THE MUSIC never stops at Montpelier Mansion.
Today and tomorrow, docents from the Friends of Montpelier will conduct candlelight tours of the Colonial-era house.
Outfitted in holiday finery by area garden clubs, the mansion glows as it must have 200 years ago, when the period between Christmas and New Year's Day was the highlight of the social season.
Come enjoy a tour, music by area performers -- a handbell choir from the Parkdale School played there Wednesday -- and light refreshments.
For those romantically inclined, this is a good opportunity to evaluate the Georgian-style house as a possible site for a wedding -- it often is available for rent.
Tours will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Information: 301-953-1376.
Thanks to the docents who volunteer to conduct these tours during the holiday season.
Notable students
The Hammond High School staff has announced Teacher's Choice Awards.
These young people chosen have achieved recognition for their dedication, hard work and general excellence.
Commended were seniors Brandy Boldt, Michael George, Nathan Ricklin, Anika Rub, Patti Shelton, Charles Stokes, Nichole Sugar, Andy Suryo, Fern Turner and Matt Pfeifer.
Juniors so honored include Jessica Brown, Jared Bynum, Paul Carmichael, Amy Hafets and Marisa Lyon.
The sophomores also have their share of notable scholars. Among them are Ben Burnell, Laura Erdman, Ben Fixsen, Greg Jarjes, Gabe Katz, Ryan Loisel, Todd Moyer, Lauren Palmer, Phillip Pinkham, Zeena Rahman and Erin Shinholt.
Although new to the school, freshmen who have sufficiently impressed their teachers to win the award include Allison Carlson, Djalma Gordon, Kendra Graham, Amber Husain, Michelle Kobler, Gary Kuhn, Taj Murphy, Louis Sarry, Eileen Schaub, Cindy Thompson, Doug Tilley, Anita Tinsman, Christopher Young, Tara Zammichieli and Jenny Zaret.
That time of year
If your house is a bit too full, the Murray Hill Middle School band would be delighted to relieve former band members of their neglected instruments. It seems that the band is shy of instruments for 50 students.
If anyone has a flute, clarinet, percussion set, snare drum or saxophone to donate, call Lisa Kawata at 301-776-2815 or Nancy Peters at 301-776-9058.
Take a tax deduction for the year, enjoy a little more room in the closet and brighten a musician's soul.
Preparing for life
It's tough to become a veterinarian without taking science classes in school or a computer game writer without doing well in mathematics.
Laurel Woods Elementary School has been awarded a Career Connections Grant to develop a program to help pupils appreciate the connection between schooling and how education helps them in the job market.
Laurel Woods is putting together career-related activities for winter, including inviting adults from a variety of fields to come to the school and chat with the children.
The school is looking for people who are pleased with their jobs and would be willing to talk about their field, how they prepared for the job they now hold, and whether they have second thoughts about their choices along the way.
Call the school at 410-880-5960 to volunteer.
Sound of bagpipes
Looking ahead to a different season, plan to astonish your friends and confound your neighbors on St. Patrick's Day.
Won't the neighbors be surprised if you honor St. Paddy not only by wearing a bit of green but by playing a bagpipe?
Lesley Seplaki teaches the fundamentals of this Celtic instrument, beginning Jan. 19 at Hammond High.
And the eight-week course ends in time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a proper musical salute.
For this and other great ways to pass the long winter evenings, check out the offerings of the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks.
Information and a brochure: 410-313-4658.
Pub Date: 12/11/98