Special events & meetings - October 16

October 15, 11:20 PMLaurel Community Volunteer ExaminerCarol Plotnick

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Special events and meetings is a weekly Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner column that lists various organizations - many of them volunteer based - and their events and meetings. Call ahead to confirm times and locations.

All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, first Sunday every month, 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel. Hosted by the LVFD Auxiliary, proceeds support the community work of the LVFD Auxiliary.

Alzheimer's Association 2009 Memory Walks - Read the Examiner.com article about the Memory Walks.

• Anne Arundel County, October 17, 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. walk at Severn School, 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD - Contact: 410-561-9099 or Amanda.Sciukas@alz.org Web page: www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=303352

• Howard County, October 24, 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. walk at Lakefront Plaza, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD - Contact: 410-561-9099 or Rolanda.Oliver@alz.org Web page: www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=301986

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, ongoing in November. The Alzheimer's Association is asking for your support and as a “thank you” gift for donations received in October, donors will receive a special limited-edition 2009 white wristband with purple lettering to wear during November. Donations help to advance programs and support for Alzheimer's patients and their families and to advocate for more research into this disease. Donate online.

Anne Arundel County Volunteers - Nominations are being accepted through Monday October 19, 2009, for the 2009 Volunteer Project Hall of Fame Awards. Sponsored by the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County and the Coordinators of Volunteers of Anne Arundel County, [the awards] will honor volunteer projects that have had the most impact in Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis. Nominations are invited for volunteer projects sponsored by local nonprofit or faith-based organizations, local businesses, governmental agencies and other groups. Award winners will be announced at the Induction Luncheon Celebration to be held at Loews Annapolis Hotel, 125 West St. Annapolis, on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Volunteer Project Nomination forms are now available www.volunteerannearundel.org For more information contact Bill Crabbs at 410-897-9207 or e-mail Bill@volunteerannearundel.org [Credit: Volunteer Anne Arundel web site.]

Blood Drives - American Red Cross mobile units - Walk-ins welcome, however, appointments are given priority. To set up an appointment to donate blood at any of the following Red Cross blood drives, click HERE and type in your zip code. Then click on the date to bring up the registration web page.

October 21, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tower Federal Credit Union, 7901 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel

October 22, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Verizon Wireless, 7900 Montpelier Road, Laurel

October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Best Buy, 14160 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel

Inova Donor Blood Services blood drives:

October 22, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Montgomery General Hospital, 2801 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney. Call 301-774-8881 for an appointment.

October 31, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 8200 Old Columbia Road, Fulton. BOO!! Get a free Halloween t-shirt when you donate. For an appointment, call 1-866-BLOODSAVES.

January 30, 2010, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Volunteers and blood donors should contact Pat or Peter Fort at 410-381-4546 or e-mail blooddrive@uucolumbia.net Other dates: May 15 and September 25, 2010. All running 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Celebration of Hope, December 6, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. in Symphony Woods, Columbia. Peaceful twilight stroll through the Symphony of Lights. Open to current cancer patients and survivors. Event is free, but registration is required. Call 410-740-5858 for more information and to register.

Champagne, Chocolate and Gold Event, October 19, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Berman's Jewelers, 3570 St. John's Lane, Suite 105, Ellicott City. Benefits. The Howard County Advisory Board of Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland co-sponsor this event to raise funds to support the Family and Children’s Services programs. Open to the public, attendees can bring gold jewelry to sell and will be provided a check or cash by Berman’s Jewelers. Ten percent of the sale proceeds go to Family and Children’s Services; in addition, 10% of the proceeds from repairs and remounting will also go the agency. No admission fee. Refreshments: champagne and chocolate. For information, contact Courtney Odum Duncan, courtney@odumrealestate.com or call 410-997-3557.

Chess - Eagle Chess Academy, second and fourth Saturdays every month, 1:00 p.m. Learn to play or improve your game. All ages welcome. Location: Laurel Library, 507 Seventh Street, Laurel.

Columbians Toastmasters Club, first and third Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m., at Capitol College, 11301 Springfield Road, Laurel. Public speaking. Call 301-794-9669 or e-mail columbianstm@hotmail.com

Cops on Rooftops, October 17, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. October 18 at the Dunkin Donuts, 14903 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel. Members of the Laurel PD will spend 31 hours up on the roof in an effort to raise donations for 10,000 Maryland Special Olympics athletes. Stop by and help the officers reach and exceed their goal of $5,000. Donors to Cops on Rooftops receive a Dunkin Donuts coupon for donuts and coffee. Music, moon bounce and other entertainment will be ongoing.

