We took the family to Howard County General's Symphony of Lights display. Wow! It was utterly enchanting. I won't tell what all the displays were, because it ruins the surprise, but I can mention that it took longer to get through than I'd anticipated. It's a much bigger display than it appears from the roads.
It brought back memories of childhood in the city. We lived in Philadelphia, and one of the holiday traditions was to go look at the lights. There were three great places to go: Wanamaker's department store, South Philadelphia and the hairdresser north of us.
The department store had an eight-story display of moving lights and water fountains on one wall of the inner courtyard. It lasted 15 minutes and was repeated hourly. Everybody went to see it, and they generally bought something there.
South Philly was the Italian section, where for blocks on end, residents strung lights over the street from rowhouse to rowhouse. It was magical.
The hairdresser had a triple lot, time and money. She turned her side yard into a wonderland of Santas, nativity scenes, reindeer and candy canes: Nirvana as a child sees it.
We've never seen that here in the suburbs, until now. The main commercial enterprises have headquarters too far away to invest in a community's pleasure. The townhouse developments are too young to be a community yet, in the cohesive fashion of the old Italian neighborhoods. We all still move too often. And, I fear, local real estate covenants and the taste police deter exuberant private displays.
But all that's changed now, with the hospital's display. There's -- exuberance and schmaltz and delight for us all. But it is odd that we could only have such a display for the righteous cause of charity. And that it costs $12 to get in.
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The Savage branch of the Howard County library presents "Time for Us," a five-week story and activity series for 2-year-olds and a parent.
Registration opens Dec. 28, but I'm mentioning it now because many of us have a lot to do the last week in December and early scheduling makes it possible to get baby sitters for the siblings of the 2-year-olds. The registered child must be 2 years old by Jan. 9 to attend.
Please don't bring other children to the sessions because the parent will be very active in the presentation. Register by phone beginning Dec. 28 by calling 410-880-5978.
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Members of the First Baptist Church of Guilford claim to have a very light schedule this month. I beg to differ. Members of the church school have been rehearsing for the recitals and plays they will perform Dec. 18 at 9:15 a.m. in the main sanctuary. Deacon Martin Rayner directs this Christmas-theme program.
Scholarship committee chairman Robbie Greer and members of the committee sponsor the annual senior citizen Christmas dinner at the Dora Mack Carter Center. It's a change from the committee's more scholarly concerns.
The church also holds an unusual service on Dec. 31, called a Watch Night service. The congregation brings in the New Year with testimony, singing and services, then disperses with good wishes to begin the New Year. The service begins at 10 p.m.
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Hammond High School hosts a winter concert Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature performances by the school's wind ensemble, concert band, night choir, madrigal singers, jazz ensemble and jazz combo.
Every one of these musical group has won awards in the past year. Best of all, this winter concert is the Hammond music
department's gift to the community: It is free.
According to Tod Nessel, an assistant to Music Director Ron Bowman, the jazz combo is available for private parties. The music department also sells delicious Florida grapefruit and oranges. Pick up an order form at the school or call the music department at 410-313-7624 for an order form. Call at the same number for more details about the concert or to hire the jazz combo.