I like to step out during February to curb the winter blues. Last weekend I stepped out with my film-buff son Nathan to check out "Blue Sky," which was playing at Historic Ellicott City's Ellicott Theater.
The theater and I go way back.
My daughter Brigid was a member of Betty May's troupe "Kids Onstage," which disbanded several years back.
Then, my son Sam liked to check out the baseball cards in the novelty store in the theater. But I hadn't seen the building since its renovation by Jill Porter, who now runs Ellicott Theater.
The lobby is painted deep blue with silver accents. Behind the concession stand is an espresso bar, where people queue up before the film for cappuccino, latte and popcorn.
The theater has been transformed from a children's haunt to an art movie house that appeals to adults. The building, built to be a movie house in 1941, again is showing movies after a hiatus of almost 30 years.
Ellicott City once again has its own movie theater.
Ms. Porter, a lobbyist for 25 years, burned out on the profession and decided to open a business, a movie theater to follow her passion for the cinema.
A native of the Eastern Shore, but a city girl at heart, she was happy living in Baltimore when she investigated the little art deco theater at Main Street and Old Columbia Pike.
"I knew when I walked in that this was it," she said. "It was small, cozy and cocoon-like. The theater seats only 124. This is the way movies should be seen."
Since the theater reopened in December, films have ranged from "Four Weddings and a Funeral" to "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" to "Heavenly Creatures."
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Cub Scout Pack 874 was in a camping mood Jan. 6-8 at Broad Creek Scout Camp.
The Wolves made a birdhouse, learned tool names and worked on their environmental achievement.
Rick Alexander led them on a bird hike to identify birds and to introduce the boys to duck calls.
Also, each Wolf worked on his "Tie It Right" and "Game" pins to earn his first gold arrow.
Webelos used their leadership skills and talents to help the Wolf and Bear groups in skits and sing-alongs in meetings held Saturday with the help of leader Terry Pfaff.
The entire group hiked the Broad Creek area led by adult leader George Farmer.
The scouts attending were Travis Kulp, Nick Kulp, Kevin Quinn, Mike Knapp, Marc De Guzman, Alex Pfaff, George Farmer IV, Jason Bowles, Jeremy Laverdiere, Chris Doyle, Zack Alexander, Chris Hayden, Andrew Kupchock, Stephen Czabaranek, Chris Peters and Timmy Fincham.
Guests of the Cubs were Tyler Kulp and Timmy Laverdiere.
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Pack 874's Tiger Cubs have been busy taking field trips to Ellicott City's firehouse, Pizza Hut and to a horse farm.
Meetings have been held on fire safety and bird feeders.
Tiger Cubs include Lucas Anderson, Michael Appel, Brad Fowler, Ross Harvey, Joey Hichar, Ryan Hossick, David Martinez, Jeremy Ness, Daniel Ryder, Bob Same, Alex Seniura and Jason Vizzini.
Pack 874 is sponsored by Glenmar Methodist Church in Ellicott City, and at age 36, is one of the oldest packs in the county.
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Howard County librarians will present "Town Builders," a program in which children will listen to tales and then create an imaginary town, at Miller Branch Library in recognition of Youth Art Month. The target audience is 8- to 11-year-olds.
The program will run March 1 and 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Attendance at both sessions is required. Registration may be made in person or by phone at 313-1955.
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Miller Branch Library will also present "Fractured Fairy Tales," a program of fairy tales told with a twist.
The program, with an audience of 6- to 9-year-olds, will be presented Feb. 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and may be made in person or by phone at 313-1955.
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Northfield Elementary School's Student Government has been holding a T-shirt sale to benefit cancer patient Tracey Carroll, a parent at the school.
The children set a goal of giving her $3,300, but the sale netted more than $7,500, all of which goes to Ms. Carroll for her medical bills.
The check was presented to Ms. Carroll at an assembly Friday, National Kindness Day.