Featured Organization Friday: Amazima Ministries

In a conscious effort to use my "blogging powers" for good, I'm going to be featuring a new charity or non profit organization each Friday.  If you're interested, please email me, and we'll get you on the schedule.  This isn't a way to separate you from your money, or to make you feel guilty or obligated, it's simply another way for me to disseminate information about great organizations.

I have a problem.  You may have it, too, if you've lived in this area as long as I have.  Being a Northern-Virginia native, I have the best friends in the entire world.

Until they leave me 2 years later.

You military people.  You make me crazy!! The good news is, however, that the internet lets us keep in touch, and I have a free place to stay in 3/4 of the United States and a solid 1/3 of the world.  Probably closer to 2/3 if you eliminate the hostile nations.

This is my amazing (Marine Corps) friend Lindsay:

  (She's the cute one.  She lets me stand next to her sometimes.)

During the last year, I've gotten to experience Lindsay's adoption experience as she shared with me the joys and frustrations of adopting her new son, Philip from Ethiopia.  He joins Lindsay's two step children and her son Noah.  He is, by far, the cutest child I've ever seen in my life.  Ever.

Partially because her son is so incredibly adorable, partially because it's not fair that every kid in the world doesn't have someone to love them the way most of our kids are loved, and partially because she is CRAZY, Lindsay has joined with a fantastic group of women to help orphans overseas.

Check this group out- they look like a good time!

Now, a group of women helping kids is nothing crazy.  This particular group, however, and I mean this in the nicest way humanly possible, is taking on the crazy task of helping by running 200 Miles.  

Yeah, I said 200.

Lindsay and five friends are running the Palmetto200 relay race (covering over 200 miles) on April 13-14. Each runner will cover about 33 miles of the race from Cayce, SC (near Columbia) to James Island (just outside of historic Charleston). As part of the race, they are raising money for Amazima Ministries – a wonderful organization that works with orphaned children and the most vulnerable in Uganda by providing education, food, vocational outreach, discipleship and medical care. 

The ladies' goal is to raise $2000 for their work, and they are seeking “sponsors” to help reach this goal.  

Says Lindsay: "You can sponsor us by the mile, by the number of runners, or by any other amount you feel called to contribute. No amount is too small, and each dollar will go directly toward making a huge impact in the lives of the neediest in Uganda. If you are able to sponsor our team in any way, please send your check or money order directly to me so that I can collect all the money and send it in together. My address is: 254 Mimosa Drive, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460. Checks should be made out to Amazima Ministries International. All donations are tax-deductible, so write your email address on the check so that Amazima can email you a receipt."

In addition to knowing one of the women in this group, I was particularly excited to start with this cause, because there is really nothing more inspiring to me than a group of moms working towards a goal.  Except maybe a group of moms working toward a goal that involves them running 33 miles.  If Amazima Ministries speaks to your interests, or if you'd like to support an awesome group of women, please consider supporting this effort.

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Next Week: Eme's Army

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Disclaimer: PwcMoms.com is not affiliated with any charitable organization and makes no claims about this particular organization.  Before donating to any group or organization, due diligence should be performed regarding the mission, message, and financial stability of the group.  This is not an endorsement of the organization mentioned, or any other organization and is strictly for informational purposes.  PwcMoms does not receive financial backing, or have the endorsement of the organization mentioned in this article.  Individuals are responsible for their own decisions made based on this information. 

Kid Review: Big Miracle

Since my 8 year old, Riley, crushed his thumb and can't write his afternoon journal, he's opting to offer "something for mommy's website" that I'm taking dictation for.  Daddy took them to see Big Miracle while I had a girls night last week, so that's the topic of choice.  Hope you enjoy :)

photo credit: everybodyloveswhales.com (official movie site)

Big Miracle is about 3 whales who are trapped in Alaska in the ice.  They started to leave to migrate late, so they get trapped in the ice.  A bunch of people are trying to keep the ice open.  It all starts with a camera man who went to Alaska to tell People in America Who Aren't In Alaska about a Mexican Restaurant in Alaska (from PwcMom- we haven't covered redundancy yet).  Then, the camera man has a little friend who is a kid.  The kid likes the camera man.  So, the camera man said he'd do a video of the kid's big brother doing some cool tricks and in the background, there are the whales.  The whales are Fred, Wilma and Bam-Bam.  Their names are from the Flintstones.

