Fun events in winter weather

Ill-timed snowfalls and bitter cold may have caused delays and early dismissals, but it couldn’t put a damper on the excitement at St. Mary of the Mills School as students, faculty and staff celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2.

The school began the week with an opening Mass on Jan. 28 and then each day celebrated with a fun activity.

There was a middle school spelling bee, which saw sixth-grade student Kristin Milburn emerge v-i-c-t-o-r-i-o-u-s. She will go on to compete in the 92^nd Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

On Jan. 29, students and teachers donned their silliest socks for wacky sock day. That afternoon, teachers and students faced off in an academic challenge that the faculty won.

Then, Jan. 30 brought crazy hat day and an eighth grade versus faculty basketball game, in which the faculty defeated the eighth graders 33-16.

A school spirit day on Jan. 31 included a school-wide service project of making sandwiches for the less fortunate. The second annual Lip Sync Battle featured class performances of hits from the Jackson Five, Pentatonix, Will Smith, the Black Eyed Peas and iconic scenes from “The Sound of Music” and “Annie.”

Finally, everyone sat down together for an all-school breakfast on Feb. 1 followed by a second quarter awards ceremony.

The recent run of beautiful weather has meant lots of neighbors have been out walking and enjoying the sun. A constant complaint from neighbors, however, is that some pet owners are not reliable when it comes to cleaning up after their furry friends. Please do not leave your pet’s waste in a neighbor’s yard or in public spaces. Scooping up just takes a moment, and your neighbors will be very grateful.

Laurel Branch library has children’s story times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The Great Decisions Program, which educates adults about major international issues, is being held at the library on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. through March 27. Upcoming topics include nuclear negotiations, European populism and U.S.-China trade.

The Laurel Museum, 817 Main St., recently launched its 2019 exhibit, “Is There a Doctor in the House? Laurel’s Healthcare Stories.” Not only is that worth a trip, but the museum’s Diven’s Den is a must visit spot for families. This basement is an interactive, STEM-inspired learning space. Kids can dress up in historical clothing, play in an historical kitchen, work on crafts and experiment with science games. Diven’s Den is open during regular museum hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

St. Vincent Pallotti High School will spend a Night in the Emerald Isle at its gala on Saturday, March 16 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the school, 113 St. Mary’s Place. The Irish-themed evening will include food and drinks, live music, a silent and live auction, games and raffles. Tickets are $75 per person before March 1, then rise to $85 per person. Tickets are available online at bidpal.net