The Marriotts Ridge High School PTSA announces an evening presentation for parents Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Dr. Peter Spevak, author of “Empowering Underachievers,” will address the role that parents and other concerned adults play in helping children reach their full academic potential. Dr. Spevak will speak in The Commons; reservations are not required.
On Feb. 7, Marriotts Ridge High School plays host to the 15th annual Howard County Dance Festival. MRHS Dance and Poms coach Patricia Spruill explains that more than 300 representatives from all 12 county high schools will spend the day in rehearsals, preparing for a 7-9 p.m. performance in the theater. The dances, which are choreographed by teachers and students, will encompass contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip-hop styles. A panel of judges will adjudicate the students on elements of technique, choreography and performance, and the evening will conclude with an all-county bow.
MRHS, which is excited to host the event for the first time, invites the community to observe the county’s talented high school dancers. Tickets cost $8 at the door. For more information, call 410-313-5573 or e-mail mrhsdance@yahoo.com.
What could be sweeter than a father/daughter Valentine celebration? Friendship Church, at 1391 Sykesville Road in Sykesville, invites dads and their girls, ages five through high school senior, to participate in a free Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dinner from 4:30-6:30 on Feb. 14. Call church secretary, Paula Berry, at 410-442-5506 by Feb. 8 to make a reservation.
For the past 50 years, Harbin Farms produce stand, at the intersection of Route 99 and Bethany Lane, has stood as a county landmark. Current owners, Kim and Mike Taylor, took over operation of the stand from Kim’s uncle, Robert Harbin, in 2005. Although the stand has functioned under a grandfather clause for years, its status now appears questionable with the county, which proposes commercial zoning for the location.
Many in our area have benefited from Harbin Farms’ generous “Christmas for the Community” program, whereby the stand donates a portion of its Christmas tree sales to local schools. Kim and Mike now ask the community to support them in their efforts to preserve their produce stand. As Kim says, “It’s what we love to do.” To learn how you can help, call Kim at 443-864-3536 or Mike at 443-864-3194, or send an e-mail to Harbinfarms@comcast.net.
Marriottsville resident Lisa Coster wrote this week to share her enthusiastic response to the Presidential Inauguration. She and husband Bryan wanted their son, Cameron, a sixth-grader at Mt. View Middle School, to witness this historical event firsthand, so they made the trek to DC “without tickets, with no expectations except to hopefully be able to view something from a JumboTron.” Predictably, the family spent a great deal of time walking, but that exercise just added to the encompassing mood of anticipation and excitement.
Fortunately, the Costers found standing room in front of a JumboTron located between the Washington Monument and the White House. Although impressed by the availability of food and portable toilets and the overall organization of the event, they felt most amazed by the pleasant and patient nature of the crowds. The event bonded strangers in a display of unity. In Lisa’s words, “We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can be a part of the peaceful transition of governmental power.”
Due to the inclement weather anticipated this week, Marriotts Ridge High School has postponed its Science Fair from Jan. 28 until Feb. 3. The schedule otherwise remains the same. For more information, call MRHS Science Assistant Amy Harich at 410-313-5568 or e-mail AMY_HARICH@hcpss.org.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the Marriotts Ridge High School students who won school recognition for their entries in the PTSA Reflections program. Of those individuals, four have now received awards at the County level and will advance to the state competition next month: Tim D’Amato won an Award of Merit in Film, Molly Malarkey won Outstanding Interpretation of Theme in Literature, Malena Silva won Outstanding Interpretation of Theme in Dance, and Rebecca Rehaut won an Award of Merit in Dance. Continued good wishes to these talented students!
The Marriotts Ridge High School PTSA announces an evening presentation for parents Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Dr. Peter Spevak, author of Empowering Underachievers, will address the role that parents and other concerned adults play in helping children reach their full academic potential. Dr. Spevak will speak in The Commons; reservations are not required.
The fifth-grade team at West Friendship Elementary would like to congratulate Alyssa Herman, the winner of the 2009 WFES Spelling Bee, and also runner-up Jacob Hejeebu. These students will participate in the county spelling bee, which takes place at Howard High School March 13 at 7 p.m. Way to go, Alyssa and Jacob!
Earlier this month, elementary school musicians from around the county auditioned for acceptance into the Howard County Enrichment Band. Directors nominated students for auditions based upon skill level and dedication to their school bands. Those accepted into the program will practice at Burleigh Manor Middle School twice weekly from February through April, and their efforts will culminate in a May 3 concert at Reservoir High School at 3 p.m.
Band director Amy Bejm proudly announces that four of her students have earned acceptance into the Enrichment Band: trombonist Daniel Degenford and French horn player Niklas Schnake from West Friendship Elementary, and percussionist Sonya Datta and tuba player Mitchell Evans from Dayton Oaks Elementary. What a wonderful accomplishment for these young musicians!