Patuxent Research Refuge will celebrate the 98th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System at 10 a.m. Saturday at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on Powder Mill Road between Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 97, south of Laurel. The public is invited to take part in the day's activities.
A butterfly walk will begin at 10 a.m. Participants will learn about butterfly habitats and how to identify them. "Romp in the Swamp," a one-person musical presentation about the wetlands, will be performed at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. by environmental entertainer "Billy B."
Guided walking tours on the trails will begin at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. near the visitor center. An "Ask the Manager" talk with Brad Knudsen will take place at 12:15 p.m. Visitors will be able to see live birds of prey and nature displays during the day. Daytime tram tours around Lake Reddington will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twilight tours will be from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday by reservation. Tram tours are $2 for adults, $1 for age 12 and younger and seniors age 55 and older. Other activities are free, but reservations are suggested. Information: 301-497-5887.
Students
Scholarship recipient: Jarrod Ramos, a 1997 graduate of Arundel High School, received the Northwest Iowa Telephone Co. Inc. Scholarship. He is a junior pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer engineering at Capitol College in Laurel.
Scholarship recipient: Priscilla Rodriguez, a 1999 graduate of Meade High School, received the Carl English Family Scholarship. She is a sophomore pursuing a degree in management of information technology, also at Capitol College.
Around town
Smocking: The Chesapeake Treasures local chapter of the Smocking Arts Guild of America will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Crofton Middle School, 2301 Davidsonville Road. Visitors are welcome. Information: 410-647- 4131.
Community meeting: Greater Severn Improvement Association will meet at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Western District Police Station, 8273 Telegraph Road. Severn residents are welcome.
Races: Laurel Regional Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring "A Day at the Races" Saturday at Laurel Park Race Track. Tickets are $20, and include clubhouse seats and a buffet lunch. Tickets or information: 301-937-3292.
Art show: St. Bernadette's Parish will hold its second gala art show and auction at 7 p.m. Saturday at the church, 801 Stevenson Road, Severn. The event will include a preview party, featuring works by international and American artists, Tickets are $10 per person or $15 per couple in advance; a limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $12 and $20. Information or tickets: 410- 969-2783.
Bird walks: Raptors will be the subject of two walks Saturday at Patuxent Research Refuge's North Tract, off Route 198 between Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32. "Raptors of the Day Walk" for ages 16 and older will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and a "Raptors of the Night Walk," for ages 8 and older -- with children accompanied by an adult -- from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The walks are free, but reservations are required. Information: 301-497-5887.
Oyster roast: The annual Davidsonville Ruritan Bull and Oyster Roast will be Saturday at the community center on Route 424 off Route 214. Food will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. by New South County Band. Tickets are available for $23 in advance, $25 at the door, and include drawings for door prizes donated by local merchants. Tickets or information: 301-261-4338 or 410- 798-5481.
Democratic club The 33rd District Democratic Club will hold a dinner at 6 p.m. and a meeting at 7 p.m. March 15 at the Dough Roller Restaurant, Route 3 South, Crofton. Paul Rudolph, president of the county Board of Education, will speak about the board's budget and accomplishments. The public is welcome. Information: 410-224- 0879.
MOWW: The General George G. Meade Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars will hold its monthly social/dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 16 at Club Meade. Commissioned officers, warrant officers and their guests are welcome. Reservations should be made no later than Friday. Reservations: 301-776-5848.