With recent snowfall and chilly temperatures, you may find yourself longing for spring and summer. It may have gone unnoticed that the dark of evening comes a little later with each sunset, and soon mercury in thermometers should begin to rise. It won't be terribly long before we are all complaining about the dreaded heat as the dog days of summer arrive.
During the short, cold, dark days of winter, most Americans put on a little extra weight. Holiday feasts come in rapid succession. We find ourselves venturing out-of-doors only when absolutely necessary. The lack of self-control and a few months of a sedentary lifestyle add up to an expanded waistline.
If you are plotting a course to rid yourself of those pesky pounds, there is an organization that can provide you not only with encouragement, but also other helpful options as you fight the battle of the bulge. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group eager to help people achieve their weight loss goals. T.O.P.S. meetings are Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Pythias Hall, 620 Montgomery St.
According to group leader Mary Bulla Sanchez, "Every meeting includes a sharing of challenges, successes and goals, then we have a short program on health, wellness and/or weight loss topics." If you have interest in joining the group or would like to learn more, call 301-741-2562.
Longtime Old Town resident April Albertine is no stranger to a Destination Imagination Team. Having been a participant during her early scholastic years, she now finds herself tasked with the challenge of coaching a team. Working out of Bethesda's Feynman School, she and her charges have begun a new project: constructing trees out of empty plastic soda containers.
They could use a little help in rounding up 60 or so bottles, of the two-liter variety. If you can help, contact April at april.albertine@gmail.com to arrange for pickup. If you are local, you can simply drop them off in the recycle bins on the porch of the Elden Carnahan home at 327 Montgomery St.
I trust that you had an opportunity to stop by and see the Lost Laurel exhibit while it was on display at the Laurel Museum. That exhibit closed in December, and the staff wasted no time in preparing the next project.
"Ripped from the Headlines, Laurel in the News" opens Sunday, Feb. 8, 1-4 p.m. at the museum. There will be 50 or so informative panels available for your perusal and comment. The new project showcases some of the most compelling news stories in and around the area over the last century. With the success of the previous display, and the buzz about the new opening, this promises to be a well-attended event. Don't miss it!
Ronnie Lee Dudley Sr. celebrated a birthday Jan. 28. Not only is he my baby brother; but indeed one of my best friends. He has been my faithful ally, confidant and constant source of encouragement his entire life.