More active supporters can participate in a 2-mile walk from the American Legion Post #60 [2 Main Street] to the Dunkin Donuts and back. The walk, open to all, begins at 9:00 a.m. Registration: $25.00. Walkers are encouraged to raise additional donations. Breakfast will be served at the Legion Post beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Crown of Laurel Toastmasters Club 77, first and third Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., at Boys and Girls Club, 324 Montgomery Street, Laurel.

Dazzle Dash, November 21 and 22. This annual holiday event, sponsored by the Howard County General Hospital [HCGH], will kick off the 2009 Symphony of Lights display. 1.4-mile course through Symphony Woods, Columbia. All proceeds benefit HCGH. Family-oriented activities, music, games and food. Runners' day – November 21. Walkers' Day – November 22. More information and online registration.

Domestic Violence Awareness Program, October 21, 6:00 p.m. at the Laurel Regional Hospital, J. Russell Jones Room, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel. The program is free, however, attendees must pre-registration no later than October 19. Call the Public Relations office at 301-497-7914.

English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship Classes, FREE, ongoing, 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Church, 15000 First Baptist Lane, Laurel. Call 301-725-6163.

Fidos For Freedom, Inc. Fall Stroll 'n Roll, October 31, 9:00 a.m. to noon [rain or shine]. Dogs and owners can enjoy a fun day of strolling or rolling around Centennial Lake, Route 108, Ellicott City. Vendors, contests, bake sale and more. 8:00 a.m. to noon registration or register online. Register before October 17 and receive a Stroll 'n Roll bandanna at check-in booth. For more information, call 301-490-4005 or 410-880-4178 and e-mail: office@fidosforfreedom.org

Fifth Annual CarMax Laurel Toyota 5K Turkey Trot, November 26 [rain or shine]. Proceeds benefit Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services [LARS]. Walk/run begins at the First United Methodist Church, 424 Main Street [corner of Fifth and Main Streets], Laurel. Downloadable registration forms now available at the LARS web site or call and have a form mailed to you. Late registration, 7:00 a.m. Start of 5K run, 8:00 am. Start of 1 mile fun walk, 8:05 a.m. Sponsors welcome; click HERE For race information call 301-776-0442.

LARS is located in Laurel, Maryland. For the last 22 years, this local grassroots non-profit, has been serving individuals and families who are experiencing a crisis situation. LARS provides: emergency crisis assistance; transitional housing; permanent housing; employment services; and the largest food pantry in northern Prince George's County. [Credit: Facebook page for "5th Annual CarMax Laurel Toyota 5K Turkey Trot to Benefit LARS"]

FIRN International Gala - FIRN Supports Foreign-Born - November 7, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Columbia Spear Center, 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. All proceeds will benefit FIRN. For ticket prices and more information, call 410-992-1923.

Genealogy Classes, fourth Thursday each month, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Latter-day Saint Chapel, 7200 Contee Road, Laurel [corner of Van Dusen and Contee]. For information contact Amy Krieger amy@byu.net or J.R. Martinez jmartinez@acbankers.org

Hospice of the Chesapeake sponsors volunteer training, various family and bereavement support groups, and fundraising events throughout the year. An interactive calendar of current and upcoming events and support groups.

2010 Howard County Heart Ball, May 1, 7:00 p.m. to midnight at Turf Valley Resort - Ellicott City Maryland, 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City. Proceeds from the reception, silent auction, dinner and live auction will “support the American Heart Association's goal to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25% by the year 2010.” [Credit: AHA web site.] For more information, contact Lorraine Campbell at 410-637-4523 or e-mail lorraine.campbell@heart.org

Sixth Annual Jalopyrama, October 31, 10:00 a.m. at the Annapolis Armory, 18 Willow Street, Annapolis. 30 specially-selected hot rods inside the Armory and over 200 pre-1962 hot rods outside. Cost: $10.00 for adults; kids under 16, FREE. Proceeds benefit the Providence Center, who use the money to help more than 500 individuals with developmental disabilities living in Anne Arundel County. For more information about the event, call Mike Szuba at 443-437-3763 or Aimee Bullen at 410-766-2212, ext 110. [Credit: Providence Center 23 September 2009 press release.]

