IT REALLY isn't nice to interrupt people when they're talking."

The suggestion to my son was firm and loving. Instructions for life. The only problem was, this time it wasn't my suggestion.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be impolite," he responded with a sheepish grin.

Peering over the edge of my newspaper, I continued to observe the exchange between my son and his girlfriend.

"By the way, have you completed your applications to college yet? I really think you need to take care of this by the weekend or " She paused for effect. "Maybe we shouldn't make plans to go out Saturday."

My paper rattled in the breeze created as my son bolted from his chair to the dusty pile of college applications and brochures I had unsuccessfully foisted upon him every night for 23 consecutive weeks.

The girlfriend factor was in full force. There was a time when I would have resented the intrusion of another woman exercising such influence over my child, but 18 years into the challenge, I was ready to share the burden. I will take whatever help I can get.

Her terse "Take 10 deep breaths and calm down" is always greeted with an apology from my son for disrupting the harmony of their lives. A look at her furrowed brow, and he's chagrined for even considering wearing gray and khaki together. A muffled gasp from her lips, and he understands immediately that speaking when his mouth is full of food could mean a Prom Night dinner alone at Taco Bell.

Just then the phone rang. It was my son's English teacher wondering if I could mention to his girlfriend that he was not paying attention in class.

It takes not only a village but also a girlfriend to raise a child, Glen Burnie.

Dance showcase

Tickets are available for "Celebrate Dance," a showcase of local dancers performing for the benefit of the Chesapeake Center for the Creative Arts, at 7 p.m. Saturday in the auditorium of Glen Burnie High School, 7850 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.

The program is the second in a series of performances designed to promote the artistic goals of the center, as renovation of its future home in the old Brooklyn Park High continues.

Performers run the gamut from a budding 3-year-old ballerina to the gold-medal winner of the 1998 USA International Ballet Competition, 16-year-old Adrienne Canterna of Linthicum.

Local schools will also be represented. A swing dance number to "Go Daddy O," featuring students from Glen Burnie High School's Dance for the Athlete Class, will open the show, and a lyrical piece with the dance club of Marley Middle School will also be performed. Sixth-grader Christina Forney choreographed the piece.

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $5.

Variety show

Enjoy a touch of vaudeville, as parish members of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church present a variety show at 7 p.m. Saturday in the church hall, 7436 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.

Performers young and old will sing and dance and share a laugh, as they display their talents.

Tickets are $5.50 for adults and $3 for children and include a spaghetti dinner served at 5: 30 p.m. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Parish Ministries.

Tickets: 410-766-5070.

Involvement Center classes

The county Family Involvement Center has announced the schedule of classes and activity for parents of students attending county public, private and parochial schools. Classes are free and open to the community. They include:

"D.A.R.E. Parent Program," 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and continuing March 10, 17, 24 and 31 at Glendale Elementary School, 105 Carroll Road. Pre-registration is required by calling 410-222-6404.

"Dyslexia and What Can Be Done About It," 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Oakwood Elementary, 330 Oak Manor Drive. Registration: 410-222-6429.

"Individualized Education Plan Workshop," 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 10, Oakwood Elementary. Registration: 410-222-5945.

"Attention Deficit and Learning Disabilities," 7 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m. March 18, Oakwood Elementary. Registration: 410-222-6429.

"Securing Support Services for You and Your Special Needs Child," 7 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m. March 22 at Marley Glen Special School, 200 Scott Ave. Registration: 410-222-6940.

Pub Date: 3/03/99