SEVEN TEENS who are enrolled in Leadership U's class of 2002 are promoting public awareness of the problems associated with drinking and driving. Calling themselves the "Sober 7," the group collected more than 200 signatures at the central library last month from teen-agers and adults pledging not to drink and drive.
"We want to inform all drivers - adults and teens - that drinking and driving is not only socially unacceptable, it is also one on our county's most deadly safety problems," said 16-year-old Michael Panzera.
Leadership U, a program sponsored by Leadership Howard County, assists youths in developing leadership skills while working in teams to develop community service projects. Through the program, participants also learn about Howard County government and develop mentoring relationships with adult leaders in the community.
Members of the Sober 7 are Michael Panzera, Katherine Hayne, 16, Ezekiel Okoya, 15, and Aaron Ray, 16, of Columbia. Also participating are Zachary Thielen, 16, and Kristin Vorce, 15, of Ellicott City, and Jessica Slick, 16, of Glenwood.
"Taking even a little drink will affect your driving, and we want to make sure people are aware," Michael said. "Normally, adults are concerned for kids, but we're also concerned for adults and we're trying to show that."
Puppets and poetry
Puppeteer Shirley Johannesen Levine has performed for audiences in France, England, Australia and across the United States. Yesterday, she put on a show of puppets and poetry at Florence Bain Senior Center for an intergenerational audience of seniors from Owen Brown Senior Center Plus and kindergartners from Joy In Learning Child Care Center.
Owen Brown Senior Center Plus is a day care program for seniors who have dementia. The seniors came to Florence Bain center yesterday because their facility in Owen Brown was being used as a polling place.
Levine has performed for the senior group before. "I've sort of adopted the Owen Brown Senior Center," she said.
Levine said that her colorful puppets and the rhythm of the poetry appeal to both age groups. Vivi Provine, director of Owen Brown Senior Center, said that the program benefits the seniors on many levels.
"The thing I think is beautiful is that some of my seniors who can't communicate or talk because of their dementia light up and smile when they see these programs. It brings them to life. It's a wonderful stimulation for them."
Art of the Torah
The Columbia Art Center and Columbia Jewish Congregation are sponsoring an exhibition, Art of the Torah, through Nov. 17 at Columbia Art Center on Foreland Garth.
West Columbia artists participating in the show are Carol Bodin, H.W. Kurlander and Robert Tennabaum.
The Columbia Art Center galleries are open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Volunteer docents are available to give tours to community, school and religious groups.
Information: 410-730-0075.
Poet visits
Poet, playwright and publisher Grace Cavalieri will read from her works at the central library at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Cavalieri will also visit all Howard County high schools as part of the poet-in-residence program sponsored by the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo).
Cavalieri, of Annapolis, has written 11 books of poetry as well as scripts and lyrics for stage, opera and film.
"Unlike some poets, she's a sort of all-around literary person," said Ellen Kennedy, president of HoCoPoLitSo. "She's a founder of two small publishing houses in Washington, and for 20 years she had a radio program on WPFW. She's had an extraordinary literary life."
The program at the library is free, but reservations are suggested. Information or reservations: 410- 313-7860.