Neighborhood news: Public hearing on school budget slated

Anyone concerned with theupcoming school budget should plan to attend the Prince William County School Board's public hearing on the superintendent's proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget and Capital Im-provements Program.

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday in the auditorium of Stonewall Jackson High School, 8820 Rixlew Lane, Manassas.

Superintendent of Schools Steven L. Walts will give a presentation on the budget prior to the public hearing.

Citizens who wish to speak may sign-up beginning at 5 p.m. at the entrance to the auditorium. Each speaker will have up to two minutes to make comments.

The hearing was previously scheduled for March 17 during a school board meeting on that date.

School board budget work sessions are scheduled to be held following the board's public meetings on Feb. 17 and March 3. A special work session for final markup on the budget is scheduled for March 10.

The school board is slated to approve the superintendent's proposed FY 2011 budget on March 17 and to present its budget to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in early April.

Gainesville Magisterial District residents may contact School Board Member Don Richardson at 703-753-6551 for more information.

Where can we find wellness? Women's Connection can help

The Bull Run Women's Connection invites you and your friends to learn where wellness is and enjoy a brunch at their program entitled, "Wellness-It's on the Inside."

A representative of Lighthouse Chiropractic will explain how caring for the spine means caring for the whole.

Also, "Jack of All Trades, Master of One," speaker Marvetta Cummings will discuss how to enjoy the fragrances of beauty without being on perfume overload.

The event will take place Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Stonewall Golf Club, 15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gaines-ville.

Cost is $14 and reservations must be cancelled or honored.

Onsite complimentary childcare for children 4 months to 8 years of age is provided upon request.

For reservations, call Linda Smith at 703-216-2469, or e-mail bullrunwomenconnect@verizon.net.

This event is sponsored by Christian Women's Club of Stonecroft Ministries.

Buckland Mills conducting Operation Hearts for Haiti

Buckland Elementary students, staff and faculty are busy helping earthquake victims in Haiti through their Hearts for Haiti program.

Spearheaded by Buckland Elementary's fourth-graders, the effort is a whole-school operation running through Feb. 12.

Students are invited to bring in monetary contributions to be collected and given to the Red Cross as a lump sum donation.

Classrooms will receive a heart to place outside their doors for every dollar collected during the "operation."

The school asks for support in responding as a community to help those affected by the tragedy.

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.