Happily, the groundhog saw his shadow so we can expect an early spring this year. Good riddance to ice, snow and the Polar Vortex and hello to sunshine, gardening and spring cleaning!
The Howard County Extension Center is offering an interactive and informative class titled “Easy Gardening for Busy People” on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Savage Branch libraryat 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel. The class will begin at 2 p.m. and address soil issues, plant selection and other tips and tricks to minimize the work done in your garden and maximize the harvest. The class is free but you must be pre-registered to attend. Call 410-313-0760 or go to holibrary.org.
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the beautiful Belmont Manor House on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. It is highly recommended that you arrive early so you can be seated and the tea can begin promptly.
The menu includes a bottomless pot of tea, scones with clotted cream, jam, tea savories and delectable desserts. After the tea ends, participants are invited to go on a self-guided tour of the Manor House. Call 410-313-0200 or go to belmontmanormd.com to make a reservation.
Future teas are scheduled on March 9 and 23 and April 6. Reservations should be made early to ensure you get the chance to attend one of these great afternoons of simple elegance. Belmont Manor House and the grounds are considered by many to be one of the best hidden gems of Howard County. Make plans to take advantage of this wonderful historic resource that is in our community.
The Grace Early Childhood Center is now accepting registration for its summer program. The first session starts on June 16 and continues on a weekly basis ending on Aug. 23. Camp activities include cooking, art, hands-on STEM projects, fitness, games, field trips and fun. There is a 10 percent discount for the first week if you register by March 29. Stop by the center’s office for more information or to register your children for this fun summer program.
I trust that many of you have seen the signage for Popeye’s on the site where Burger King was previously. Looks like it won’t be long before we will have another fast food option in Elkridge. I am ready for some red beans and rice-how about you?
Melville United Methodist Church will host its Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at 5660 Furnace Ave. on Tuesday, March 5 . Locally-sourced homemade sausage, pancakes, coffee, milk, orange juice and fruit will be served. A free-will offering will be available for contributions. Come join in for some yummy food and great fellowship with family, friends and neighbors.
The Elkridge Rotary is hosting a Purse Bingo on Sunday, March 10, at the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m, and the games will begin at 2 p.m. There will be door prizes, 50/50 raffles and special games. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Contact Cindy at 410-340-9015. Don’t delay.
Tickets for the Purse Bingo sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, Feb. 24 are sold out.