Holiday greetings to all! There are many events in our community in the next few weeks to put us in a festive mood. On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Montpelier Arts Center is holding the annual Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be the opportunity to meet resident artists, try some hands-on art work while listening to cheerful holiday tunes and purchase some original pottery for those on your gift list. Refreshments will also be provided. Admission to the Open House is free. There are currently two free exhibitions at the center: the annual Patuxent Art League Juried Exhibition runs from Dec. 7 through 31, with an artists' reception on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m.This exhibition features drawing, photography, sculpture and painting submitted by artists age 18 and over who live in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.Come see if your "ranking" of the work on display agrees with that of the judge.At the same time, there is the opportunity to view work by the center's resident artists in their annual Holiday Group Show, running through Dec 31. Also on exhibit is the Growing Dilemma, sculpture by Megan Van Wagoner.This artist uses materials such as steel, cast iron, clay and blown glass to portray changes in the cultural views regarding food, land and agriculture.This display continues through Dec. 28.
Young and not-so-young will enjoy a "Frozen" sing-a-long movie at Montpelier Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. Try your vocal talents while watching this popular Disney film on the screen.As "Let It Go" has become the theme song of this hit movie, perhaps we can "let go" of the cares of 2014 while having a fun holiday time. Admission is free.
For a perfect holiday concert, on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at the arts center, tune into the a cappella harmonies of The Capital Hearings. Make your spirits bright with this program of seasonal favorites, vocal jazz and contemporary arrangements, a repertoire ranging from Renaissance to modern. Tickets for this perfect holiday concert are available for $15 by calling the center at 301-377-7800.
Children of all ages visit with Santa and his friends and enjoy the Bob Brown Puppet's performance of "The Magic Toy Shop" at the Deerfield Run Community Center on Sunday. Dec. 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. This annual event is sponsored by the South Laurel Recreation Council.No tickets or reservations are required, just bring your list to share with Santa.
Unfortunately, not everyone is imbued with the proper holiday spirit.Phone scams are prevalent, particularly at this time of year.Many involve asking you to pay a small fee on your credit or debit card, which is scanned and then the card number is used to steal your ID, make fraudulent purchases, loans or worse. Check out various types of scams in circulation now by viewing the "fraud and scams" section on snopes.com. Let's not allow these fraudsters to ruin our happy holiday moments.