So, then the movie is all about people trying to save the whales.  Their only hope is an icebreaker that's on the other side of Alaska, and they want to use a helicopter to get it to the right side.  The ice breaker works by using air to exert force on the ice to break it up.  (From PwcMom- yes, my kids actually say things like "exert force")

There is a scary part when Russia comes and they try to break a big piece of ice.  It's really loud.  Also, the baby whale dies and that's really sad.  There are a couple of bad words, but they're words I knew from school. (From PwcMom- ha!)  I still really loved this movie.  I think people would like this movie.  A lot of people really care about the environment, so they would like this movie, also people who helped clean up animals that were hurt in the oil spill, they would probably like this movie also, because they like to save animals.  I think that's it.

(The 5 year old would like to add: It's a little scary when the ice breaker is pushing the block of ice, and it scared the whales so they went backwards and they couldn't get a breath.  Whales are mammals so they can't not get a breath.  That's scary.  I didn't like it that the baby whale died, but sometimes that happens, you know?  Also, you shouldn't try to run on the ice or get on whales like in the movie, because that's dangerous.  Only moms or dads should probably climb on whales)

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So there you have it, folks.  Riley gives Big Miracle one, rather mummified thumb up.  For reference, Riley and Logan gave Dolphin Tale a two-thumbs rating.

Big Miracle is rated PG, however according to my favorite family friendly movie review site- Plugged In- this fantastic and uplifting story has more than its fair share of curse words, so go with caution (or go with confidence knowing your kid "already knows them from school")

PS- Would your child like to write a review for PwcMoms? I'm more than happy to publish aspiring authors anytime.

Spring Break Camps 2012

School breaks can be stressful! Parents that work need coverage, holidays need preparing for, families come to visit....stress!!


Now, I'm not saying I know from experience (but I'm not saying I don't know either), but having to leave twice a day to pick up your child from a camp (even if it's half day) can provide a much needed break from the house and anyone in it that's not normally there!  Further, I promise that I won't tell anyone in your house who's not normally there that you CAN, in fact, drop your child off at art camp and come back if you'd like to tell them you have to stay.


This is not a place of judgement.


In any event, whether you need extended coverage or are just looking to indulge one of your child's passions, I hope that this list will help! If you know of a camp option that we've missed, shoot me an email or leave a comment and we'll be sure to get it added ASAP! 

America's Best Tae Kwon Do Center

Spring is almost here even though this Winter has felt like Spring! It's almost time for Spring Break Camp. Spring Break Camp runs from April 2nd to the 6th and features many activities and events. This camp is open to everybody, whether you are a student or not. Check out the pdf poster for this camp and mark it down on your Calendar.

http://www.best-tkd.com/pdf/2012-04-Spring-Break-Camp.pdf

ATA Martial Arts- 8088 Sudley Road, Manassas (across from Giant on 234) 
703-361-1759

Spring Break Camp - April 2-6, 7am- 5pm ages 5 and up 
The camp is run by the instructors and assistants. Throughout the day the kids will take part in exercise, Taekwondo, korean language, lifeskills, art projects and much more.  The kids can be dropped off at 7 a.m. and can be picked up by 5 p.m.  The kids pack their lunch daily, except Friday- that's pizza day!  We will provide snacks daily.   Don't let another spring break go by with your child on the couch playing video games!  
The camp is $150.  Early bird registration by March 15th gets you the camp for $125.  




Boys and Girls Club Manassas:
Pajama Party Crazy, Hair Day, Jersey Day, Egg Hunt Beach Friday Come relax at the club in your PJ’s and enjoy a movie Bad hair day? No problem…let us see your crazy hair dues. Come show off your favorite Jersey   Fun spring related games and crafts   Bring in your bathing suits and a towel *Swimming Fieldtrip to Freedom Center     Camp hours are from 6am – 6pm Rate for Camp is $150 Ages 5-14 welcome Please bring a lunch although snack will be provided For more information please contact Nadia Pedersen at (703) 365-2582 ext 228 or NPedersen@bgcgw.org

Edgemoor Art Studio

A hands-on half-day week-long camp for all budding artists! Children and teens will have fun, learn about art styles and techniques, and use multiple media as they draw, paint, print, and sculpt. Small class sizes afford an imaginative, playful, nurturing experience. Kids are fully supervised at all times, and a snack is provided. AM Class for ages 4-6, PM class for ages 7 and up.  $185 for the week including all supplies and snacks. 

Freedom Center Spring Break Sports & Recreation Camp:
(Ages 5-12)April 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9   8:30am – 4:30pm (6:30am – 6:30pm extended care included) Keep your child active during school spring break!  Camp will include sports and recreation, arts, crafts, swimming and loads of fun.  Send tennis shoes, snacks, lunch, swimsuit, and a towel.  Campers at age 5 MUST be currently enrolled in full day kindergarten.  Please register at least one week in advance to avoid cancellation. To register for camps, please select one of the following: Download and complete forms then email, fax or mail to the Center or Plan a visit to the Center and register at the Customer Service Desk.


