JANE WEIGLEY of Clarksville has led a grass-roots effort to provide food and Christmas presents to three disadvantaged Howard County families. People from three neighborhoods joined to make the holiday campaign a success.
"I thought it would be good to show my daughters that they weren't such deprived children," Weigley said.
Weigley got the idea from her cousin Linda Mahoney of Glen Mills, Pa., who was conducting a similar drive in her neighborhood. So Weigley located two families in need - one through a neighbor and another through the Howard County school system - and set out on her mission.
She asked neighbor Susan Kobren to help her recruit other community members to participate. Letters were sent to families in Ashleigh Knolls, Ashleigh Greene and Fulton Manor, in Clarksville and Fulton, requesting donations of food, money and Christmas gifts.
The recipients remained anonymous to Weigley and her neighbors; their contacts provided lists of the families' wants and needs. Later, a third family was added. All three are single-parent households.
Last month and this month, donations were collected at Weigley's house. She says about 50 families participated in the drive. Weigley tried to fill the lists of practical requests before moving to the more extravagant gifts coveted by hopeful children. But she made sure that each family member would receive some treats.
Weigley and her daughters, Lindsay, 15, and Jill, 12, went shopping for gifts, each targeting a specific person. The girls said they had fun choosing the gifts.
"They weren't asking for really expensive stuff," Jill said. "They asked for stuff that's practical."
Apparently, the message Weigley intended to teach reached her daughters. "It shows you that not everyone is fortunate," said Lindsay, who shopped for a 4-year-old boy.
"I like being able to give something because I'm so fortunate," Jill said. "It made me see it more clearly."
The neighbors came together Monday to wrap the gifts and catch up on neighborhood news. Weigley's dining room table and living room sofa were piled high with donations of food, wrapped and unwrapped gifts and wrapping paper. There was a new television and a video cassette recorder, and a set of slightly used dishes.
Weigley also received enough money to buy items that had not been donated.
Neighbors worked around the kitchen table and island work space wrapping presents of all sizes in multicolored gift wrap. They discussed the project, and everyone agreed they were glad to have the opportunity to help.
Diane Ciccone of Clarksville noted that one mother, who is working toward a college degree, said she would soon need interview clothes and money for gasoline. According to Ciccone, the mother had requested rice and beans on her modest list of food items.
"It makes me thankful for what I have," Ciccone said somberly.
Linda Hand of Clarksville attended the wrapping party with her daughter, Caitlin, 12. "I think it's pretty neat that we're helping," Caitlin said.
Hand smiled. "I think it's important to give back to those less fortunate," she said.
Afterward, everyone enjoyed refreshments around Weigley's kitchen island and commented on the success of the drive. Two people have contacted Weigley to request guidance for a drive in their neighborhood next year.
Weigley is pleased with the outcome of her venture and plans to repeat it.
All-state musicians
The River Hill High School music department has announced the names of students who have been selected for all-state music programs sponsored by the Maryland Music Educators Association.
Middle and high school students auditioned with others from across the state. Junior-level groups include seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-graders, while the senior level includes 10th-, 11th- and 12th -graders.
Named to the Senior Orchestra were Michael Do, Jay Brimley, John Wu, Neil Williamson and Rakeen Mabud on violin; Michael Lee on trumpet; and Elizabeth Shin on cello. Junior Orchestra members include Yunah Choe and Ha Eun Choe on violin; Lisa Choe on viola; Nathan Fadrowski on cello; and Darcy Hancock on string bass.
New Senior Band members are Paul Quinn on clarinet and Derek Burroughs on percussion.
Junior Band honorees are Eric Jorgenson on tenor saxophone, Dan Whitney on trumpet and Joe Lewis as alternate on trombone.
Matthew Sauers was named to play his bass trombone in the Jazz Band. Daniel Ji, Grace Ji and Ashley D'Ambra were named to the senior mixed chorus.
Most of the concerts will be held in February and March. The All-State Jazz Band will present its concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Levine Building at McDaniel College in Westminster. The All-State Senior Band, Mixed Chorus, Orchestra and Women's Chorus will perform Feb. 21-23 in Baltimore. The All-State Junior Chorus and Orchestra will perform March 14-16 in Frederick.
Information: Steve Wampler, 410-313-6927.
Future baby sitters
Girls and boys, ages 11 to 15, can learn how to baby-sit at "Be a Super Babysitter," a program of the Glenwood library, Jan. 4 and 11.
Hope Jackson, a 4-H extension educator at the Howard County Cooperative Extension, will teach the two-session series.
Prospective baby sitters will learn safety, first-aid and other tips. Those who complete the course will receive a certificate.
Registration is required.
Information: 410-313-5577.