Special events & meetings - November 20

November 19, 8:13 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, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel. Hosted by the LVFD Auxiliary, proceeds support the community work of the LVFD Auxiliary. Next event: December 6. Cost: $7.00 adults; $4.00 children.

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.

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.

December 1, 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel.

December 6, 8:00 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road, Scaggsville.

Inova Donor Blood Services blood drives:

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.

Book Discussion Group, meeting for six weeks [skipping Thanksgiving and Christmas], starting November 12, every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to noon and Sunday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8940 Route 108, Suite D, Columbia. Shannon Ethridge and Stephen Arterburn's Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment. Copies of the book are either available for purchase at the church or online HERE  For more information, contact Corine Schramke at corines1r@gmail.com

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.

Citrus Fruit Sale fundraiser for Fidos For Freedom, Inc. Pick up fruit on December 5. Proceeds from this fundraising event support the organization's efforts to help people in the Baltimore-Washington area who need Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs. For more information and pick up locations. To order online.

Crafts & Collectibles Fundraising Fair, November 21, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion Laurel Post 60, 2 Main Street, Laurel. Raffles, local crafts, vendors, holiday items, food for breakfast and lunch, and much more. Proceeds support the American Legion Auxiliary's community outreach projects. For information, call 410-674-5088 or e-mail auxiliaryunit60@gmail.com

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.

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. Three ways to register: online and downloadable registration forms from the web site or call to have a form mailed to you. Participants can pick up packets between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., November 25. First 350 people registered receive t-shirts and tote bags. Late registration, 7:00 a.m. November 26. 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. [Graphic used with permission from Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services]

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"]

HC DrugFree - The following educational program for teens, parents and social services staff is sponsored by the 501(c)(3) organization that helps teens avoid alcohol and drugs. For more information about either of these programs, call 443-325-0040.

• Mythbusters - Dispelling Commonly Held Beliefs about Alcohol & Other Drugs in Your Community and Your School, January 19, 2010, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at River Hill High School, 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville. For a highly interactive program, join Jason Hall [Howard County Police Department] and Mark Donovan [private drug counselor at Integrative Counseling] as they dispel such common myths as, "weed is not addictive" and "my child wouldn't drink or use drugs".

• Teen Job & Volunteer Fair, March 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia. Free event for high school and college-age teens. Excellent opportunity to find jobs, volunteer opportunities, camps, sports, educational opportunities and social services.

Holiday Celebration & Fundraising Craft Fair, November 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Phelps Senior Center, 701 Montgomery Street, Laurel. The Laurel Senior Friendship Club is raising funds to support the senior citizen activities at Phelps Senior Center. Local crafts, seasonal holiday items, gift wrapping, food and more. Call 301-442-9992 or e-mail bobbi.benfield@gmail.com for more information.

Holly Days Fundraising Bazaar, November 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 6th and Main Streets, Laurel. Local crafts, Christmas ornaments, door prizes, photo with Santa, food and much more. Proceeds support the church's community outreach projects. Inquiries, call 301-776-5151.

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

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 First Assembly of God Thanksgiving Dinner, 7:00 p.m. at the church, 1102 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Traditional meal served to those in need. Door prizes. Call 301-490-0100.

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.

• December 16 – God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

December 4-6 - Holiday Open House at the Laurel Museum – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gifts for all ages, Behnke's poinsettias, museum decorated for the holidays, new 1910 Main Street ornament, story time on Saturday and Sunday and much more. Holiday shopping online for those who cannot attend.

December 12, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Bi-Annual House Tour – Self-guided tour begins at the Laurel Museum, 817 Main Street, Laurel. Advance tickets are $15, $18 if purchased the day of the tour. Buy tickets at either the Laurel Museum, Main Street Pharmacy or Rainbow Florist & Delectables. For more information, call 301-725-2675, e-mail info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org or via the web site.

Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary Jewelry Fundraiser, November 20, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the J. Russell Jones Room, Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, Laurel. Proceeds to be used for purchase of capital equipment for the hospital. Call Marie Bena at 301-572-5636.

