The Bragg Hill Family Life Center will hold a pre-Thanksgiving community meal from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The meal will include a full dinner, with dessert and entertainment. There is no charge to attend.

The Bragg Hill Family Life Center is a nonprofit organization offering after-school care, food assistance, classes and counseling to families in need.

For more information about attending or helping sponsor the community meal call 371-1993.

The center is located at 3345 Fall Hill Ave.

--Elizabeth Waters

Efforts to preserve Crow's Nest in Stafford County has gotten another boost in Congress, this time led by Rep. Jo Ann Davis.

The House yesterday passed the American Wildlife Enhancement Act, which will open up a source of funds to help preservationists purchase the 2,300-acre peninsula on Potomac and Accokeek creeks.

In October, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed an amendment sponsored by Sen. John Warner establishing the Accokeek Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

"We are one step closer to preserving Crow's Nest for future generations," said Davis, a Republican who represents the 1st District.

Now, a combination of state and federal funds could be used to buy the land. Up to $5 million has already been set aside by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation toward the purchase.

For years, preservationists have been working to save the wilderness area from development. The property contains rare plants, virgin forest and a large heron rookery. The land is owned by K&M Properties, a Northern Virginia investment partnership.

--Rusty Dennen