IT WAS touch-and-go right up to the final minutes of the Trip to the Moon reading contest at Chesapeake Bay Middle School on Oct. 31.
Would those armchair astronauts be stranded in mid-flight?
"We made the challenge, but only by the skin of our teeth," said Peggy Sange, school media specialist.
The challenge in this year's version of the popular reading contest:
Have the school's more than 1,700 pupils read their way to the moon and back in kilometers, or a grand total of more than 700,000 kilometers. Each page counted as one kilometer toward the school's final goal.
Pupils collected pledges from family and friends for the contest, with the funds used to help purchase books for classroom libraries.
To further sweeten the pot, Principal Gary Williams had agreed to don his Elvis gear and perform at all lunch periods if the pupils reached their goal.
On Oct. 31, Sange and her group of official counters were busy tallying the final totals. With lunch scheduled to start, the appearance of "The King" was not a sure thing.
"I almost had to say, 'Houston, we have a problem,' but the students came through," Sange said. "We tallied 713,895 pages read by our students."
With an Elvis CD in the player and a guitar borrowed from the music department, "Elvis" Williams made his grand appearance.
"He lip-synched to 'Jailhouse Rock' with the appropriate gyrations that Ed Sullivan would approve," she said with a chuckle.
More than 300 pupils will be treated to ice cream socials today for their contributions to their winning reading teams.
The top reading teams were: sixth grade, the Chargers, with 89,000 pages; seventh grade, the Mighty Minds, with 87,000; and eighth grade, the Trailblazers, with 102,000.
A pizza party for the thousand-plus-pages readers is scheduled for Nov. 15, with more than 200 pupils set to attend.
Now the difficult chore of getting the money collected has begun. If you have an outstanding pledge, it should be in by Monday. Kudos to the kids, principal and staff at CBMS.
Information: 410-437-2400.
Gospel chorus
The toe-tapping, spirit-raising gospel sounds of the Johnson Male Chorus will fill the sanctuary at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Nov. 15.
The group of veteran performers of "old-time gospel music" has been performing for more than 40 years, but the presentation remains fresh because of their faith and dedication, said Kay Klovstad, church spokeswoman.
"They bring the songs to life because they bring so much of their life to the songs," she said. "It is possible that you might be able to stay sedately seated during the concert, but you will not be able to keep your spirit from being lifted up toward heaven."
Tickets for the concert are $6. Children age 12 and younger are admitted free.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the church's building fund and the chorus ministry.
Information: 410-360-9110.
Holiday bazaar dining
Hungry shoppers can get a start on holiday shopping at the annual two-day holiday bazaar at Pasadena United Methodist Church, 61 Ritchie Highway, this weekend.
Bazaar hours are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.
A turkey dinner will be on the menu tonight. Tomorrow's luncheon menu will feature homemade soups, sandwiches and pies.
Santa will be accepting wish lists from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow. Take a camera for snapshots.
Information: 410-647-3090.
Kiwanis flea market
Mountain Road Kiwanis Club will have a flea market and antique appraisal from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Community United Methodist Church, 8680 Fort Smallwood Road.
A limited amount of space is still available to rent for $20 per table.
The Antique Man from Fells Point will be looking at treasures and collectibles from 10 a.m. to noon.
The cost for appraisal is $5 per item, with a two-item limit. Refreshments will be sold. Proceeds will benefit the club's scholarship fund and seasonal parties for people with disabilities.
Information: Don Allen, 410-255-4776.
Jenkins Memorial
Ham and oysters are on the menu at Jenkins Memorial Church from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow in the church fellowship hall, 131 Riviera Drive.
The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Younger children may eat for free with a paying adult.
Carryout orders will be available all day, and local delivery will be available from noon to 2 p.m.
Delivery orders: 410-437-2846.
K of C buffet, bingo
The Knights of Columbus Council 10966 and the Ladies of the Knights will have a buffet dinner bingo Saturday in the St. Jane Frances de Chantal parish hall, 8513 St. Jane Drive.
The doors will open at 6 p.m. for dinner, with bingo starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25.
Information: 410-437-7320 or 410-439-4624.