Special events & meetings - July 3

July 3, 8:21 AMLaurel Community Volunteer ExaminerCarol Plotnick

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

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. Submission deadline is noon on Thursday.

City of Laurel Fourth of July, 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Independence Day celebration begins on Saturday, July 4th, with the parade line up around 6th and Montgomery streets and the antique and classic car line up, at 8th and Montgomery St.
11:00 a.m. Horseshoe contest, Gude Park (Laurel Lakes)
11:00 a.m. Parade, judging stand, 4th St. in front of upper deck parking
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Field events for children 12 and under
3:15 p.m. Grand opening - Flag raising, Pledge, National Anthem, Invocation by the Rev. Warren Litchfield
4:00 p.m. Reading of Parade awards and acknowledgments
5:00 to 9:15 p.m., Oracle band
7:00 p.m. Mayor and Council members welcome and introductions, grand marshals recognized
7:15 p.m. Acknowledgments and committee awards
9:15 p.m. Fireworks from the lake.
NOTE: Cherry Lane and a section of Mulberry Street will be closed before and during the fireworks display. [Credit: 25 June 2009 online Laurel Leader]

2009 Start! Howard County Heart Walk, September 26, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., Centennial Park, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City. Raise funds in the fight against the No. 1 and No. 3 killers - heart disease and stroke. Three-mile walk and Create Hope, Inspire Change and Celebrate Success villages. The villages are places where participants can pay tribute to lost loved ones, honor survivors, encourage behavioral change in adults and children, celebrate successful fundraising and applaud individuals and organizations who made significant changes towards heart-healthy living. For more information or to register online www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3017883

"Ask the Doctor", July 21 FREE NAMI Howard County education forum for parents of children and teens with mental health issues at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, 7:00 p.m. – Chat & Chew precedes the speaker at 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Daniel Pine, M.D., from the National Institute of Mental Health. Call for information 410-722-9300.

Blood Drives - American Red Cross mobile units

• July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Walmart, 3549 Russett Green East, Laurel
• July 22, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tower Federal Credit Union, 7901 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel

Blood Drives - Inova Blood Donor Services mobile unit

• July 27, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Laurel Library, 507 7th Street, Laurel

Blood Pressure Screening, second Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. Location: Phelps Senior Services Center, 701 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Call 301-776-6168. Co-sponsored with the Laurel Regional Hospital.

Chess - Eagle Chess Academy, July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22, 1:00 p.m. [Second and fourth Saturdays every month.] Learn to play or improve your game. All ages welcome. Location: Laurel Library, 507 Seventh Street, Laurel. Web site: eaglechessacademy.com/

Choose Civility: Using Nonviolent Communication to Transform Relationships, July 25, 1:00 p.m. at East Columbia Branch Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Learn the basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a simple yet powerful skill set that can transform your relationships. NVC shows you how to move beyond judgment to find common ground in your personal and professional life. Call 410-313-7700 Credit: Choose Civility web site www.choosecivility.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=90

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

Crown of Laurel Toastmasters Club 77 - First and third Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., at Boys and Girls Club, 324 Montgomery Street, Laurel. Web site: www.coltm.com

50 Plus Expo, October 16, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Lane, Columbia. Volunteer, exhibitor, and sponsorship opportunities. Benefit auction. For details and contact information www.howardcountymd.gov/OA/50+expo.htm

[Photo Credit: David Siqueira | stock.xchng stock photos]

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. To view an interactive calendar of current and upcoming events and support groups click www.hospicechesapeake.org/events-calendar/

Hospice of the Chesapeake, October 3, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. "Volunteer Information Day" is an open house at their Landover office [8724 Jericho City Drive] where participants can learn about volunteer opportunities in patient care and bereavement support, general office duties, special events and community outreach. Hospice staff will be available to explain the positions and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served. Call Julie Medlin, coordinator for volunteer services, at 301-423-1806 or e-mail jmedlin@hospicechesapeake.org

Howard County General Hospital Community Health Fair, July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine) at Howard County General Hospital, 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia. FREE. No pre-registration. Join the Howard County General Hospital as they celebrate the opening of the new Patient Pavilion with a health fair in the hospital parking lot. Learn proper hand-washing techniques and get healthy educational information from local non-profit organizations. Activities include:

Smoking cessation
Arthritis screening
Blood pressure screening
Skin analyzer
Diabetes foot screening
Stroke screening
Colorectal screening
Asthma screening
Games for kids and adults
Clowns, balloon shapes and face painting

Also, visit with Howard County Fire and Rescue and have your child fingerprinted, courtesy of the Howard County Police Department. Scheduled performances: Indian Dance by the Natyabhoomi School of Dance, Kangaroo Kids, and Zumba with Chloe Gandy. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and enjoy the information booths, screenings, entertainment and refreshments. Call 410-740-7810 for more information.