Haymarket IcePlex:
Piedmont Skating School will offer spring break series from April 2nd-5th.  Early registration (before March 23rd is $70, after March 23rd is $93) discount.  Registration opens March 13th.  Lessons include a skate rental and daily punch card for practice sessions.  There is no pro-rating available.  Classes begin at age 3 and go through age 16.  (Bonus note- these classes are afternoon/evening, so if you are still doing work/daycare- you can still do spring break skating!) 




Kids in Motion:
Ages 3-12, potty training not required.  Morning (9:30-12:30) or Afternoon (12:30-3:30) sessions.  $25 for one day one session, $20 for more than one day each session.  Must pay in advance.  Siblings get a $5 discount.

Lake Ridge Park  

Kindergarten through 3rd graders to come out for a unique spring break camp. Participants will learn about magic and how to use ordinary materials they can find at home to perform the art of illusion. Children will also perform in a show on the last day of camp to show off their new skills. $160 fee.




Misty Brae Farm Horseback Riding Camp


To register your child aged 6-16 for camp, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required.  The balance is due the first day of camp.  9am-1pm is $350 and 9am-4pm is $475. If you have questions, call Nancy at 703-309-5454 

Prince William Ice Center:

 Learn to skate and improve your skills in this fun-filled camp. Activities include 2.5 hours on-ice each day, off-ice activities, crafts, and more. April 3rd to 5th. Registration is available on-line and in person at Guest Services. Cost for three day camp is $150.00. From 9:00am – 5:00pm. Before (8:00am -9:00am) and after (5:00pm-6:00pm)care available for $10.00per hour. 

SNF Multisport Camp:

When - April 2nd - 6th Ages - 5 - 14
Camp includes - lunch & t-shirt Camp activities include - athletic games, arts & crafts, rock climbing, and select field trips Prices: $250/week (9am - 5pm) $150/week for half day (9am - 1pm) or (1pm - 5pm)
$75/ week extended care
If registering prior to March 15th please call to take advantage of our early bird discount!!!
Call 703-335-1555 or Click Here to Register Today !!! Also check out our Early Bird Summer Camp registration page 

Stafford Parks:

Plan ahead for this special camp! Campers will make crafts, play games in our gym, and enjoy other exciting activities, including field trips. Campers need to bring a bag lunch each day to camp. Appropriate for grades K-6. Hosted by Stafford County Parks & Recreation at the Courthouse Community Center (Room C & Gym). Space is limited; registrations accepted until camp is full. Time: 7:30am-4:30pm daily Admission: $120/Stafford child for the week ($130/non-resident child) (540) 658-4572

SwimKids Spring Break Camps:

$99 per child, 10% discount for siblings.  $39 registration fee if new to the program (good all year and includes a suit).  Class sizes are a maximum of 3 kids for preschoolers and 5 for school-aged.  Water is warm and coaches are continually trained.  Call 703-369-7946 (Woodbridge) or 571-261-7946 (Gainesville) to register.  Great way to get your kids back in the water before summer! 

The First Tee:

Golf camp for at Lake Ridge Park.  Ages included in the First Tee Program.  Register through the First Tee Website or call Lake Ridge Park for more details.  

Tiny Dancers:

Bunny Hop Camp
Phone: 703-385-5580 Ages Served: 3-5
Tiny Dancers invites your "Little Hopper" to 5 days of dance, crafts, snack and our exclusive story and dress-up performance of seasonal stories. Bunny Hop Camp runs from 10:00-12:30, Monday-Friday, April 18-22. Fairfax, Gainesville, Alexandria.

Veterans Memorial Regional Park

(K-8th graders) The week will be filled with arts and crafts, sports, group games, and a field trip.  Students should bring a packed lunch each day. There is a $160 fee for this camp. There is also an extra $20 fee for those who need extended care from 6:00am-9:00am or 5:00pm-7:00pm. There is an extra $40 fee for those who need extended care from 6:00am-9:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Youth Sports Gymnastics 

We will be offering half day ($140) or full day ($190) Spring Break Camp that includes gymnastics, jump rope, crafts, put put golf, and more.  Packed lunches and snacks need to be provided by parents. 

