MRHS Presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” Nov. 20-23

By Cassie Felch
Posted: November 13, 2008

Members of the cast of Marriotts Ridge High School Theater’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” include, Front Row, from left: Thomas Conchie, Christine Nelson, Leslie Decker, Tara McVey and Josh Tilles; Back row, from left: Kayleigh Decker, Madeline Whiting, James Higgins, Matt Butt, Kelly Billet, Dylan Czarnecki and Hayley Fremuth. (Photo by Robert Kubisen).

The Marriotts Ridge High School Theater will present “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde’s witty play about fictitious identities, love, and the hypocrisy of late Victorian society. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.

The school’s National Art Honor Society will present a full British tea at 1 p.m. preceding the Sunday, Nov. 23 performance. These tickets also cost $10 and include an original teacup. To purchase tickets, call Jeanne Jurney at 301-854-5628 or e-mail jcjurney@verizon.net. For more information, call MRHS Drama Director Sally Livingston at 410-313-5573 or e-mail sally_livingston@hcpss.org.

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Workshop for Potential Music Majors Nov. 24

By Cassie Felch
Posted: November 13, 2008

On Nov. 24, the River Hill High School music department will present a workshop entitled, “So…You Want to Major in Music?” The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium and offers information for students who are considering a college degree in music.

Topics include how to choose a music school, how to prepare for a college audition, degree choices, teacher recommendations, campus visits, financial aid, and more. Students will also get an opportunity to question educators in band, choir, orchestra and music technology disciplines. For more information, e-mail River Hill band director Joe Fischer at joe_fischer@hcpss.org or go to the music department’s Web site at www.riverhillmusic.org.

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Neighbor Ride Needs Additional Volunteer Drivers

By Cassie Felch
Posted: November 13, 2008

Colleen Konstanzer, Community Outreach Coordinator for Neighbor Ride, would like to remind area residents that the organization needs volunteer drivers, especially in the western part of the county, to help transport seniors during the holiday season and beyond. Drivers may choose ride opportunities that are convenient to their schedules and daily routines, and parent volunteers are welcome to bring their children.

Upcoming volunteer orientation dates include Friday, Nov. 21 and Dec. 2 at 10 a.m., and Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. To volunteer or obtain more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE (7433) or volunteer@neighborride.org.

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Register Now for 2009 Master Gardener Program

By Cassie Felch
Posted: November 11, 2008

Marilyn Rogers works on a flower arrangement during a demonstration at the Howard County Library in December 2006. (Photo by Bob Nixon).

Georgia Eacker, Master Gardener Coordinator for the Maryland Cooperative Extension, announces that registration has begun for the 2009 Master Gardener training program, which runs from Jan. 26 – March 30, 2009. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – noon at the Howard County Cooperative Extension office at 3525-L Ellicott Mills Drive in Ellicott City.

Training costs $185 and covers plant, insect, and disease problems, as well as other topics related to sustainable gardening practices. The program welcomes both new and experienced gardeners. Registration ends Dec. 19 and class size is limited. Call the Howard County Extension office at 410-313-2707 to request a Master Gardener registration packet.

For those unfamiliar with the Maryland Master Gardener program, the initiative began in 1978 as a means of educating state residents about healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly approaches to horticulture. Master Gardeners receive training from University of Maryland professionals and then voluntarily extend this knowledge to the general public through activities such as gardening demonstrations and classes, plant clinics, community beautification efforts, and information booths at fairs and festivals.

To get a better perspective of the program, I spoke with Marilyn Rogers, a West Friendship resident who first became involved with Master Gardeners 10 years ago. Marilyn wanted to learn as much as possible about growing beautiful flowers and vegetables, and the Master Gardeners training provided her with the necessary background in subjects such as plant physiology, botany, soils, and pest management. She then supplemented her training with a course in floral design at Dundalk Community College so that she could focus upon her true passion: arranging flowers. Others, of course, may concentrate on different areas of gardening and the natural environment.

Marilyn has frequently shared her creativity with the community through the Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau. Over the years, she has given presentations, demonstrations and workshops for libraries, churches, garden clubs, and an assisted living facility. She has truly enjoyed teaching and helping others hone their skills in flower arrangement, and for her, an added bonus has been making friends with like interests.

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Marriotts Ridge Boosters Seeks Donations and Sponsors

By Cassie Felch
Posted: November 11, 2008

The Mustangs Booster Club of Marriotts Ridge High School has scheduled its annual Mustang Madness casino night and auction for March 14, 2009, from 7-11 p.m. at the Columbia Hilton. Proceeds from this event will help fund upgrades to the MRHS auditorium sound system, uniforms for the cross country and track teams, honor roll incentives, rights to musical productions, teacher website fees, the model United Nations, the environmental club, and the school’s first robotics team.

In order to make the fundraiser successful, the Booster Club needs help from the community. The organization seeks donated auction items, such as extra airline miles, tickets to athletic events, gift cards and more. Local businesses can sponsor a half table ($150) or full table ($300) and take advantage of the opportunity to promote their company. All sponsors and donators will receive recognition both at the event and on the MRHS Boosters website at www.mrhs-boosters.com. Contact Kim Zaruba at 410-442-1898 or kimzaruba@mindspring.com if you can help or if you require more information.

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