Neighborhood news: Eat, play, read to support the library

On Saturday, March 6, don't miss the fundraiser for the Gainesville Neighborhood Library, an event guaranteed to provide something for anyone who loves media, games and great food.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Battlefield High School, Gravely Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization and other community groups will host the fundraiser. Included are a silent auction, a used media sale, a chili cook-off, selections from restaurant cuisine, a moon bounce, story time with local principals and more.

Peruse traditional and audio books, CDs, DVDs and electronic games while enjoying food from Pizzarama, Colonial Kettle Corn, Tuscarora Mill, Magnolias, Buffalo Wild Wings, A La Carte Catering, Uno's Chicago Grill and Hard Times Cafe, among others. Take part in a chili cook-off by sampling some of the best chili in the county.

Drop off donations at Battlefield High School.

E-mail librarysale@koshkas.com for more drop-off locations or to volunteer, visit the Gainesville Library's Facebook page.

The snow date for the fundraiser is March 13. Battlefield High School is located at 15000 Graduation Drive in Haymarket.

Volunteer with Bull Run Mountains Conservancy

Become a "Weekend Warrior" when Bull Run Mountains Conservancy holds an orientation for new participants in its Weekend Warriors Volunteer Program on Feb. 27 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Volunteers will assist visiting hikers, establish a volunteer presence on the mountain and report problems on the trails, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the conservancy.

If you're interested in this weekend's training, or if you're unable to attend on Feb. 27 but still want to volunteer, e-mail info@brmconservancy. org or call 703-753-2631.

BRMC is located at 17405 Beverly Mill Drive in Broad Run.

Help SERVE win $50,000 grant

More than 12,300 people are living at or below the poverty level in Prince William County.

Within a year, SERVE Inc., which provides emergency services to the disadvantaged, has seen a 60 percent increase in food assistance demand.

Thousands of pounds of perishable food are stored in walk-in freezers and coolers that need to be replaced -- one set is 50 years old and another is broken.

Through its "Pepsi Refresh Project," Pepsi is offering a $50,000 grant to the organization with a project voted "most popular." With the grant money, SERVE would purchase a new refrigerator/freezer unit and a new condenser for the broken unit.

The contest ends Feb. 28. Cast a vote by visiting the SERVE Web site at www.serveinc.org.

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.