Volunteer Prince William February Opportunities

1.) The Northern Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman program is looking for volunteers to advocate for seniors living in various nursing and assisted living facilities. It's a great way to help improve their quality of life. You will receive all the needed training to make a difference. Please call Lisa at (703) 324-5422 to register for the next training

 

2.) Come be part of our Disaster stand-by volunteer group so we can call on you to help when needed.  Whether it’s cleaning up after floods and storms or aiding neighbors with supplies, we would love to have you join us. Please email Bonnie at: bnahas@volunteerprincewilliam.org for more information or to join the group.   

  

3.) The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is looking for more seniors to be tutors in the elementary schools throughout the community. If you’re age 55 and older and would like to help a little person to improve their reading and math skills then this is the perfect job for you. Please call Coleen at (703) 369-5292 ext. 207 to learn more.

    

4.) ACTS Food Pantry in Dumfries needs volunteers in the pantry and out picking up donations from the community on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Tuesday afternoon. Please call Taylor at (703) 221-3186 ext. 240 or visit their website for an application at: actspwc.org

   

5.) Birmingham Green has many volunteer opportunities for you to interact with the senior’s one on one including playing games, taking a walk, reading to them or having lunch with them. Please call Zachary at (703) 257-6252 to learn more about all the ways you can brighten the day of a senior.

 

6.) PALS provide friendly visitors to adult survivors of brain injury. Volunteers are needed here in the community. Please call Michelle at (703) 451-8881 ext. 232 to share a little of your time with another.

 

7.) Prince William SPCA has several ongoing volunteer opportunities including our Petfinder project, monthly Neuter Commuter events, and our upcoming adoption events with the PAW express adoption van.  If you'd like to volunteer, please go to our website at www.pwspca.org and fill out a volunteer application.

 

8.) The Holiday project is looking for volunteers to visit individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters and long-term care facilities on all the holidays. Please visit their website for more information at: www.holidayproject.org or call Robin at (703) 370-0370 to learn more about their good work throughout the year.

9.) The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers to shuttle cancer patients to and from their treatments throughout Northern Virginia. This wonderful program is called the Road to Recovery program. The training can be done on-line so all you need is a good driving record, insurance and a reliable car to give someone the ride of their life. Please call JoAnn at (703) 938-5550 for more information and to get started with this needed service for our neighbors.

10.) SERVE needs volunteers to help them screen families for eligibility in the SNAP food stamp program. They just need you one day a week during traditional business hours. This program is so helpful to many families, please email Gail at:  ghkomro@nvfs.org to learn more.

  

11.) The House of Mercy needs volunteers to help at the thrift Store in Manassas to sort clothes or help donors unload their car. Great job for teens age 14 and above and fun place to be. The Thrift Store is open Monday-Saturday.  If retail is not your thing what about helping folks with their language skills? House of Mercy is also in need of English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors at their Manassas location. Please call Ann at (703) 659-1636 for more information.

    

12.) Please take a few moments to prepare your household for power outages. Please visit www.ready.gov for lots of good information.

 

13.) The RSVP Program is running a store for pregnant teens and is in need of donated baby items, specifically new born to size 5 baby diapers, wipes and baby lotion and wash.  Drop off your donations at the Volunteer Prince William office at 9248 Center Street, Manassas.

 

14.) The Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville needs help sorting and organizing donations, ensuring the shopping area is organized and assisting customers with their purchases. This is a great group opportunity! Volunteers age 12-15 may volunteer if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Thrift Shop is open 7 days a week and is open until 8pm during the week! The Thrift Shop benefits all programs of Northern Virginia Family Service. Please call (703)219-2193 for more information.

15.) Are you age 55 and older and already volunteer in the community? Then we hope you will join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This program brings together individuals age 55 and older to volunteer anywhere you already volunteer and provides for a small gas mileage stipend to offset these horrible gas prices. It also provides a wonderful supplemental Insurance program, fun activities and recognition events. But most importantly, allows us to capture specifically the value of your service in our community. Please come join us and be counted! Please call Coleen at (703) 369-5292 ext. 207 to learn more.  

      

16.) Special Olympics Prince William invites you to either Woodbridge or Manassas Applebee’s with a Dining-To Donate Flyer on Thursday, February 16^th to raise funds for this wonderful cause. You can find a printable version of the Applebee’s Dining-to-Donate flyer at: www.pwsova.org/pswo under the Upcoming Events section.

     

17.) INOVA VNA Home Health Care reach out every day to homebound patients with needed health services. Volunteers are needed throughout the community as friendly visitors to provide companionship or maybe doing a little something around their house. Training is provided. Please call Marion at (703) 916-2885 for more information.