Jam Session, every first and third Wednesday, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Phelps Senior Center, 701 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Experienced and novice musicians, with all types of instruments are welcome. For more information call 301-725-7800.

Laurel Boys and Girls Club Bingo, every Monday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., first game at 7:00 p.m. in the Phelps Center, 701 Montgomery Street. Food for sale by Carla's Citchen. Proceeds support the Laurel Boys and Girls Club programs. Call 301-953-9340.

Laurel Chess Club, every Thursday, 6:00 to 10 p.m., Laurel Armory Anderson-Murphy Community Center, 422 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Players of all ages and skill levels. Call 301-725-7800.

Laurel Community Center Games Club, every Thursday, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the Center, 7901 Cypress Street. Call 301-776-2280. Participate in new and challenging games for children, teens and adults. Share your favorite game or learn a new one!

Laurel Historical Society – For more information about upcoming events, call 301-725-7975 or e-mail info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org

LHS Book Club, third Wednesday of every month at 817 Main Street, Laurel. Light refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring your dinner.

• October 21 – Song Yet Sung by James McBride

• November 18 – Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

• December 16 – God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

October 25, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Kids Fall Fun Day – The Wonderful World of Pumpkins. Pumpkin activities, ghostly fun stories (age appropriate) and more. Space is limited, so reservations required in advance. Call 301-725-7975 or e-mail assist@laurelhistoricalsociety.org. Cost: $5 per child. Pay at the door on event day.

November 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Second Annual Taste of Laurel – At the Laurel Museum, 817 Main Street, Laurel. FREE admission. Sponsored by Main Street Pharmacy. Sample great local food.

November 16, 6:00 p.m. - Members-only event in meeting room at Red, Hot & Blue, 677 Main Street, Laurel. Genealogy lecture with Robert McLaren and potluck dinner. For details on type of dish to share, call 301-725-7975 or see downloadable flyer at web site.

December 4-6 - Holiday Open House at the Laurel Museum

December 12 - Bi-Annual House Tour

Laurel Museum, open Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Laurel Historical Society volunteers give tours of the former mill worker's home at 817 Main Street, Laurel. Gift shop on premises. FREE admission. Call 301-725-7975.

Laurel City Recycles The Laurel Department of Public Works at 305 1st Street, Suite 307, accepts batteries [household only; no automotive or marine] and CFLs [compact florescent lamp] for recycling anytime during normal business hours. Phone: 301-725-0088 for more information.

Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary $6 Sale Fundraiser, October 23, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel. Proceeds will help provide capital equipment for the hospital. Call Marie Bena at 301-572-5636.

Marine Corps Marathon, October 25. "Run for a Reason" The ALS Association-DC/MD/VA Chapter will be raising funds for the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease. Registration fee: $113. For more information or to register e-mail cpond@ALSinfo.org or call 301-978-9855.

Patuxent Research Refuge

OCTOBER PROGRAMS

All programs are FREE, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Programs DO require advance reservations. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497-5887. Please advise us of any special needs so that we may accommodate you. Visit us on the web: patuxent.fws.gov for program updates and more info. [Credit: Jennifer Hill, Patuxent Research Refuge, August 24, 2009]

Programs Held at the North Tract - The North Tract is located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Signs of Fall Nature Hike, Sun., Oct. 18th, 11:30am – 1:00pm, All Ages. Explore the refuge for signs of fall on this leisurely guided hike.

Programs Held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center - The Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197.

Creepy Critter Chats, Sat., Oct. 31st, 1:00 – 3:00pm, All Ages. Slithery, slimy, furry or webby – join us as we discover why those “creepy” critters are actually COOL critters!

Nature Tots: Hello Hibernation! Tues., Oct. 27th, 10:00 – 11:00am & 1:30 – 2:30pm, Ages 3-4. Join us as we discover what it means to hibernate through songs, stories and crafts.

