Mount View Middle School robotics team coaches Don Hester and Tom Underwood spend each Saturday with their students in preparation for the First Lego League Robotics Competition. On Jan. 17, the Mount View Middle eighth grade students who make up the team dubbed "Food For Thought" won first place overall during the regional qualifying meet held at Marriotts Ridge High.
The team made up of Hanna Al-Kowsi, Parker Brown, Josh Cooksey, Amaris Hester, Samantha Ichniowski and John Underwood will go on to compete at the state tournament on Feb. 28.
The winning word was "palliative" during the Mount View Middle School spelling bee on Jan.28. Sixth grade student Diya Amlani spelled the word correctly and, in doing so, will represent her school at the Howard County spelling bee on March 13.
Mount View Middle eighth grade student Samantha Ichniowski placed second in the competition. Mount View technology teacher Susan Mako served as the announcer for the bee while Mount View English teacher Theresa Bollard and retired West Friendship Elementary teacher Peggy Dash acted as the judges. Congratulations, students.
The kitchen crew is busy over at St. James United Methodist Church. The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is set for Feb. 17, 5-7 p.m., with a menu that includes pancakes, sausage patties, baked apples, homemade sausage gravy, biscuits and beverages.
The proceeds from this annual dinner benefit the programs of the youth group's Camp Hope mission. No admission for this lenten supper, but free will offerings gratefully accepted. St. James is at 12470 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) in Marriottsville.
Organizing the kitchen cupboards? During the month of February, the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is collecting canned vegetables and fruits, canned soup, pasta and sauces and cereal for a local food pantry. Donations are heartily and gratefully accepted. Canned and boxed goods may be dropped off at the front entrance to Station 3 throughout the month.
If it's February, then it's time for the annual Tot Swap Consignment event at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Over 300 vendors are selling like new children's items on Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Feb. 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's the place for savvy shoppers. Questions? Go to http://www.totswap.net to check out all the details.
The groundhog didn't see his shadow on Feb. 2. Does this mean an early spring? Only Mother Nature knows for certain.