The South River High School athletic department is concentrating some of its efforts during homecoming festivities on recognizing the contribution parents make to a successful athletic program.
Parent appreciation nights have been held for field hockey and for boys' and girls' soccer. The focus will be on volleyball Wednesday, and on cross-country, cheerleading and football Thursday, before the last football game of the season.
That game is against South River's longtime rival, the Southern Bulldogs, with the South Anne Arundel County Championship at stake.
Other homecoming activities include a pep rally at which the homecoming king and queen will be announced, and the homecoming parade at 2:30 p.m. starting at Edgewater Elementary School and proceeding down Mayo Road to South River High School's Papetti Field.
The king and queen will be crowned during halftime at the Thursday evening game and will reign at the homecoming dance Saturday. Dress is semiformal for the dance, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
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Since the first Earth Day several years ago, the observance has gained international respect and effectiveness, in emphasizing man's relationship to nature and ways to improve the environment. Quiet Waters Park will participate in Earth Day next April. A planning meeting for this celebration will take place at the Visitors Center at 10 a.m. Saturday. Individuals and organizations interested in participating can register by calling 222-1777.
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Annapolis High School is sponsoring a College Fair Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Students will have the chance to talk with representatives from colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions. Information on financial aid and Scholastic Aptitude Test requirements also will be available.
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Women new to Annapolis can make friends and learn about the && area at the next Newcomers Club meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Conte Building on Defense Highway.
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"Helping Hand," which has two buildings providing shelter to the homeless and offers food, clothing and referral information to others in need, holds its annual dinner dance at Loew's Hotel on Nov. 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased by next Monday. To order, call 268-9075.
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If you're looking for some fine entertainment Saturday, try the West River Jazz Festival, sponsored by South County Cultural Arts. It's at Our Lady of Sorrows Hall in Owensville from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and it's free.
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For a different kind of Saturday, consider the Citizens Lobbying Course sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Maryland on Nov. 14. The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Legislative Services Building in Annapolis.
Panelists will include senators, delegates and lobbyists. Tomorrow's election offers ample evidence that citizens are concerned about the status quo. Perhaps we'd all be well advised to find out how we can make a difference beyond the ballot box. For further information on the lobbying course or to register, call 269-0232.
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The Deale Elks Lodge is sponsoring a Drug Awareness Night at 7 p.m. Saturday. There will be refreshments, police displays and a chance to meet Orioles catcher Jeff Tackett, who will be the guest speaker.
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The Writers' Association of Anne Arundel County meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Severn Town Room (101) at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.
Meetings feature guest speakers who are writers or deal with the business of writing; readings of association members' works are occasionally offered. The association also promotes critique groups, focusing on one style or genre of writing, which provide immediate responses to works in progress.
Pen in Hand, the bimonthly publication of the association, contains announcements of local and state literary events and contests, speaker reviews and notices of members' accomplishments, as well as their short stories, poetry and essays.
Annual membership dues are $20, which includes monthly (except July and August) meetings and Pen in Hand. Non-members are welcome at the meetings for a $3 fee. The next meeting is Nov. 10. For more information, call Kevin M. Schaeffer at 269-6600 or 263-3631.
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Maryland Center for the Performing Arts will present "Pinocchio" as part of the children's performing arts series on Nov. 14, instead of "Heidi" as previously announced. Designed for ages 5-12, the 11 a.m. performance by Theatricks has been underwritten by Nationwide Insurance.
Reserved seats are $5 for Maryland Hall members and $6 for non-members. A discount is available for groups of 10 or more. For information or to charge tickets, call 263-5019.