IT'S HARD to believe that spring is less than two weeks away. And with spring comes rainy weather and a desire to clear the decks for the new season. Here are a few pleasant things to do while sitting out the March rainy season -- and some suggestions for getting rid of winter's accumulation of debris.

March is Women's History Month and in its honor Cadette/Senior Girl Scout Troop 1617 has mounted a display at the Savage library.

Come muse over interesting facts about women from the past and present, take quizzes and be enchanted by wise quotations.

The display fills two cases near the new-book section and in the children's area.

While there, you can pick up a few volumes to peruse for enjoyment. Libraries are great places to hang out.

Out with the old

If there is too much stuff in the living room, give it a temporary home at the library. If the old stuff includes an interesting collection of artifacts or things that can be shared, consult the librarian in charge. She will love putting together a display.

Chinese-style embroidery, toy Snoopy figurines and Beanie Babies have been displayed.

Future displays could include a collection of seashells, unusual musical instruments, kitchen utensils, farm illustrations or memorabilia.

Information: 410-880-5980.

Young artists

An exhibition of self-portraits by Forest Ridge Elementary School pupils brightens the beige brick walls of the library this month.

Harry Jung and Sam Kim have their work displayed in the children's section.

Work by Amanda Moore, Rameen Chakarbagki, Robby Foy, Lambert Fleming, Omair Vohra and Shannon Scott hangs over the children's play area.

The portraits, which depict the children as they feel they truly are, reveal the hopes and preoccupations of the artists. Included are astronauts, a tiger-man and a sports enthusiast made of sports equipment.

For art lovers

For those with an artistic bent, the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center offers much to do.

A new term of art classes begins the week of April 12. Registration is under way.

The center will offer classes in stained glass, cartooning for adults and children, rug-hooking, stone-carving, photography, fine arts, ceramics and jewelry-making.

Most classes are held in the evening, although there are a few in the afternoon.

The center is holding its spring Jazz Series this month and next.

Tickets for the Friday night concerts are $15. The venue is small, so reservations are a must.

Information or a schedule: 301-953-1993.

Theater tonight

Laurel Community Theatre will present the musical "Damn Yankees" at 8 p.m. today, tomorrow, March 19, 20, 26 and 27 and at 2 p.m. March 21 and 28 in Russell Sellers Theatre in the Laurel High School Annex, 8000 Cherry Lane.

Tickets are $8; $6 for seniors, students and groups.

Information: 301-419-8077.

Seeking memorabilia

While sorting through papers for tax time, keep a sharp eye out for local memorabilia.

Two venues are anxious to receive or borrow photographs and other items.

Laurel Historical Society and Museum is always seeking information, letters or photographs of Laurel and the surrounding area.

Information: 301-725-7975.

If you have more recent photos, they may be just right for Laurel Woods Elementary School's celebration of its first quarter-century, to be held in May.

The school originally was named Whiskey Bottom Elementary School, after the road that runs nearby. The name was changed in response to a petition from the pupils, who asked that their school name not include an alcoholic beverage.

Now the school is seeking former pupils, many of whom are now adults, for the celebration. Some may not recognize Laurel Woods Elementary as their alma mater.

If you have old Laurel Woods/Whiskey Bottom memorabilia in the attic, give the school a call: 410-880-5960.

Snacks for the homeless

Forest Ridge Elementary pupils Artinique Curtis and Paige Jones have a special project in the works. They are organizing a snack-food drive for the children at the Grassroots shelter.

The two are collecting individually wrapped snacks such as juice boxes, bags of chips and wrapped cookies.

There's a donation box in the front office of the school. The collection runs until March 21.

Pub Date: 3/12/99