ENJOYING THE fruits of Carroll County's finest restaurants could also help support those suffering the effects of sexual abuse or assault.
Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County -- an organization providing counseling, support and other services to victims of rape and sexual abuse -- is sponsoring its first "Taste of Carroll County" from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Wilhelm Ltd. Caterers, Route 140 in Westminster.
The event, two years in the planning, will feature about 25 local restaurants preparing their famous and favorite dishes.
For $15, participants age 12 and older will receive 10 tickets for 10 "tastes" of this fine cuisine. Individuals may use the tickets for any restaurant they choose, and will be able to purchase additional tastes for $2 each the day of the event.
"It's somewhat similar to the wine festival," said RCIS Executive Director JoAnn Hare.
At the annual wine festival, participants receive 10 wine samples for their ticket price.
"We were hoping to be the first to have this type of event, but Hospice got there first," she said with a laugh. "They beat us by about two months."
Entertainment during the event will be provided by Eric Byrd, the Over Forty 4 Barbershop Quartet and other local artists. Participants will be able to purchase tickets for a silent auction, which will offer items ranging from sports tickets and memorabilia to trips to Ocean City and children's birthday parties.
Finally, the organization will raffle a basket full of gift certificates from area restaurants, many of which are participating in the event. Raffle ticket prices will range from 1 cent to $5. The purchaser must first draw a slip of paper from a basket to determine the price of the ticket.
"It gives a different twist to it," Hare said, adding that the winner will receive about 25 gift certificates. "The winner takes all," she said. "It gives someone a chance to have more than a taste from the restaurants."
Tickets can be purchased at the RCIS office on Center Street, or at the door the day of the event. Hare suggests purchasing tickets in advance.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been a lot of fun," she said. "We've already had a lot of calls and inquiries about it."
Information: 410-857-0900.
Worship in song
Contemporary Christian music will be presented at "Son"day in the Park," from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Westminster City Park.
Sponsored by New Life Foursquare Gospel Church, the concert is free, but donations of baby food, diapers, formula, canned food items or paper goods are strongly encouraged.
All donations will be given to Human Services Programs of Carroll County Inc. for use in its programs.
Food will be sold, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on.
Information: 410-857-2999.
Getting in shape
The Women's Place at Carroll County General Hospital is offering preparticipation sports physicals from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at the center, 291 Stoner Ave., Westminster.
Physicals are $5 each, and are by appointment only. Information: 410-848-CCGH.
Professional women's group
The American Business Women's Association offers a way to network with other professional women and a chance to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the business world.
Professional women from across the county will meet at noon Aug. 9 at Harry's Main Street Grille in Westminster to form a Carroll County Chapter of ABWA.
Anyone interested in being on the ground level of this professional organization is welcome. Organizers strongly encourage participants to call ahead to reserve seats.
Information: Joanne Frances, 410-848-4830, days, and 410-848- 0044, evenings; or Mary Ellen Eurich, 410-751-0538.
Amy L. Miller's Central neighborhood column appears each Monday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.