"Downton Abbey" is a popular British television drama show that premiered in the United States on the Public Broadcasting Service in 2011. Set in the early 1900s, the program depicts the life of the well-to-do Crawley family and servants.
Carroll County Public Library has embraced the popularity of this show, holding special "teas" at many branches over the past year to bring "Downton Abbey" fans together. The North Carroll branch is ready to host one of its own, teaming up with Karen Knoch, owner of Linens & Lace Tea Room in Hampstead.
"Other branches have done it in the past and I'm a big, huge fan so I wanted to do it here. I wanted to bring in our local businesses and [Knoch] is a 'Downton Abbey' fan as well so she really got into it," said Heather Owings, adult services supervisor for the North Carroll branch.
Owings said the branch has always done American Girl teas in the past, geared toward girls ages 7 to 10. "This is our first adult tea," Owings said. "We're branching out a little."
The Downton Abbey Tea will take place at the library, 2255 Hanover Pike, Greenmount, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Enjoy an evening of tea, treats and trivia with other "Downton Abbey" enthusiasts.
Refreshments will be provided by Linens & Lace Tea Room, and Knoch will share her knowledge of tea traditions.
Owings said that dressing for tea is encouraged, with hats, gloves or any other finery you might have.
This free event is for adults.
Registration is required and can be done by calling the branch at 410-386-4480 or going online to library.carr.org.
If registration for this tea is full, don't despair. Owings said that Knoch is willing to hold another Downton Abbey Tea at the library in the spring.
Annual auction
Boy Scout Troop 380 will have its 28th Annual Auction March 1 at Snyder's Auction House, 4112 E. Mott Ave., Hampstead.
The tradition continues thanks to the generosity of Wendy and Louis Bentley, of Snyder's Auction House, who donate their time and building to the troop.
The bidding will begin at 10 a.m. on an assortment of items such as gift certificates from local businesses, household items, knickknacks, tools and furniture.
Light lunch items, refreshments and homemade desserts will be available throughout the day.
Proceeds help the Scouts raise the funds needed to attend summer camp, go camping and fishing, and take hiking trips, as well as give back to the community by adopting a family during the holidays.
For additional information about the auction, call Hugh Jackson, auction chair, at 410-374-8102.
Boy Scout Troop 380, which is sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church, 3239 Carrollton Road, Hampstead, meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Visit http://www.bsatroop380.webs.com for additional information about the troop.
