RACKING YOUR BRAIN for the perfect gift to surprise the person who seems to have just about everything?
Despair no more. The item you're seeking could be waiting for your bid at the first-ever Celebrity, Faculty and Business Auction at Piney Ridge Elementary School.
The school's PTA has put together an impressive list of items for auction on Saturday. Some unique celebrity items will be up on the auction block.
A "M*A*S*H" script autographed by Alan Alda, and a signed doodle of Carol Burnett's famous Cleaning Lady character are two exciting items up for bid.
Signed photos will be auctioned. The sports scene will be represented by Andre Agassi, Floyd Patterson, Bobby Unser and others. Orioles' memorabilia will also be available.
Famous Hollywood faces such as Richard Dean Anderson, James Earl Jones, Robert Redford, Bob Hope, Eddie Murphy, Tim Allen, Kevin Costner, Christian Slater, Candice Bergen, Cindy Crawford and many others can be yours for the highest bid.
Local businesses have supported the PTA's efforts by donating gift certificates for products and services. Many restaurants and food stores are represented, along with services such as dry cleaning, manicures, haircuts, eye care and landscaping.
Parents and teachers at Piney Ridge have also given freely of their time and talents with lunch dates, trips to family amusements, pizza parties and handmade craft items.
The event will begin with a silent auction and browsing from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The live auction will begin shortly after 7 p.m. and will continue until all items have been auctioned. Bob and Ro Pickholtz of Relish Lane Auctioneers will be conducting the auction.
Admission to the event is $5 for two people. All proceeds from the auction will be used by the PTA to support family and student related activities at the school. Piney Ridge Elementary is at 6315 Freedom Avenue. Information: 549-1405.
Lions help others
The Freedom District Lions Club is now taking orders for pink grapefruit and navel oranges. Delivery of the fruit from the Indian River area of Florida will be Dec. 9. The price of the fruit is $10 per box -- grapefruit, oranges or a mix of the two.
The sale of the citrus fruit is one the organization's major fund raisers with all net proceeds going toward the club's many charitable programs.
The Freedom District Lions and Lioness Clubs recent Candy Days was a success, raising over $1,040. The funds will go directly to the Lions Vision Research Foundation at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The club will accept orders through Nov. 22. Information: 795-0295.
The Lions and the Lioness clubs celebrated special events on Nov. 8. The Lions recognized its 49th Charter Night while the Lioness club held its 11th Certification Night.
Holiday bazaars abound
Since the calendar still reads November, it's not quite time for what I call panic shopping. It is, however, the perfect time to get started on that holiday gift list.
This weekend seems to be the most popular time for craft shows and bazaars in the southern end of the county. You could follow my sister and I as we make our traditional rounds of the following events:
The Instrumental Band Boosters at Liberty High School is sponsoring its annual Pre-Holiday Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the school on Bartholow Road in Eldersburg.
This huge event features more than 150 vendors from Carroll and the surrounding area. Free parking and admission. Information: 795-6855.
Wesley-Freedom United Methodist Church has planned its annual Christmas Bazaar for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is well known for its handmade wood crafts and holiday greenery. New items for sale this year include gingerbread people and Santas, an Accessory Boutique and the Country Menagerie.
The Yuletide Cafe will open at 9 a.m. and will tempt shoppers with homemade goodies of all kinds. A fried oyster and barbecue luncheon will be served beginning at 11 a.m.
Members of the church's choirs will sing carols and lead a hymn sing at various times throughout the day. The handbell choir will perform in the sanctuary.
The church is at 961 Johnsville Road. Information: 795-2777.
You can also visit the Country Holiday Craft Fair at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2205 Old Liberty Road.
There you'll find an assortment of crafts, including Victorian, trim-a-tree items, dried flowers, baked goods, stained-glass sun catchers and more. Lunch will be available. Information: 795-6333.
Sherry Graham's Southeast Carroll neighborhood column appears each Tuesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.