Ellicott City resident Gabrielle "Gaby" Stratmann's journey with Irish dance began in 2006 and has taken her around the world for competitions. Recently, the 14-year-old won first place in her age group at the Southern Region Title for Irish Dance in Orlando, Fla., where over 100 of the best Irish dancers from 14 states, the District of Columbia and Mexico competed.
Her Southern Region Title comes on the heels of Gaby's wins in 2013 and 2014 placing second and third, respectively, for Irish Dance in North America.
Locally, Gaby dances with the Teelin School of Irish Dance company in Columbia, where her mother Shawn Stratmann is a certified An Coimisiun Irish Dance teacher. Last week, Gaby performed with the dance company in the annual show at the Weinberg in Frederick.
Next up for this ninth grader at Mount de Sales Academy is competing in the April World Championship Competition in Montreal Canada — her fifth time at the competition. Good luck, Gaby.
Looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday, March 17? Ellicott City's boasts two great Irish pubs and restaurants, Shannon's and Kelsey's, on Route 40. Several restaurants in the historic district will also be celebatring St. Paddy's with live music and specials includingthe Diamondback tavern and the Judge's Bench.
Calling all pre-school age truck and bike fans and their families. Clarlen Nursery School is hosting its annual Wheely Fun Day on Friday, March 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. Located in Bethany United Methodist Church back parking lot, this free family event open to the public includes vehicles of all sizes and varieties on display.
In the past, the Wheely Fun Day has exhibited a fire engine, school bus, police car, cement mixer, an FBI Hazmat vehicle, a roll-back truck, a BG&E bucket truck, bikes and trikes — anything and everything with wheels. For more information call the school office at 410-465-7405 or go to Clarlen Nursery School on Facebook.
It's opening weekend for Mount Hebron High School's spring musical "Hello, Dolly!" this Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m., followed by three additional 7 p.m. performances on Thursday, March 19, Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.
Under the direction of Tom Sankey, this wonderful family show includes 83 cast members, a 30-member live orchestra and a 30-member technical crew.Senior Carly Wakefield plays the title role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, whose purpose in life is to matchcouples for matrimony.
Based on Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker," the play was transformed into an award-winning Broadway blockbuster 50 years ago that made its star, Carol Channing, a household name.
Featured performers includes seniors Cole Watts (Horace) and Naomi Abamkwah (Irene), Ali Tschirgi and Kendall Grove (shared role of Minnie), sophomore Kevin Nolan and junior Mike Olson (shared role of Barnaby) and junior Tharen Rice (Cornelius), along with Emma Kate Davis, Gracie Dillon, Tomas Paral, Jake Kempic, Katiana Weems, Ilan Pluznik and Kaeli Tilghman.
The production team consists of senior Zack Stewart (lighting director), Barbara Bogart (costumer), Pete Johnson (set designer), Chris Hettenbach (musical director), Will Marrin (orchestra director) and Amanda Tschirgi (choreographer).
The $10 show tickets may be purchased at Mt. Hebron during school days from 10:15 a.m. until noon andat the door. Or call Mt. Hebron at 410-313-2880 during school hours to make a ticket reservation.