Can you hear the siren? Do you see the lights? Santa's sleigh is a fire engine as the jolly elf comes to the Fifth District Fire Station in Clarksville on Dec. 13. He'll welcome children to sit with him by the Christmas tree in the engine bay on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All are invited to come enjoy pizza, drinks, cookies and cupcakes while creating lasting memories. The cost is $6 for ages 6 and over. It's free for ages 5 and under.
Members of the Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department appreciate your support and look forward to sharing this fun event with you.
Bark, in the Clarksville Square shopping center near Roots Market, is offering pet photos with Santa on Dec. 13 and 14. Your $10 payment will benefit Animal Advocates of Howard County and provide you with a 4x6 photo with frame.
Dec. 14 is Benefit Day at Great Sage (same shopping center). Ten percent of sales will go to the Humane Society of the United States.
Dec. 13 and 14 will be your last opportunity to purchase a Christmas tree from Atholton Athletic Boosters. The holiday sale is held at the Atholton High School baseball field Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They have Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir trees. All proceeds benefit Atholton athletic teams.
Be sure to look for neighbors Brooke Fox, Maura Kilcoyne, Anna Sretinski, Nora Sussman, Tiffany Wang and Taylor Younkins skating in the "Nutcracker on Ice." This annual performance presented by the Columbia Figure Skating Club is a highlight of the season for people of all ages. Every year seems better than the one before. The club has been presenting "Nutcracker on Ice" for over 25 years. There's nothing else like it in the Baltimore/Washington area.
For tickets and information, go to http://www.columbiafsc.com.
Members of the Howard County Cat Club and a special guest will be happy to wrap your gifts at Barnes & Noble in Ellicott City on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Cat Club will also hold a sale at Clippers Canine Cafe in Savage Mill on Dec. 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. They offer a wide variety of T-shirts and handmade jewelry for sale. These are great gift items for your cat-loving friends or for your own personal treat.
If you're going to be busy elsewhere on Dec. 20, don't worry. T-shirts can be ordered online at http://www.howardcountycats.org/store/c1/Featured_Products.html.
For answers to your cat questions, call Alex Kramer at 410-489-2612.
December birthdays seem to be lightly skipped over frequently, but I don't want to forget a great neighbor whose special day is Dec. 15. Happy birthday, Charlie Higgs. Best wishes for many more healthy, happy years.
In all the hustle and bustle, what can we eat that's quick and kids-friendly? You might consider stopping at Chick-Fil-A on Johns Hopkins Road Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., for RHHS Spirit Night. The River Hill Boosters will receive a portion of proceeds to support student activities. You can check the calendar at http://www.riverhill.org to find other dates for Spirit Nights.
Pointers Run Elementary will present a winter concert at River Hill High on Dec. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.