The spooky witches and goblins disappeared under the moonlight last week, and now, the stores have already decorated for the upcoming holidays.
Get into the holiday mood yourself this weekend with some holiday shopping or by participating in a fundraiser for some great causes.
Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, 8402 Brock Bridge Road, features its annual Holiday Bazaar Friday, Nov. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a quick bite to eat in the cafe and visit the multiple "stores" featuring crafts, books, and many possible gift and decoration ideas. Don't forget to purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win up to $1,000.
If you happen to venture toward Savage on Saturday, Nov. 12, stop by the Savage United Methodist Church's annual Fall Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at 9050 Baltimore St. Enjoy some soup or sandwiches, and check out the craft sales and bake sale. You may just find the perfect present.
If you feel like helping out others this weekend, visit the Laurel Moose Family Center, 3340 Laurel Fort Meade Road, between 7 and 9 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 12, when the Moose hosts a Quarter Auction for Moose Charities. The auction features items from Tastefully Simple, Gift Baskets, Partylite Candles, Longaberger, Gift Card Mania, Cookie Lee, Tasteful Treasures, Thirty-One, Sweet Treats, Lights in a Bottle, Dove Chocolate, Scarves' by Tabbi, and Pampered Chef.
The Moose will also be collecting canned and nonperishable goods for the fall food drive that benefits FISH/Elizabeth House.
The Moose also offers a great holiday gift shopping experience on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many home-sale consultants and crafters plan to be at the event to help you pick that special present.
For more information on either event at the Moose Center, go to http://www.loom1504.org or email marylandcityquarterauction@yahoo.com.
The Maryland City Recreation Council completes the soccer season this weekend and football drew to an end last weekend. Up next is basketball season. If you have not yet registered or are interested in a coaching opportunity, please call or email either my husband, John, at 301-725-7711 or dpws@aol.com; or Kate at spsjohnson@verizon.net, to get registered quickly. Cost for players age 8 is $95 each, and for players ages 4-7 is $50 each. Practice begins soon and games begin in December, so act quickly.
Finally, remember that there is no school for all Anne Arundel County Public Schools students on Nov. 21-25. Parent-teacher conferences occur in most schools on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 21-22. Please plan to take this opportunity to talk to your students' teachers about how your student is doing or how each of you, parent and teacher, can help your student do better.
Take time to talk to your student about their school experiences before the meeting so you understand their perceptions on their strengths and weaknesses as well.
It is amazing what kids will tell you about their school experiences when you ask. You often can learn little-known facts from them. I just learned today that the smallest mammal is the bee bat.
Random facts, but kids love to share them, and they love knowing that we are interested.