The arrival of real winter weather last weekend may have excited the snow freaks among us, but for most others the icy blast triggered a strong desire to flee to the warmth of some far-off tropical paradise.
Maybe a lucky few escaped to a distant land of sand and sun, but, unfortunately, the vast majority were forced to confront the elements, and the reality that winter has finally arrived.
Despite the snow and bitter cold, some relief may be only a few weeks away. If you can't go to paradise, let paradise come to you by making plans to attend "Hot Tropical Nights," a dinner and dance extravaganza sponsored by the Howard County Sexual Assault Center, Inc.
On Feb. 25 at 8 p.m., the Spear Center in the Rouse Company Building in Columbia's Town Center will be transformed into a tropical paradise. Hot Tropical Nights comes complete with a lavish buffet dinner, the food and beverages provided by some of Howard County's favorite restaurants and caterers, and music by Jr. Cline and the Recliners.
There will also be a silent auction and some great door prizes.
Admission is $35 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Information: 290-6432.
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Another event featuring good music and food is the Play-a-Thon and Silent Auction fund-raiser for the combined Wilde Lake/Oakland Mills high school orchestras, to be held at Wilde Lake at River Hill Feb. 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event is open to the public and will feature continuous performances by orchestra members playing all kinds of music.
Admission is free, but donations or sponsorship of individual performers would be appreciated.
Food and refreshments will be available.
In addition to the Play-a-Thon, the fund-raiser will feature the First Annual Silent Auction. Items for auction will be on display, and silent bids will be accepted.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the spring trip and general orchestra fund.
For more information, or to sponsor a musician and receive a copy of the silent auction booklet, call Laurie Meeder, orchestra director, at 313-6965 and leave a message.
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Winners of the 2nd Annual Ford Motor Credit "Credit Drives America" Essay and Poster Contest were announced at an awards banquet Jan. 12 at Turf Valley Country Club.
Winners for best poster were: Tim Baran of the Howard County School of Technology, first place; and Joanna Bush of Wilde Lake High School at River Hill, second place.
Winners for best essays were: Christopher Schob of Mount Hebron High School, first place; Kihara Dorsey of Hammond High School, second place; and Lena Mummert of Howard High School, third place.
Each winner received a U.S. Savings bond and a gift certificate.
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Howard County schools offer extensive band and orchestra programs. Beginning in elementary school, children are presented with the opportunity to learn on their choice of musical instrument.
Stringed instruments are a favorite among elementary students, and the very best string students have been chosen to perform with the 1994-1995 Howard County Elementary Enrichment Orchestra.
Nine West Columbia students have been selected to perform with the 58-member orchestra.
From Clemens Crossing Elementary School they are: violinists Megan Bevill, Jebb Chen, Stephen Tung and Vanessa Wachira.
And from Swansfield Elementary School they are: cellists Elizabeth Cowan, Briana Fanzone and Sarah Thompson and violinists Michael Fu and Kate Mukhina.