Beginning to deck the halls and fill the pantry with delicious holiday treats for your family?
Good for you. But before you continue, take a moment to consider the dozens of county families in serious financial difficulty, some for the first time in their lives.
If you would like to help, but want to be certain where your giftis going, look no further than Severna Park Jaycees.
Last year, the Jaycees provided holiday meals for 160 county families. Many more are in need this year.
A $25 donation provides: a 12-pound turkey,stuffing and gravy mixes, canned corn and green beans, potatoes, celery, carrots and onions, rolls and margarine, fruit pie and a gallon of milk.
The meal, enough to feed five adults, was planned by a home economist from Anne Arundel Community College (AACC).
If $25 istoo much, for $10, you can donate a turkey; for $15, all the trimmings. The Jaycees will gratefully accept any donation.
So the group has time to shop, please respond by Dec. 17. Send your check, payableto Severna Park Jaycees -- Share Christmas, to P.O. Box 524, SevernaPark, 21146.
* Another organization deserving your consideration is the Arundel Hospice Inc., amid its annual fund appeal.
The workof the hospice was praised by the wife of a former patient, who wrote: "Arundel Hospice was wonderful. Hospital equipment, supplies and X-ray units were sent to our home to help in Bill's care. Expert nursing (and) supportive social, pastoral and bereavement counseling was available to both Bill and my entire family. We will remember your loving care and kindness forever."
As a community-based program, the hospice is dependent on donations to supplement money they receive from insurance companies. This year, $70,000 is needed to meet the increasing cost of services.
To help, send your gift to: Arundel Hospice Foundation, 403 Headquarters Drive, Suite 1, Millersville, 21108.
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Last week, Saralyn Caldwell, daughter of David and Jayne Caldwell of Chartwell, rubbed elbows with national leaders as she lunchedon Capital Hill.
A junior at Towson State University majoring in English, Caldwell was on the Hill to speak before the National Advisory Committee for National Bicentennial Competition on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, in behalf of student participants.
The committee is considering whether or not to continue the competition honoring the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Before graduating from Severna Park High School, Caldwell was part of a 20-member team that competed in the nationals against 49 other high schools.
Caldwell wasinvited to speak by former SPHS history teacher John Richardson, nowVice Principal at North County High School in Linthicum.
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While in the middle of holiday preparation next weekend, wouldn't it be nice not to have to stop and fix lunch?
Members of the Severna Park High School Marching Band will deliver freshly prepared submarine sandwiches to your home or local place of business during the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14.
Subs sell for $3; all profits help finance the band's instruments, uniforms and trips.
Orders must be placed by this Sunday. Call 544-0493.
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"Greenways -- Pathways to the Future," a discussion of what greenways are and how they benefit wildlife and provide recreational opportunities, will be presented at 7:30p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Quiet Waters Park.
Learn about parkland acquisition and future plans when Anne Sloan of the Maryland Greenways Program and Wayne Klockner of the Nature Conservatory speak in the park's Blue Heron Center.
For more information, call 222-1777.
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If traveling is in your blood but your bank account is feeling anemic, the Rotary Club of Severna Park has a prescription for you.
At 2 p.m. each Sunday afternoon in February, take a short trip toSeverna Park High School and spend 1 1/2 hours learning about Switzerland, Hawaii, Scotland and Spain.
Like a dose of sunshine during winter's dreariest month, the programs will feature films narrated bytheir photographers, top speakers in the travel film industry.
Each program will include an intermission for refreshments and door prizes.
The $15 season tickets are as flexible as you are. Use them one at a time or bring friends and use them all at once. And what perfect Christmas gifts: reasonably priced and they fit all sizes.
On the last Sunday, there will be a drawing for a $300 gift certificate from Severn Travel.
Tickets may be purchased by check at Severn Travel. For more information, call 647-1074 or 647-8933.
* The Rotary Club also has beautiful poinsettias for delivery in early December.
The plants, at $25 each, are guaranteed to please or you need notaccept them.
To order, contact Roger Carlquist during the day at 268-6606 or evening at 647-8933.
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If your eyes are set on evenfurther destinations, you might enjoy a close-up look at the moon, stars and planets 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at Anne Arundel Community College.
Conducted by the Astronomy Club, this free meeting offers a look through the college observatory telescope.
For information, call 541-2271.
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The Severna Park branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will hold its next meeting 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Benfield Road.
Speaking about "The Annapolis I Remember" project will be Mame Warren, curator of photographs for the Maryland State Archives.
This project was recently awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the American Association of State and Local History.
A frequent lecturer on Maryland's visual heritage, Warren is the author of five books dealing with local history.
Prospective members are welcome. The association is open to anyone who has earned a 4-year college degree.
Information: 757-1729.
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A special winter's evening of entertainment will begin 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, when Severn School presents its annual holiday Revels.
The concert follows a pot-luck dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Under the direction of Eric Van Dervort, the SevernChorale, Madrigal Singers and instrumental ensemble will present traditional Christmas and Hanukkah music.
Three traditional winter tales will be presented by Upper School drama students, including "SnowMaiden," a Russian folktale narrated by senior Erik Kaukonen.
Theevening costs $9 per person and is open to the public.
Reservations are required, so call 544-9427.