 

18.) Those super kids are doing super stuff with the Joe 15 Team. Bring your energy, spirit and leadership skills to the table and work on that volunteering resume for college at the same time. Please call Debbie at (703) 895-1606 or check out the website: www.thejoe15team.org to learn more.

 

19.) The Manassas Park Police Department is looking for volunteers in a number of positions. Come be part of their Volunteers in Police Service Program. You could be working in fleet management, data entry, FOIA requests, administrative assistance, accreditation or crime prevention. Please call Lt. Roberts at (703) 361-1136 to learn more.

 

20.) OAR of Fairfax is seeking volunteers as mentors to help inmates at the county jail think through past choices and guide them in making better future choices. Training is provided and each Mentor is assigned one Mentee of the same gender. Please contact Allyson at 703-246-3139 for more information.

21.) Guiding Eyes for the Blind are looking for puppy raisers. This lovely organization places puppies in homes where they learn obedience, good house manners and socialization. And because these puppies will be the life line for another throughout their lives, it doesn’t matter if you are single or live in an apartment or home or have lots of members of you family or for that matter have any experience with dogs. For more information please visit their website at: www.guidingeyes.org or email Beth at:bethsalvaggio@comcast.net.

 

22.) The Alzheimer’s Association offer support groups for anyone caring for an elder with this challenging disease. The groups provide a place for you to share information, get tips or to learn more about the journey your loved one is traveling. These groups meet at Westminster at Lake Ridge, Caton Merchant House, Manassas St Thomas, Sudley North Government Building, the Woodbridge Senior Center and the Old Bridge United Methodist Church. To find the exact times for each please call the helpline at (703) 359-4440.

 

23.) The Prince William Clean Community Council is looking for six volunteers to join them for a Keep America Beautiful Litter Survey. This would be a great job for a retired person. A van is provided to drive the group of volunteers throughout Prince William County while they complete a litter survey form.  The date is to be determined but the hours will be 9am to 12pm and lunch is provided! Call Kayne at 571-285-3772.

24.) The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps is in need of health professionals and community members to volunteer for upcoming events such as health outreach and first aid tents. The unit will play a huge role in upcoming functional exercises, assistance for the Civil War reenactment, and other community events.  After registering and attending orientation, volunteers can register for training in emergency preparedness, disaster behavioral health, CPR/AED, first-aid, and others. Please email Bobbi at bobbi.steneck@vdh.virginia.gov  for more information or you can apply online at their website, www.vdh.virginia.gov/mrc/princewilliammrc

 

25.) The Prince William Clean Community Council is looking for volunteers to be part of the recycling speaker’s bureau.  You’ll have all the tools to reach all aspects of the community whether it’s in the schools or at varies organizations and community groups. Call Kayne at 571-285-3772 to learn more.

 

26.) Project Mend a House is looking for volunteers in both the office and out in the community. There are lots of ways to help this wonderful organization besides with the hammer in your hand. Please call Andrea at (703) 792-7663 to learn more.

27.) The Greater Prince William Community Health Center is growing. Volunteers are needed during traditional business hours to help with administrative tasks. This is a busy place is a real resume builder and the perfect job for volunteers who are bi-lingual and have some health care experience. Volunteers are also needed with special projects and fun events. Please visit their website at: GPWCHC.org or email them at info@GPWhealthcenter.org to learn more. 

 

28.) The Calvary Counseling Center in Manassas needs volunteers to help with basic office duties. This is a lively office. Please call Dr. Chambers at 703-530-9800 to learn more about this wonderful organization and their volunteer needs.  

 

29.) Blue Ridge Assistance dogs in Manassas would love your help with general office tasks as well as simple correspondence. Please call Rose at (703) 330-9184 for more information.

30.) The Juvenile Detention Center is looking for licenses barber to come in once or twice a month to cut the boys hair. There are usually 5-8 boys in need of your services each week. Please call Jayne at (703) 791-3559 to help out.

 

31.) The Manassas Museum is looking for weekend volunteers to greet visitors, serve as docents and sharing our rich history. You’ll receive all the training to make this a wonderful experience. Please call Lisa at (703) 257-8407 to learn more

32.) SERVE needs your help with food donations. It’s been a busy few months and the shelves are bare.  Top needs include canned veggies, dry cereal, canned meats, pasta, sauces, rice, applesauce and canned fruit. Please deliver the food to the pantry during traditional business hours or give Karen a call at (703) 367-6726 for more info.

33.) The Don Bosco Center in Manassas needs your help with the after school program. Volunteers work with kids in grades 5 and up with homework and sports and in the computer lab. Please email Father Ramon at:frramon@gmail.com to learn more.

