Lori Scott is reminding residents to check your closets and other storage spaces for unused musical instruments. You know who you are. You've had them hidden away for years in some cases.
Howard County Parents for School Music will collect used musical instruments on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mt. Hebron High.
Many musically talented students, even in affluent Howard County, are unable to afford instruments to persue their interest. Why not donate your no-longer used instruments? Your gift is tax deductible. Forms will be available.
Inclement weather can do a number on the best-laid plans. Especially during winter months we need to be alert to possible cancellations and re-scheduling of events. School closing announcements are usually a good clue.
Last month's meeting of the Frederick County Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America had to be canceled because of inclement weather, but the speaker has graciously accepted to speak at the February meeting.
HLAA is scheduled to meet on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Edenton Retirement Community Manor House at 10 a.m. with a social time to follow. Paul Feys, a chapter member, will talk about Belgium and his life as a teenager in Belgium during World War II. You are welcome to come and bring friends interested in the topic.
I know a local family with a nicely shaded front yard that keeps trying to get things to grow in the shade. Have you ever wondered how to grow a colorful garden in a shaded area?
Master Gardener Pat Greenwald will present Color in the Shade at the Savage Library on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Come and learn how to design a colorful shade garden. There will be a discussion of best practices for shade gardening and some plant suggestions along with a sample design showing the application of these suggestions.
You can register online at http://www.hclibrary.org , in person at the library or call 410-313-0760.
Little ones and staff at Hilltop Child Care Center are busy exploring the Outer Limits of Space. They are creating models of our solar system and everyone is so excited to have Cosmic Adventures, a traveling planetarium coming to visit with an up close look at our stars and planets.
The weather outside may be frightfully cold, but Hilltop staffers are having warm thoughts of summer and making plans for the summer program. The theme will be "Around the World" with travel to explore cultures through art, music, literature and science, including food. There are also planned local trips to the Columbia Gym at no added cost.
Hilltop will host an Open House on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until noon. If you have a child that will be preschool age (2 1/2-5 years old) and toilet trained by the start of the summer or fall program, consider a visit. Teachers will be available to introduce themselves. There will be crafts and activities. Registration will be open.
To learn more go to http://www.HilltopChildCareCenter.com or call 443-535-8505.
This is the last call to participate in the sevebth annual Marriage Enrichment Seminar sponsored by Linden-Linthicum and Mt. Zion United Methodist churches, Triadelphia and New Hope Seventh-day Adventist churches and Maranatha Adventist Fellowship at the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City Feb. 6-8. Christian conciliators Rick and Annette Friesen will be speaking. Whenever two people are put together, there are always differences. This should be an interesting and helpful weekend.