Special Events at the National Wildlife Visitor Center:

Federal Duck Stamp National Judging, Friday, October 16th & Saturday, October 17th, 2009 The judging of the nation’s oldest, most prestigious wildlife art competition – the Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest – is free and open to the public. The winning design will be made into the 2010-2011 Duck Stamp. In addition to enjoying the waterfowl art, visitors can explore exhibits and trails. Refuge habitat tram tours will also be available. For more information regarding the Duck Stamp, go to www.fws.gov/duckstamps

Patuxent Wildlife Festival, Saturday, October 24th, 2009, 10am – 3pm See live animals up-close, learn about cutting-edge wildlife research, participate in children’s activities, view endangered whooping cranes on behind-the-scenes tours of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and much more! Refuge habitat tram tours, exhibits and refreshments will also be available courtesy of Friends of Patuxent.

NOVEMBER PROGRAMS

Programs are FREE, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Programs REQUIRE advance reservations. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497-5887. Please advise us of any special needs so that we may accommodate you. Visit us on the web: patuxent.fws.gov for program updates and more info. [Credit: Jennifer Hill, Patuxent Research Refuge, 5 October 2009]

Programs Held at the North Tract - The North Tract is located on Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Fall Foliage, Tremendous Trees, Sun., Nov. 1, 8:30-11:00am, All Ages. Join us on this guided walk as we discover the colors of fall and identify trees. Camera, water and hat recommended.

Deadhead Days, Sun., Nov. 29, 1:00 – 3:30pm, All Ages. Learn the role wildflowers play in our ecosystem by learning to identify seed heads and other strange, but related, “things” on this guided walk. Field guide, water, and magnifying lens recommended.

Bird Walk, Sun., Nov. 15, 8:30 – 10am, All Ages. Join us as we look and listen for fall migrants on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Night Hike, Sun., Nov. 15, 4:30 – 6:00pm, All Ages. Explore the refuge during twilight hours as we look and listen for animals.

Programs Held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center - The Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197.

Bird Walks, Wed., Nov. 4, 8 – 10:30am, Ages 12+. Wed., Nov. 18th, 8 – 10:30am. Look and listen for fall migrants on this leisurely guided walk. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Nature Hike, Sat., Nov. 14, 1:00 – 2:30pm, Ages 8-11. Join us for an afternoon outing in the woods on this guided hike. Learn about the animals that live in our area and how they are preparing for the winter ahead.

Hello Hibernation! Sat., Nov. 21, 12:00 – 1:30pm, Ages 5-7. Why do some animals hibernate? How do they survive through the cold winter months? Find out in this interactive program with games, songs and crafts.

Nature Tots: Furry Friends, Fri., Nov. 6, 10:00 – 11:00am & 1:30 – 2:30pm, Ages 3-4. Why are some animals furry? What do these animals do to prepare for winter? Join us for a time of stories, songs and crafts as we learn about our furry friends!

Nature Tots: Gobble! Gobble! Mon., Nov. 23, 10:00 – 11:00am & 1:30 – 2:30pm, Ages 3-4. Learn about November’s famous bird, the turkey, in this inter-active program with stories, songs and crafts!

Patuxent Riverkeeper 5th Anniversary, November 1, 5:00 p.m. to Late at Killarney House, 584 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville. Free appetizers, cash bar with Riverkeeper Cocktail, full menu in the dining room. Live music in the bar by The Baysiders. Cost for dinner: $25.00 per person plus tax and gratuity. Portion of proceeds will support Patuxent Riverkeeper programs. For reservations, call 410-798-8700.

Providence Center Annual Holiday Greens & Arts Sale, December 5, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Center's facility at 370 Shore Acres Road, Arnold. Proceeds benefit the 500 adults with developmental disabilities that count on the Providence Center. Shop for holiday gifts from the Center's pottery studio, art institute, woodshop and craft programs. Fresh-cut Christmas trees, poinsettias and fresh greens and wreaths. There will be entertainment for young and old, community groups and food on sale for breakfast and lunch. For more information, call the Center's Development Coordinator, Maureen Shumway at 410-766-2212, ext. 115.

Race for the Cure - 17th Annual Komen Maryland event, October 18, 6:00 a.m. at Valley Towne Centre, Executive Plaza, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley. 5K timed and untimed run, 5K (3.1 miles) walk and 1 mile family fun walk. Schedule and more information about events, registration fees and start of races/walks. General information about Race for the Cure.

The Red Devils 1st Annual Bull and Oyster Roast, November 21, 8:00 p.m. to midnight at Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Avenue, Baltimore. Food, music, raffles and more to help support Maryland breast cancer patients. Cost: $40.00. Space is limited. Call 410-323-0135 for tickets and more information. The Red Devil web site.

