Wintery mix; wind chill advisory; winter storm warning — are you as tired of all this as I am? I was just looking at the weather page when one of those annoying pop-ups actually interested me — Costa Rica beckoned. I've never been and would like to go, but I'm not sure it will be in time to cure me of this winter's blahs.
But, I know something else to look forward to that brings on the sunshine — the Ellicott City Spring Fest. This year it will be held on April 25 from noon to 7:30 p.m. in the historic district.
Surely it will be warmer by then! This is something nice to think about while you are shoveling.
Evening in the Stacks
The Howard County Library's annual bash is almost upon us. On Saturday, Feb. 28, the library is pulling out all of the stops for a Black Ties/ White Diamonds gala evening held at the Miller Library.
The event celebrates the 75th anniversary of our award-winning library system, with celebrity bartenders serving up their special concoctions, dancing and an auction. Tickets are $140.
For more information, call 410-715-9545. The library is also commemorating this milestone anniversary with special edition library cards featuring photos of all of the branch libraries. These are available for current and new users as well, so get yours soon.
At the Historical Society
The Howard County Historical Society continues its lunchtime lecture series on Friday, March 6, with a talk about "The National Road" presented by Virginia Frank. Doors to the museum in the former Presbyterian Church on Court Avenue open at 11:30 a.m., with the lecture beginning at 1 p.m. Bring your own lunch, and beverages and a treat will be provided. After the lecture, tours of the museum will be available. The cost is $5.
On Saturday, March 14, the Society is presenting a Big Band Concert featuring "Ain't Misbehavin" at the museum at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information about these events, call 410-480-3250, or go to http://www.hchsmd.org.
Also, don't forget about the Society's 50th anniversary celebration community cookbook, "Let's Dish." This is a wonderful little fundraiser cookbook filled with interesting recipes and stories. It's available at the Society's space on the second floor of the Miller Library, at the museum, or on the website.
This cookbook is important because it helps preserve some old recipes that could be forgotten, and includes some soon-to-be-classic new ones too.
At Banneker Park
Banneker Park in Oella is having some interesting programs in the next week. They have three scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28.
At 10 a.m., it's a moss workshop. At 1 p.m., the presentation is "Plan Bee," where you can learn about native bees and how to get your garden ready to welcome bees in the nice weather. Later, at 7 p.m., you can learn about "Meteorites: Rocks from Space."
The following week, on Friday, March 6, it's a "Star Party" starting at 7 p.m. For more information about any of these events, call 410-887-1081.
Winter Market
Don't forget that the Winter Market continues behind Tonge Row every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warm yourself up with a nice loaf of crusty bread fresh from the oven, or one of Nate's signature pizzas. There really are some warm spots in our cool, cool town.
Maybe soon we will see the first crocus poking through the snow and know that spring is finally on the way. In the meantime, bundle up and stay warm.