As I walked to the mailbox the other morning, I startled a bevy of birds pecking in a patch of dark, moist earth.
Were these the fat fellows I'd been feeding under the sheltering evergreens near my back door? The scarlet cardinals, pushy blue jays and sweet-faced doves?
No. When these birds settled back on the branches above my head, I was shocked to see they bore red breasts, the herald of the coming of spring. Who were these robins trying to fool? Not me. However, for the rest of the day, I left my winter hat in the closet.
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If you're not being entertained by premonitions of spring, the students and staff at Severna Park High School have just one thing to say: "Live, from Severna Park, it's Rock and Roll, VI!"
In the tradition of rock 'n' roll legends such as coach Andy Borland and computer instructor Bill Rogers, the sixth annual show of shows goes on at 8 p.m. March 10, 11, 17 and 18, and at 3 p.m. March 12.
One hundred and two performers and crew members, all students and staff, will shake, rattle and roll 37 numbers. All of this is live; not one note of lip-syncing.
The extravaganza is directed by counselor Sam Scalzi, who is assisted by senior Tara Jewett, a local Thespian.
Music is directed by 1993 graduate Chris Doyle. Chris and Scott McCullough direct the stage crew, and Gary Tawes heads the lighting/sound department.
Tickets, disappearing faster than a 45 RPM by Bo Diddley, will be available for $7 beginning Tuesday in the school lobby during lunch at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets also will be sold from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 27.
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The American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop is in the middle of a countdown sale. Clothing will be reduced by an additional 10 percent each day until Saturday, when items will be 75 percent off.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 544-0568.
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E. George Stook, associate professor of business administration at Anne Arundel Community College, has been named 1995 Outstanding Maryland Accounting Teacher. The Severna Park resident received the $1,000 award from the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA).
Living up to his reputation as a dedicated teacher who has made valuable contributions to the accounting and teaching professions, Mr. Stook immediately donated $300 to establish a full scholarship in business and public administration at AACC.
Challenged by his generosity, fellow faculty members have raised enough funds to offer a full merit scholarship beginning this fall.
Since joining AACC in 1983, Mr. Stook has taught 10 different courses and created three new ones: Financial Management, Personal Investment Strategy and Current Investment Topics.
MACPA is a statewide association serving more than 9,500 CPAs in industry, government, private practice and education.
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If the decor in your cabin could use a little boost, attend the Severna Park High School Marching Band art show and auction Feb. 25 at the school.
The event begins at 7 p.m. with a preview of items to be auctioned.
Many opening bids will be in the $50 to $150 range. More expensive work by well-known artists will be sold, too.
The $5 admission includes refreshments. Proceeds will be used to buy and repair instruments and uniforms.
Information: 647-1475.
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The Bereavement Center of Hospice of the Chesapeake offers a support group focusing on perinatal loss due to miscarriage, infant death or stillbirth from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning March 7.
The group will meet for six Tuesdays at Gloria Dei! Lutheran Church on College Parkway in Arnold.
For details, call Betty Asplund at 987-2129 during the workday.