Neighborhood news: Run for autism awareness, school's WeatherBug program

Gainesville, Va. -- Help raise awareness about autism. Autism is a bio-neurological, developmental disability. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S., the occurrence has climbed to one in 150 people across the country.

Autism impacts normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure activities.

Gainesvilles Middle School's WeatherBug program is a high-tech weather station installed on school rooftops. The station feeds readings to ABC Channel 7, which occasionally uses the information during broadcasts. When funding and installation are complete, GVMS will have access to the online WeatherBug center, which connects to all other participating schools' weather information in real time. The program includes 3D mapping applications, online lesson plans, interactive sites for geography, science and math, weather alerts for the local area and more.

The run will be March 20 at the school, 8001 Limestone Drive, Gainesville. The 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m., the 5K Race at 8:30 a.m.

Top runners in the 5K will be awarded. All participants in the Fun Run will receive a medal.

Pre-race registration packets will be available March 19 between 4 and 7 p.m. at the school. Race day registrations will be available from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at GVMS. Also, register online at www.signme up.com/67972.

Entry fees are $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run, $20 for the 5K Race or $25 for both races.

For more information, contact Josh Hodge at jjhodge@nps.edu or LeAnne Daniel at

lmdaniel2@comcast.net

The run is a benefit for autism awereness and GVMS's WeatherBug program.

The premier sponsor for this event is Dr. Khouri of Khouri Orthodontics.

Have you seen the Donut Man?

Have you seen the Donut Man? Not the Muffin Man -- the Donut Man?

If not, you will be able to on March 20, when Holy Trinity Catholic Church and All Saints Catholic Church co-sponsor a concert by the popular entertainer who captures the attention of children and adults with a blend of Bible songs, stories and audience participation.

Rob Evans, The Donut Man, presents the Gospel in a way that introduces young children and their families to basic elements of the Christian faith.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the gym of All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas.

A free-will offering will be taken at the door. The suggested donation is $5 per person, a maximum $25 per family.

Find out more about the Donut Man at www.donutman.com.

For information on the concert, call Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 571-222-7106.

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.