Neighborhood news: Fishing event for youth set at refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be hosting its ninth annual fishing event for youth at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Refuge staff and volunteers will help kids age 5 to12 learn to fish at a refuge pond. Hotdogs, drinks and snacks will be provided for the kids. Drawings will be held for fishing gear. To register, call refuge head-quarters at 703-490-4979 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. The event is free and the refuge entrance fee will be waived for the day.

The event is to provide an opportunity for kids from the community to visit their local national wildlife refuge and participate in an outdoor activity. The event will take place at a 2½ acre pond on the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located at 14050 Dawson Beach Road in Woodbridge.

Kids at least 5 years of age but not older than 12 can bring their own gear or use loaner rods and reels provided at the event. No live bait will be allowed other than that provided free on site.

All fish caught during the event will be released back into the pond. Lead shot and sinkers will not be permitted. The event will go on rain or shine. Check-in will start at 9 a.m. and the event will end at 2 p.m. All visitors and participants are reminded that pets are prohibited on the refuge.

Summer Orchestra Camp

Summer Strings Camp is an opportunity for rising fifth to 12th graders retain the musical playing skills learned during the school year or a chance for beginners to learn how to play a stringed orchestra instru-ment. The two-week camp offers group instruction tailored to ability, a beginning student class, and it culminates in a concert on the last day of camp. Private instruction will also be offered. For more informa-tion contact Karen von Bernewitz by email at vonberka@pwcs.edu or call 703-494-5154.

Registration deadline is June 30. Camp dates are July 26-August 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Gar-Field High School. Tuition is $180.

Conversations on Aging!

The Area Agency on Aging will present "Conversations on Aging" for older adults, family members, caregivers, or those who are just interested in aging services and programs. Listen, discuss and share your thoughts on elder rights and justice, healthy aging, caregiver programs, and the aging network services supporting diverse needs.

The program will be held May 20 at 10 a.m. at Woodbridge Senior Center, 13850 Church Hill Drive. Other opportunities to participate are May 18 at 7 p.m. at Manassas City Hall, and May 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Ma-nassas Senior Center. For more information, call 703-792-6400.

My Fair Lady

The Castaway Repertory Theatre presents Lerner & Lowe's "My Fair Lady" directed by Zina Bleck at the Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive. The opening performance was last night but you still have a number of chances to catch the show -- May 8, May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. and a matinee on May 15 at 1 p.m. General admission is $14, discounts for seniors, students, military and PWC employees is $11. All matinee seats are $10.

Washington Metro Investment Club

The Washington Metro Investment Club is having an open house on May 15 at 4 p.m. at the McCourt Building. WMIC meets once a month to discuss investments in the stock market. The small group is com-prised of novice investors interested in learning about current trends in investing. Club members hope to reap a steady and respectable return while learning more about financial planning for the future. Please contact Ken Wright, 703-801-1465, or email Lavoy12@yahoo.com.

Beta Tau

The members of Beta Tau, Woodbridge Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, a women's service organization supporting local, state and national charities, will hold the monthly business meeting and luncheon on May 10, at noon at 3004 Aquia Drive, Stafford.

New officers for the 2010-2011 chapter year have been installed: Kathy Gibbons, president; Pat Holtsclaw, vice president; Doris Hood, Secretary; Jane Shamblin, Treasurer; Diane Mockabee, educational director; and Sandy Reed, parliamentarian. Jane Shamblin has also been recognized as outstanding woman of the year for her achievements. ESA is open to members 18 and older. For more information, contact member-ship director Jane Shamblin at 540-899-9876 for more information.

Woodbridge Music Club

The Woodbridge Music Club presents the Attacca String Quartet, Amy Schroeder & Keiko Tokunaga, violins, Luke Fleming, viola, and Andrew Yee, cello, on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Drive, Manassas. The group has been acclaimed by the New York Times, Minne-sota Public Radio, Musical America and the Buffalo News.

The Woodbridge Music Club (www.WoodbridgeMusicClub.org) is an affiliate of the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs and the National Federation of Music Clubs. The club serves the citizens of Prince William County by sponsoring performances, student recitals, and student music competitions. Funding is provided in part by a grant from the Prince William County Park Authority.

Spring Vendor Fair

The Manassas Lioness Lions are presenting a Spring Vendor Fair at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Ma-nassas on May 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be about 50 home-based businesses, crafts, food and others with just the items you have been looking for. A local band, "Public Saxophone," will be playing all afternoon as well. Come on out for a great time and help the community. All vendor participa-tion fees are used for sight/hearing projects, SERVE's food bank, youth/senior projects, and many other community needs. Contact Pat @ 703-335-2607 for info.

Autism Parent Support Group

Parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with Autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger's Syndrome and Rett's Syndrome are invited to share their experiences with others and locate valuable information and resources. The May meeting will be held on May 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mullen Elementary School Library, 8000 Rodes Drive, Manassas. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Sign or foreign language interpreter services are available if requested by May 12. Childcare will not be available. To register or for further information, contact the Parent Resource Center, 703-791-8846 (voice) or email bamaher@pwcs.edu orjohnsope@pwc.edu.

Bunny Mahar reports your neighborhood news from the Woodbridge area every Saturday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Bunny at woodpotnews@aol.com.