The mayor and Town Council of Hampstead will hold a workshop on water rates at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Town Hall.

Councilman Haven N. Shoemaker Jr. said town water rates have not changed in 11 years. The Town Council must approve new water rates.

Water rates usually are passed as an ordinance with at least one public hearing.

A change in water rates takes into consideration population growth, the town's water infrastructure and costs business, including federal regulations, said Town Manager Ken Decker.

The workshop is open to the public. Town Hall is at 1034 S. Carroll St. Information: 410-239- 7408.

Carroll Promenaders schedule square dance

Carroll Promenaders, a local modern western square dance club, will hold a Rockin' the Square dance from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at North Carroll High School.

The cost is $4. Youth are welcome. The level is multilevel with 2X2 rounds. Doren McBroom is caller and Just Tim is cuer.

Dance attire the 1950s and 1960s.

The school is at 1400 Panther Drive, Hampstead. Information: 410-552-3094.

Veterans Day program is Sunday in Manchester

The Manchester War Memorial and Historical Center committees will hold their annual Veterans Day Program at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Municipal Building.

The program will begin with a welcome by Charles I. Miller and invocation by the Rev. John Hoeprich. Greg Miller, Ryan Green and Nathan Getty from Boy Scout Troop 320 will raise the flag and the audience will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

After the audience sings "America," retired Air Force Col. Marty Waugh and Republican Del. Joseph M. Getty will speak. Laverne D'Alesandro will perform a solo.

Miller will recognize the town's veterans and veterans organizations. The Rev. Matthew Schenning will sing "God Bless America." Miller will give the history of taps, which will be played by Francis Staley, leader of the Alesia Band.

Schenning will give the benediction.

The war memorial is updated annually with the names of Manchester-area residents who are serving or have served in the military. Eligibility criteria and application forms are available in the town office. Deadline for 2003 is July 1.

The Municipal Building is at 3208 York St. Information: 410- 239-3200.

Basics of knitting socks to be taught at library

North Carroll library branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Greenmount, will offer:

"Year-round Family Story Time" for all ages (age 3 and younger must be with an adult) at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and at 10 a.m. every Thursday.

"Introduction to the Internet" for adults at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 10 a.m. Nov. 16.

"Socks 101" at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 for adults. This three-week session will focus on the basics of knitting socks. The ability to cast on and knit with double-pointed needles is recommended. A materials list will be given at registration.

Information: 410-386-4488.

Public meetings

Hampstead council: Hampstead Town Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall, 1034 S. Carroll St. 410-239-7408.

Manchester council: Manchester Town Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall, 3208 York St. 410-239-3200.

Around town

Firehouse bingo: Manchester Volunteer Fire Department will hold bingo Friday at the Firemen's Activities Building on York Street. Doors will open at 5 p.m., food will be served at 6 p.m., and games will begin at 7:30 p.m. 410-239-8830.

Church news

Lazarus United Church of Christ: Worship will be at 8 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Verna Call's sermon, "Keeping Faith." The adult choir will sing. The church is at 5101 S. Church St., Lineboro. 410-374-1304.