Trick-or-treating in the historic district is a delicious experience. On Monday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m., rain or shine, parents are encouraged to bring their little ghosts, goblins, vampires and witches to Main Street in their favorite costumes and visit the participating shop keepers, who most likely will be costumed themselves. This event, the 28th annual, always brings down a lot of folk who all enjoy admiring each-others clever getups. Join the fun, sponsored as always by the Ellicott City Business Administration.
Happy Birthday, Joetta
This is a special birthday shout-out to Joetta Cramm, who celebrated her birthday Oct. 16. Now retired, Joetta was a fixture in the historic district for many years, leading walking tours and lecturing. Joetta also introduced many people to the history of our county with her courses atHoward Community College.
If you have missed meeting her in person, look for one of her very informative books — one is a walking tour of the historic district, and the other a pictorial history of Howard County. Both belong in your library.
Have a wonderful year, Joetta!
Ghost Tours
Well, if you are ever going to take a Ghost Tour, now's the season and the reason. The tours are every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and leave from Tourism. Reservations are recommended. Another popular tour they offer is the Spirits of Ellicott City Ghost Tour. You need to be at least 21 years old for that one, and a coupon is available at http://www.ellicottcity.net. Call 410-313-1900 to reserve for either of these tours.
First Friday
The next First Friday event in the historic district, sponsored by the Ellicott City Business Association, is scheduled for Nov. 4. Participating shops and restaurants are open until 9 p.m. and many offer special sales and promotions.
Among those participating, The Wine Bin is featuring a Yappy Hour from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot next to the store. There will be wine and chocolate tastings in the store, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to animal charities.
Bring your leashed, well-behaved dog and have a great time. Also, Craig Coyne is having a "Ladies Night" that night from 6 to 9 p.m. Ladies, bring your friends along for an evening of wine, food, prizes and playing with jewelry. Made it easy on your mate — select something special for your wish list for holiday giving.
Restaurant events
Portalli's is now offering a night menu on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight that features 14 items off of the regular menu and half-price martinis and bottles of wine at the bar. Sounds like a great way to enjoy the weekend. Also, Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant is hosting a "Hunter and Gatherer" dinner, $100 all-inclusive, Saturday, Oct. 29. Call 410-465-4004.
Enchanted Garden
Like many of you, I have been avidly watching the rise of the new Miller Branch Library. I'm so impressed by the progress they have made and can't wait to take advantage of all it will have to offer.
Recently, I received an invitation from the library to participate in their engraved paver opportunity in the "Enchanted Garden" they are creating. This will be a community based teaching garden, offering environmental and nutritional education to area children and adults. The pavers, engraved with four lines of your choosing, will help pay for the project.
My family was immediately on board and anxious to participate. The only hard part was coming up with what we wanted to say in the defined space of four lines, fifteen characters per line. I guess because I love language, and I recognized that the paver would probably outlast me, I agonized over the sentiment for weeks until my family was ready to wrest control away from me.
Let me just say that I did finally spring into action, with the advice of my husband, Tom, and our children, Dave and Rob, and our brick will be among those in place when the garden is dedicated in May of 2012.
Go to the library's website at http://www.hclibrary.org if you would like to participate.