Lupus Benefit Fundraiser, November 20, 8:00 p.m. to Midnight at Roland Terrace Democratic Club, 619 Matthews Avenue, Brooklyn Park. Proceeds benefit Lupus Mid-Atlantic. $20.00 donation includes beer, soda, potato chips and pretzels. Music provided by DJ, Rockin' Ron. Raffles. For more information and to purchase tickets, call Stephanie Laumann at 410-218-3340 or e-mail slaumann19@gmail.com

Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department Quarter Auction, November 20, 6:00 p.m. at 3498 Fort Meade Road, Laurel. Benefits the fire department. For more information e-mail marylandcityquarteraction@yahoo.com

Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health “Navigating the Transition Years” course, Thursdays from December 3 through 17, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Elkridge Public Library, 6540 Washington Blvd [U.S. Route 1], Elkridge. This three-week course is for caregivers of transition-age youth [16-20 years of age] with mental health needs. Registration is FREE, however, to register or for more information, contact Ann Geddes at 410-730-8267 or e-mail ageddes@mdcoalition.org To download the course flyer [which includes course topics], click HERE and then click on link next “Transition-age Youth ( TAY ) Course Announced”

Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health monthly Webinars. High Noon WebCafe is a monthly online workshop series which provides information and sources of support for family members of people with mental health issues. Conducted during lunch hour [noon to 1:00 p.m.], participants watch and listen to presentations via their computer. Expert presenters from state and national organizations. Registration limited to 20 per workshop. Pre-registration is required and telephone conference calls are also available. For more information or to register, contact Carol at callenza@mdcoalition.org To view past workshops click HERE.

Mental Health Reading Group, November 27, 6:30 p.m. and ongoing every other Friday until the group has finished reading Terri Williams' book, Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting. One chapter will be discussed every other Friday. Location: Locust United Methodist Church, 6851 Martin Road, Columbia. To join the group, contact either Vanita at NAMI Howard County 410-772-9300, Nonnie Butler at 301-596-9079 or e-mail jbscorvette@aol.com or Melody Greene 410-715-0710 or e-mail mggreene40@verizon.net

Parade of Trees, November 21 and 22 at Historic Savage Mill, Savage. Make a donation and vote for trees. A percentage of merchants' sales benefits the Fort Meade Officers' Wives Club. Call 1-800-788-6455 for more information.

Patuxent Research Refuge

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.

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.

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.

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: 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!

DECEMBER 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: Amy Shoop, Patuxent Research Refuge, 12 November 2009]

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, Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, 8-10am, Ages 12+ and Wednesday, Dec. 16th, 8-10am, Ages 12+ Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Nature Tots: Wintertime Fun, Thursday, Dec. 3 rd, 10-11am & 1-2pm, Ages 3-4 Find out what animals do in the wintertime through songs, stories, and crafts in this fun, interactive program!

From the River to the Sea, Saturday, Dec. 5 th, 10-11:30am, Ages 8-10 Join us in learning how we are connected with the Chesapeake Bay and open ocean ecosystems. Discover the amazing creatures that t live in the Northeast and how they may help us monitor climate change.

Wild, Wonderful Wolves! Tuesday, Dec. 8 th, 2-3pm, Ages 5-7 Discover the wild world of wolves! In this interactive program children will learn not only how to howl like a wolf, but why they howl,why they live in a pack, and much more.

Nature Hike, Saturday, Dec. 12 th, 10:30am-12pm, Ages 5-7 Join us for an outing in the woods on this guided hike. Learn about the animals that live in our area and how they are preparing for cold weather ahead.

Where are the Critters? Saturday, Dec. 12 th, 1-2:30pm, Ages 8-10 Discover where and how cold blooded creatures and insects survive the winter weather. Take a hike to look for great places to stay warm during the winter.

Explore Your World, Sunday, Dec. 20 th, 2-3pm, Ages 16+ Explore the transient nature of all living things with phenology journals and observations. Discover cycles such as flowering, breeding, and migration within your own special natural space.

