Holiday greetings to all our South Laurel/Montpelier residents. To help get in the mood, holiday tours are scheduled for Montpelier Mansion through Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily except for Wednesdays when the mansion is closed. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Colonial-era rooms beautifully decorated by local garden clubs with all natural materials. While there, visit the Ornament Emporium to sample the handmade ornaments available for purchase. There is no fee to visit the emporium, but there is a charge for the tours. Call 301-377-7817 for more information.
A good way to beat holiday stress is by listening to beautiful music while enjoying a friendly gathering. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road (Route 197), is hosting a Christmas concert featuring carols and anthems for choirs, orchestra, organ and handbells, and sing along carols, on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 3 and 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow both concerts. The concerts are free. but we are asked to bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the Elizabeth House soup kitchen in Laurel. For more information, please call 301-776-7670.
Do you have a future soccer star in your home? The Greater Laurel Soccer Club currently has two programs open for boys and girls. Participation in these programs provides companionship, activities and fun. Go to glusc.com for more information. May be a good way to have a healthy and happy start in 2016.
Deerfield Run Community Center hosts holiday break camps and extended care during the holiday school break. Programs are for children ages 5-12. Registration is through SmartLink. Also at Deerfield, after-school study skills groups meet during January, and basketball skills classes run from Jan. 9-27. Call 301-953-8772 for more information.