Relay For Life Laurel Fundraiser, ongoing. When you make a purchase at Gifts For One GIfts For All using the web address below, 30% of your purchase price will be donated to the Laurel Relay For Life Chapter. For a purchase over $30.00, receive a FREE gift card that can be redeemed to make an additional purchase to support this cause. To have 30% of the purchase price donated to this chapter, type LAUREL RFL as you go through the checkout at the Shop For A Cause page. Sim Young, Owner. Gifts For One Gifts For All Email: info@giftsforonegiftsforall.com Phone: (866) 991-GIFT (4438) Web site: www.giftsforonegiftsforall.com/

Russett Library at Maryland City For program information call 301-725-2390.

Family Game Night, October 19 and November 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy board and card games. Bring a favorite or use a library game. For all ages.

Spooky Tales, October 28 at 10:00 a.m. and October 29 at 7:00 p.m. Kids come in costume for spooky stories, song and a parade. For ages 3 to 7.

Savage Library - Call 410-880-5980 for information.

Asian American Literature book club meets on third Mondays, 7:00 p.m.

Mystery book club meets every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

Nonfiction book club meets on third Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Writers' Circle - Second Mondays each month, 7:00 p.m. Share original writing with other aspiring authors for positive, mutual support and feedback. Due to the Columbus Day holiday, the next meeting is October 19. No registration required.

Civil Law Clinic, third Wednesdays [Oct 21 and Nov 18] from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

For teens - Join the Teen Advisory Board and recommend books, music, movies; develop and plan events for teens; and work with Library staff on projects you create. Service learning hours available for some projects. For ages 11 through 17. [Credit: Fall Source 2009] Board meets 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. November 5.

Shop for a Cure program at Macy's, October 17, during store hours. PanCAN [Pancreatic Cancer Action Network] “members, and their colleagues, neighbors, friends and family, can purchase a shopping pass for $5. Patrons who shop at Macy's on Saturday, October 17, 2009 with the shopping pass, will receive discounts on certain merchandise all day. The discounts vary, depending on the item purchased, but the range is typically 10, 15 or 20%. There is also a special coupon good for 25% off just one item. These shopping passes are good at all Macy's stores nationwide, so you can get extras to send to your friends and family in other parts of the country. 100% of all proceeds will go to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. To purchase a shopping pass, make out a check to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, in the amount of $5 for each shopping pass that you want to purchase. If you want to purchase more than one shopping pass, you can write one check for the total amount. Send your check to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, c/o Ken Cunzeman, 1305 St. Francis Road, Bel Air, MD 21014. The shopping pass(es) will be mailed to you within 1 business day of receipt. Please mail your check before October 7, 2009, to allow sufficient mailing time. There are some restrictions on some of the products that are included in this promotion, so if you have questions about the restrictions or any other aspect of this Shop for a Cure promotion, please contact Ken Cunzeman before purchasing the shopping pass. Ken can be reached at kcunzeman@pancanvolunteer.org, or by phone at 410-652-0302.” [Credit: 30 September PanCAN e-mail press release.]  Watch a video.

Taste & Auction of Howard County, October 18, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City. All proceeds from the 24th annual event will benefit Gilchrist Hospice Care. Twenty Howard County restaurants will prepare samplings of their wares. Silent auction. Cost: $75 in advance; $85 at the door. Call 410-730-5072 or purchase tickets online A list of participating restaurants is also listed on web page.

The Teen Challenge Thrift Store sells gently-used and new quality clothes and household items. All proceeds benefit people at the Teen Challenge residential housing facility and also for Teen Challenge's extended services programs. Store location: 13819 Baltimore Ave [U.S. Route 1, Laurel - across from Laurel Lakes shopping center].

Teen Club, Saturdays, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Laurel Armory-Anderson and Murphy Community Center. For teens, ages 12 to 17. A schedule of events is available at the Center, 422 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Call 301-725-8088.

Walk for Paws, October 24, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Howard County Board of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City. Help the Animal Advocates of Howard County save the lives of homeless animals “One Step at a Time.” For complete event details and to register online. For more information, call 410-880-2488, ext. 4 or e-mail aadvocates@hotmail.com