Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Etching is one of the most effective means available to deter auto theft. Etching is a fast, safe and simple process of having a vehicle’s VIN engraved onto windows using a chemical solution. Manassas City Police Department will host its second Free VIN Etching event on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot at 9401 Liberia Ave.

Manassas city manager John A. Budesky notified City Council March 18 that for the sake of his family, he would need to relocate to the Hanover, VA area to take part in the health care of an ailing family member. Budesky announced today that he will take a position in the Richmond area.

On March 26 at Four Points by Sheraton in Manassas, The Prince William Committee of 100 will host a program to discuss the Federal Budget Sequester and the effects on Northern Virginia.

Get tips and techniques on composting from WTOP’s “Garden Guru” Mike McGrath, local Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District at Prince William County Compost Awareness Day event on Saturday, May 4.

Learn how to monitor bluebirds, investigate vernal pools, facilitate camera trapping for the Smithsonian, monitor stream health, and more through the Master Naturalist training at Merrimac Farm that starts May 23.

Residents of Woodbridge magisterial district are invited to join Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi and Prince William County Parks and Recreation for an update on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail boardwalk at a "Boardwalk Community Meeting" on March 19, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.