 

34.) The Woodbridge Dance Company is looking for volunteers to serve on their Board of directors and committees. Meetings are monthly on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month. This is a wonderful way to offer your leadership in forwarding the mission of this lovely arts organization. Please call Catherine at (703) 670-7884 to learn more.

 

35.) Birthright of Manassas has expanded their office hours to include Saturdays. Volunteers are needed to help in the office most days. This program offers free pregnancy testing and support services to moms and babies. Please call (703) 361-9769 to join the great group of volunteers.

 

36.) The Manassas Chapter of Families Anonymous is in need of a mature bilingual (English/Spanish) individual or couple who can help them with a 12 Step Program for other Spanish Speakers desperately in need of this program. 12 Step Programs are so important to families experiencing problems with loved ones that have alcohol and drug abuse issues. Strongly prefer an individual that may have their own personal struggles with a loved one. Please call Pat at (703) 928-9385.

 

37.) The Manassas Elks Lodge needs volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at their Bingo Kitchen from 5:30-9:30pm. This is a wonderful way for teens to complete their volunteer requirements or for adults looking to meet new neighbors. Duties include taking food orders, delivering sandwiches and such to bingo players and light set-up and cleaning. Please call Chetta at (703) 856-7717 to learn more.

 

38.) Prince William County Division of Historic Preservation is looking for enthusiastic tour guides for the beautiful Ben Lomond house in Manassas. This is a wonderful way to learn more about our local treasures. Tours are offered Thursday-Monday from May-October. Please call Bill at (703) 367-7872 to learn more.

 

39.) The Disaster Preparedness Community Outreach program teaches all aspects of our community to be prepared for incidents that can affect lives. Volunteers are needed to visit schools, adult living communities, shelters and neighborhoods to share the message. This is the perfect way to learn more about your community and meet new people. Please call Bonnie at (703) 369-5292 ext. 202 to learn more.

40.) The Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge needs volunteers to be docents and tour guides, assisting with special events and as a gardener. This is a wonderful way to learn more about your rich history and have lots of fun. Please email Karen at:kfossum@pwcgov.org to learn more.

 

41.) The Community health center needs a licensed Pharmacist to check potential drug interactions and label medications for clients of the Medication Access Program. This fabulous facility is in Woodbridge and is perfect for you with a flexible schedule. Please call Navara at (703) 219-2193 to learn more.

 

42.) The Prince William Clean Community Council is looking for volunteers to help with their Storm Drain Labeling Program. Help keep pollution from entering our waterways!  Call Kayne at 571-285-3772.

 

43.) ACTS Helpline needs new volunteers to man their 24 hr. helpline. You’ll receive 40 hours of training for this very special job. Please call James at (703) 221-1144 to learn more.

 

44.) ENS Mentoring partnership in Dumfries serves the needs of kids with adult mentors to help guide their way. Volunteers are needed as mentors and also to help around the office with basic admin duties.  Please call Juana at (703) 221-6600 to learn more.

 

45.) Social Services has a client with his own car and insurance but needs a driver to get him to various doctor’s appointment.  Please call Coleen at (703) 369-5292 ext. 207 for more information.

 

46.) The American Red Cross has a really fun raffle event that all of us who love the Caribbean do not want to miss! How would you like to win a cruise for 2 from Baltimore to the Bahamas on the Carnival Pride anytime you’d like. Tickets are just $5 each, 3 for $10 and 10 for $25 – wow.  Please call Deborah at (703) 368-4511 ext. 408 and she can charge it to a credit card. 

 47.) Trinity Episcopal Church is pleased to announce their first ever Children’s Consignment Toy and Clothing sale on Saturday March 24^th from 8am-12:30pm. Volunteers are needed before, during and after this event. They are also registering consignors at this time. You’ll receive 60% and the other 40% will support the Trinity Youth Mission Trips. So it’s the perfect way to clean out your closets and the toy box in the play room. Consignors need to register for a space in advance for just $15 sent to Trinity, 9325 West Street, Manassas 20110, and attn: Dianne.  To volunteer please call Dianne or Jennifer at (703) 368-4231.

 

48.) The Prince William Area Free Clinic serves the basic medical needs of families in both Manassas and Woodbridge. They need a volunteer to help translate their brochure into Spanish. Sounds like a great way to tone your skills. Please call Linda at (703) 792-6378 to learn more.

 

49.) Literacy Volunteers of America are gearing up for their next tutor training in March. This is a great way to impact another’s life and livelihood by giving them the skills to accomplish their dreams. You don’t need any prior experience because the training session will give you all you need to be successful as well. Please call (703) 670-5702 to register for this training and to learn more about this wonderful program.

