joshua and Rachel.

BRMC's Halloween Safari coming

The Bull Run Mountains Conservancy wants to take you on a nighttime hike through the Bull Run Mountains. Go on a Halloween Safari with a guide who will lead you along the trail where you will meet native "wildlife" performing amazing natural history skits.

Face painting, Halloween snacks, hot cider, a bonfire and live music will add to the fun. There is a new cast of animals each year, so if you have attended in the past, don't skip this year.

Dates for the event are Oct. 17, 23 and 24, all from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Pre-registration is required for the 7 to 8 p.m. tour slots.

For reservations, or to volunteer or sponsor, contact BRMC at 703-753-2631 or info@brmconservancy.org. For more information, see www.brmconservancy.org.

Suit drive in October to assist domestic violence survivors

To kick off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, the Allstate Foundation asks Virginia residents to "Tell a Gal P.A.L." and talk openly about domestic violence and how economic empower-ment can provide a path to a safe future.

P.A.L stands for:

* Pass it on: Talk freely about domestic violence to break the taboo. Tell others that economic abuse is a part of domestic violence.

* Act: Take steps to protect your personal and financial safety, whether you're in an abusive relationship or not. Never underestimate how small acts can make a big difference.

* Learn: Empower yourself with the knowledge and resources available to help yourself or someone you know out of an abusive situation.

Through Oct. 9, Virginia residents are also encouraged to donate women's suits or professional attire at select Allstate agencies as part of the Tell a Gal P.A.L. national donation drive. The donated suits will be given to shelters to help outfit domestic violence survivors as they enter or re-enter the workforce and get back on their feet finan-cially.

Nearly new suits and professional attire that are cleaned and interview-appropriate will be accepted. Donors will receive a tax deductible gift receipt.

Drop off suits locally to Linda H. Marlow, agency owner, Linda H. Marlow Insurance Agency, 6601 Jefferson St., Haymarket. Call her at 571-261-2428.

Visit and direct others to www.ClickToEmpower.org for more information.

The Allstate Foundation created the Economics Against Abuse Program to help domestic violence survivors over-come economic challenges and lead financially independent lives, free from abuse.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Gainesville and Haymarket area every Wednesday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA's activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt@comcast.net.