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

Bird Walk, Sunday, Dec. 6 th, 8:30-10am, All Ages Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.

Owl Prowl, Sunday, Dec. 6 th, 4:30-6pm, Ages 5+ Explore the refuge at night while looking and listening for owls.

Winter Weeds & Seeds, Sunday, Dec. 13 th, 9-11:30am, All Ages Learn to identify seedheads and other strange, but related, “things” on this guided walk. Discover the winter role trees, weeds & seedheads. Field guide, water, and magnifying lens are recommended.

Winter Trees, Sunday, Dec. 27 th, 1-3pm, All Ages Join us on this guided walk through the forest. Come learn to discover and identify trees without their leaves. Camera, water and hat are recommended.

Peace for Pieces, quarterly luncheon and panel discussion about Autism. Open to parents of children with Autism and other related special needs. Play area for children. Sponsored by One World Center for Autism, Inc. and Partners for Success Parent Center of Prince George's County Schools. To inquire about the next luncheon or RSVP, e-mail PeaceforPieces@verizon.net For more information, click HERE.

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.

Quest For Authentic Manhood, every Tuesday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Winning at Work and Home, every Monday, 6:00 to 7:30 a.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8940 Route 108, Suite D, Columbia. Small group discussions for men about what an authentic man is and how to win at home and work. For any man 18 and older. Contact Joe Pacifico at jcpacifico@verizon.net or 301-776-0302 for more details and directions.

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 Howard County, June 4 – 5, 2010 at Hammond High School, Columbia. Contact Jason Copley at 410-781-4316 or visit online at www.howardrfl.com

Relay For Life Laurel, June 12 – 13, 2010 at McCullough Field, Laurel. For information, registration, donations, upcoming fundraising events and more, click HERE.

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/

Relay For Life Laurel Fundraiser, ongoing in November to raise money to fight cancer. Tastefully Simple will donate 10% of all online orders credited to Connie Schneider to the American Cancer Society. Customers receive all products through the mail. For more information, call Connie at 301-725-3362. Start shopping at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kstisted Instructions: Click on shop Shop Our Products; near bottom of web page, click Find your host/event now, enter Connie Schneider and Maryland, click search and click select.

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

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. Next meeting is December 14. No registration required.

Civil Law Clinic, third Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Scotchtown Hills Elementary “Chick-Fil-A Night” December 3, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chick-Fil-A restaurant at Contee Road and U.S. Route 1, Laurel. Mention “Scotchtown Hills Elementary” upon placing dinner order and the school will receive 20% of the purchase price. Proceeds will support the school.

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].

St. Philip's Episcopal Church Thanksgiving Dinner, November 26, noon to 3:00 p.m. at the church, Wyatt Hall [Main Street entrance], 522 Main Street, Laurel. FREE dinner to anyone, including families and individuals without resources. Housebound individuals should call the church in advance to arrange meal delivery – 301-776-5151. For those who cannot drive, but would like to attend, volunteers will provide transportation.

Viva Las Vegas celebration, November 21, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Chartwell Country Club, 1 Chartwell Drive, Severna Park. Sponsored by Better BedRest, an organization that offers support to women with high-risk pregnancies, THElvis Man will entertain and spotlight this evening of dinning, dancing, gaming and a silent auction. Cost: $35.00. All proceeds go to the Better BedRest's Emergency Grant Fund. More information and to order tickets online www.BetterBedrest.org or by calling 410-740-7662. Tickets may also be ordered via e-mail info@betterbedrest.org

Wine Tasting Fundraiser, November 23, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Pasta Plus, 209 Gorman Avenue [corner of Route 198 and U.S. Route 1], Laurel. Event is free, however, donations will help pay medical expenses for Pasta Plus employee, Leo Albarran, who has cancer. Finger food provided by Pasta Plus. Wine donated by Anna Abbona, owner of Marchese di Barolo winery in Italy. Reservations required. Call 301-498-5100.