 

50.) Leesylvania State Park is having a new event Saturday February 11^th from 11am-3pm in their Visitor center. Bring your favorite candy and a pair of scissors to help make blankets for children supported by the Linus in Candyland project. These children are given cozy, warm fleece blankets as they go through difficult times. Donations of fleece material in child appropriate designs and 1-1.5 yards are also welcome. You don’t want to miss this event.

 

51.) The Alzheimer’s Association is gearing up for their next Walk to end Alzheimer’s in prince William County.  Volunteers are needed now in the Gainesville, Haymarket and Stafford with planning activities.  Come join the cause and the fun. Call Sonya at (703) 359-4440 to learn more.

 

52.) Habitat for Humanity has projects every week throughout the community building or repairing homes for frail citizens. Volunteers are needed every week to bring lunch to the volunteers on the job.  Lunch can be a couple of pizza’s, sandwiches and chips or a deli tray. Please email Tiffanie at volunteer@habitatpwc.org to learn more.

 

 

 

If You Are Looking For Other Opportunities, Please Don’t Forget To Call Our Team Here At Volunteer Prince William Coleen Can Help Senior Volunteers With Retired and Senior Volunteer (RSVP) Opportunities at (703) 369-5292 ext 207, Then Myself Shelley (703) 369-5292 ext 201,Bonnie Can Help You With All The Other Many Opportunities Available In Disaster Preparedness at (703) 369-5292 ext 202 or Please Don’t Forget Our Website’s at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Also Feel Free To Look For Opportunities In Our Call to Action Column That Runs Every Sunday Morning In The Local News Paper. Come Like Us On Our Facebook Page (Volunteer Prince William) and Follow Us On Twitter @VolunteerPW.

Guest Post: Truth and Consequences

Many thanks to BristowBeat.com for sharing their "Busy in Bristow" section with our readers!! Please check them out for Bristow news, and be sure to like BristowBeat on Facebook! 

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So it happened. One of my kids was caught cheating. Using a little “study aid-age” when he wasn’t supposed to be using nothin’ but his noggin. And I’m so embarrassed. Remember, I’m a Mom-Teacher. So whatever goes down in school hits me doubly hard.

Ah, the irony of life. Earlier that day at the teacher lunchtable, the same group of us who talked about overscheduled kids three weeks ago now shared our “first time” stories. First time we cheated on school assignments, that is.

“Our whole class cheated on a test in the sixth grade,” one of my friends said. “And I’m the one who ‘found’ the test and handed it to the others.”

Another teacher friend lamented, “I cheated for the first and last time in seventh grade. I wasn’t caught, but I felt too guilty to ever do it again.”

I piped in. “Yeah, me too. Seventh grade. Computer class. The teacher was out, we had a sub, and I hadn’t studied, so I slid the book out and copied down the answers. Thing is, next day, she gave us our tests back to work on them again and I felt so bad that I erased all of my answers and started over.”

Then I told them about the second time I cheated in school – in college, no less. Sadly, it too, was a computer class.  “Introduction to Computers” was so easy the first few weeks that I thrilled in the “Easy A” I was sure to receive. We labeled parts of the computer on our first test: monitor, hard drive, keyboard. Three days after the drop date, the prof introduced the obsolete computer language, Fortran. He taught this archaic program language to the first three rows of students while the rest of us sat in the back and cracked jokes about the nerds up front. Individually, we struggled to survive. Ever the fiction writer, I devised stories I could tell the dean, but my best ones required a doctor’s note, which I was unwilling to forge. After deciding that an actual “unplanned” pregnancy was too drastic a measure to withdraw without penalty, I resorted to the recycle bin wedged between the computer lab entrance and the Coke machine. Although I was pretty sure the programs I found weren’t worth copying, I had absolutely nothing in my head to produce a substitute, so I plugged in someone else’s work and never questioned my grade: an angry, red F.

So most of us have done it. But like all of the mistakes we made when we were children, how do we — as parents — guide our kids through the bad choices and resulting remorse to the penultimate land of “I won’t do that again because it was wrong and it felt lousy”?

Like most Moms struggling with a new parenting problem, I called a friend and asked her opinion. She said, “Have him write a letter of apology to the teacher. He should say he’s sorry, what he did wrong, and what he should have done instead. He should also lose a privilege. Something big that he has to earn back as he wins back your trust.”

I agreed with her, had him write the letter. But the loss of privilege around here has lost its power. He’s so used to losing his treasures that it doesn’t impact him much anymore.