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 - upcoming events:

• August 6, 7:00 p.m. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane with Elizabeth Leight. Elizabeth has been the Russett/Maryland City/Laurel neighborhood correspondent for the West County Gazette for 10 years. View photos and other memorabilia at the Maryland City at Russett Library, 3501 Russett Green, Laurel. Event sponsored by the library and LHS. Call 301-725-2390.
• September 10 - Separate But Equal Has No Place: A Maryland Humanities Council sponsored lecture.

---

• August 19, 7:00 p.m., first meeting of the LHS Book Club! Future meetings are on the third Wednesday of every month at 817 Main Street, Laurel. Group will discuss This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, editors Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, 2007. Light refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring your dinner. Call 301-725-7975 or e-mail info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org
• September 16, 7:00 p.m. Group will discuss America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines by author Gail Collins, 2003.

---

• November 8 - Eat Here: A Taste of Laurel
• December 4-6 - Holiday Open House at the Laurel Museum
• December 12 - Bi-Annual House Tour

LHS Web site: www.laurelhistory.org/

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 or visit their web site www.laurelhistory.org/

Montpelier Mansion, July 19 and August 2, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Family Fun Days. Non-perishable food items accepted for donation to local food banks. These were such a hit in 2008, we’re doing them again! Come explore the grounds of Montpelier, play games, do a craft, dress up in old-fashioned clothes, and take a tour. A nice way to spend a summer evening. Families are welcome to have a picnic dinner on the grounds but please have a rain plan since there are no inside eating facilities. FREE! No reservations required [Credit: Montpelier Mansion web site]

Patuxent Research Refuge

[Credit: Jennifer Hill, Patuxent Research Refuge, June 1, 2009]
Please take note that we will be having "Twilight Tuesdays" at both the North and South Tracts for the months of June, July and August. If you haven't experienced the refuge during twilight hours, you must make a point to do so. The sounds and calmness of the evenings are wonderful. ONLY On Twilight Tuesdays will the grounds be open until 7:30 pm and dates are as follows:
North Tract - July 7, August 4
Visitor Center - July 14, August 11

JULY PROGRAMS
Programs are FREE (except where noted) but do REQUIRE advance registration by calling 301-497-5887. If you have any questions regarding programs, hours of operation, etc. please call us. Reservations are not accepted via email. Please advise us of any special needs in advance so that we may accommodate you. Donations to the Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated.

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

• Wildflower Wanders! Sunday, July 12, 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., All Ages. Discover the role that wildflowers play in the ecosystem and learn to identify some common species on this guided walk. Field guide, water, and hat recommended.
• Butterflies: Nature’s Festival of Colours, Saturday, July 18, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Ages 10+. Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 2.5 mile hike. Field guide recommended. Bring water and dress for the outdoors.
• Herp Search, Saturday, July 18, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., All Ages. Join a refuge naturalist on this guided search for reptiles and amphibians. Wear good walking shoes!
• Night Hike, Saturday, July 18, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., All Ages. Discover the nighttime world of the refuge as you look and listen for owls, frogs, and other nocturnal animals on this guided walk.
• Bird Walk, Sunday, July 19, 8:15 to 10:00 a.m., All Ages. Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike. Field guides and binoculars are recommended.
• Weed Warriors! Wednesday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Ages 13+. Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them! Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

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.

• Weed Warriors! Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Ages 13+. Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them! Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).
• Nature Tots: In the Treetop, Monday, July 13, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. & 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Ages 3-4. It is summer and our Refuge trees are bustling with activity! Introduce your toddler to the many animals that make their homes in trees through stories and a nature hike.
• Twilight Tram Tours, Tuesday, July 14, 7:15 to 8:00 p.m., All Ages. Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour through the habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge on an all electric, open-air tram. View wildlife and their habitats while discovering the story of how the land has changed over time and how Patuxent is managing habitats for wildlife. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors over 55, and $2 for children under 12. Please bring exact change. Space is limited.
• Nature Hike, Sunday, July 26, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., Ages 5-7. Explore the woods using your senses in this fun, hands-on program.
• Little Whooper’s Excellent Adventure Puppet Show, Tuesday, July 28, 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. All Ages Welcome! NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY. Join us on this excellent adventure to watch life unfold for Little Whooper.

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 July 13. No registration required.
• Starting and Financing A Small Business, August 8, Noon. This essential workshop covers several topics, including registering a small business with the state of Maryland and the IRS, and financing. Presented by Tonia McCoy of the Small Business Administration.

Teen Challenge Thrift Store - The thrift store sells gently used and new quality clothes and household items. All proceeds are used to help people at the Teen Challenge residential housing facility and also for its extended services programs. Location: 13819 Baltimore Ave [U.S. Route 1 - across from the Laurel Lakes shopping center in Laurel.] Web site: teenchallengeusa.com/maryland/

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