In Baltimore City

Teen to be sentenced today in beating of high school student

A Baltimore teen-ager convicted of assault in the near-fatal mob beating of a high school student last year is scheduled for sentencing today.

Keith Rantin, 16, pleaded guilty last month to assault in the beating of Northern High student Willis Reese, 16. Reese was punched, kicked and beaten over the head with a baseball bat by about 15 Northern High students as he got off a bus Nov. 9 last year. He suffered permanent brain damage but has recovered about 85 percent of his brain function, prosecutors said.

Under a plea deal, Rantin is expected to be sentenced to no more than five years in prison.

Kwanzaa event to feature food tasting, museum tour

A food tasting will highlight a Kwanzaa celebration tomorrow at the Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

The event, sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the museum, 1603 E. North Ave. Dishes prepared by fraternity members and a tour of the museum will be included in the $10 admission.

Proceeds will go to the museum. Information: 410-669-8683.

Free classes scheduled for first-time homebuyers

Free classes for first-time homebuyers are being offered next month in Southwest Baltimore. Topics to be covered include establishing good credit, managing finances and going to settlement.

Classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 16 and 23 at St. Jerome Head Start Center, 765 W. Hamburg St. Home lenders and inspectors will help prospective buyers set goals. People who complete the course will receive certificates to help with grant applications.

Registration is not required. Information: 410-385-1463.

In Baltimore County

Villa Julie sets registration next month and February

STEVENSON - Villa Julie College will hold walk-in registration for the spring semester for current and new students next month and February.

Sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 6 and 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 15; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 27-30 and Feb. 3; and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31.

Registration will be held in the Office of the Registrar in the Academic Center. Payment is due at registration. Information: 410-602-7206/7207.

Author on girls' aggression to lecture parents Jan. 7

PIKESVILLE - Rachel Simmons, an author and expert on combating aggression in girls, will give a lecture for parents, "Sugar, Spice and Not Very Nice: Empowering Girls to Negotiate Conflicts and Foster Healthy Social Relationships" at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at Beth Tfiloh Community School.

Simmons is the author of The New York Times best seller, "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls." The book discusses contemporary female relationships in America, which sometimes are marred by schoolgirl cruelty.

Simmons' lecture is open to the public. Tickets are $8 and available at the door. The lecture will take place in the Mintzes Theatre of the Beth Tfiloh H. Morton Rosen Performing Arts Center, 3300 Old Court Road.

Volunteers needed to help seniors live independently

TOWSON -Baltimore County Department of Aging is seeking volunteers for its Home Team program.

Volunteers, who must be at least 18 years old, are asked to donate about an hour a week to a senior citizen who needs assistance to remain independent at home. Volunteers make social visits and phone calls, help with shopping, and provide transportation to stores and medical appointments.

Information: 410-887-4141.