Another friend suggested that we focus on the value at hand and give him homework - in this case – to practice being honest. I really liked this idea and talked to him about it, but I’m not quite sure how to implement and monitor it. I’m thinking of devising an “Honesty Log” in which he summarizes and reflects upon moments in which he told the truth when he’d considered lying instead. His father and I could read and sign off on it like we do his Reading Log for school.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Or, I’ll embellish it, just a little, when I write so I have a more interesting story.

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Kathy Smaltz writes for BristowBeat.com the original copy of this article can be found at their website and is reprinted with permission.  BristowBeat provides hyperlocal coverage for readers in Bristow, VA and the surrounding areas.  

Like many moms, Kathy drives a mini-van full of booster seats and Disney/Pixar DVD’s. When she’s not chauffeuring her kids, ages 10 and under, to school and activities, she teaches for Prince William County Public Schools, writes fiction and poetry, and blogs about the challenges and rewards of being a mom to young children.

Plan Ahead for: Wegmans Kids in the Kitchen

I'm a little perturbed that I'm having to type this again!! I was all planned out for this week and did all my blog posts this weekend (at the very reasonable hour of 3am Sunday morning) and today when I went to publish, it appeared that blogger only cared to keep the tags, dates, and titles.

Well that's not helpful!

Clearly this is God telling me that he approves of my typical method of waiting until the last minute to do any/everything.

Anyhow, Wegmans.

Wegmans is not just a grocery store- it's a shopping experience.  My Uncle The Doctor (have you ever heard the joke about the difference between God and a Doctor? It was written for him.) lives near the flagship Harris Teeter store in North Carolina, which he refers to as the "Taj Ma-Teeter".  When my Uncle The Doctor came to visit near the end of my grandmother's life, he kept going on and on and on about how we don't know good shopping.  Knowing that my fiesty grandmother would have approved if she could speak, I tossed my Uncle The Doctor into the car and hauled him to Wegmans.

He wasn't "wrong" you understand, but I may have been right about something in this one, isolated incident.

With some people, you have to learn to take the victories when you can get them.....even if they won't fully admit it.

Wegmans has two Prince William County locations, and they offer some great looking Kids Cook classes for ages 4 and up! Tickets are required and are $5 per child/adult pair with your Wegmans Club card or $10 without a card. Sign up at the Customer Service Desk.

People- those Wegmans Club Cards are free.  Let's be logical and just sign up for one, shall we? If you feel the need to spend the extra $5 you can mail it to me. 

It's been my experience that cooking with your kids is fantastic.  It gets them to eat what they made (even if it's healthy!) and it ensures that they'll be able to survive outside of your home on more than easy mac and top ramen.  However, I do so love the idea of cooking with my kids at Wegmans since that means my kitchen can stay clean....assuming it was clean when we left for Wegmans.

Here's what's coming up:
February 11th- 
We Heart Parties at Wegman's Potomac Mills.  Three times slots are available at 10am, 12pm, and 3pm.  We "Heart" Parties Valentine’s Day goodies are the main event! Join us to make Fruit Tarts, Heart-Happy Trail Mix, and Strawberry Smoothies—you’ll even get to create a card for someone special.

March 3rd-
Wegmans Lake Manassas: Build Your Own Pizza! Sign up your children to learn how to get involved in the kitchen and build their own pizza. They will make a Tandoori Naan Pizza with a whole grain crust and a Caesar Salad with strawberries and yogurt dressing! 11am or 2pm

March 10th-
Wegmans Potomac Mills The Secrets in the Sauce (Craveable Veggies!)  Want to learn a special chef secret? This class will share just how easy it is to make any dish taste yummier with sauce! Learn how to add zip and flavor to all kinds of meals, including kid-friendly Lo Mein and Peanut Salad and veggies like broccoli and snow peas with 4 snazzy sauces! 12pm or 3pm

March 17th-
Wegmans Lake Manassas: The Secrets in the Sauce (Craveable Veggies!)  Want to learn a special chef secret? This class will share just how easy it is to make any dish taste yummier with sauce! Learn how to add zip and flavor to all kinds of meals, including kid-friendly Lo Mein and Peanut Salad and veggies like broccoli and snow peas with 4 snazzy sauces! 11am or 2pm

Upcoming Scout Offerings from PWCPA

With Blue and Gold Dinner coming up for our Cub Scout Pack, we've all been in a frenzy to get a few things finished up for ranks! I'm sure we're not the only den having that issue, but I love that this spring you can get your scout ahead though the Park Authority's Cub Scout Badges program!  All of these programs require advance registration, but they're a great way for your scout to have a little fun. There is a small fee associated with each badge opportunity, which varies depending on the program requirements.