Event benefitted BECA scholarships

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The St. Mary's County Business, Education and Community Alliance Inc. (BECA) held its second benefit dinner and auction on March 12 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. BECA has been supporting the schools and students of St. Mary's County since 1989.

Catered by Rita B. Catering with desserts by Anita's Wedding Cakes and More, the filled-to-capacity hall was the scene of an exciting evening. Special guests included Superintendent Michael Martirano, along with Mary Washington and Sal Raspa as well as other members of the board of education. BECA President Bob Schaller of the St. Mary's County Economic and Community Development Office served as emcee for the event, and Commissioner Daniel H. Raley led the live auction. 

A special highlight was a featured performance of the Spring Ridge Middle School Rhythm Club, (Ryan Gravelle, director). The performance earned the group a well-deserved standing ovation.

Funds received go toward the funding of the 2010 BECA scholarships. BECA is also the organization which manages the St. Mary's County Common Scholarship Application, allowing students to apply for numerous local scholarships using just one application.

Since its introduction in 2007, more that $1 million has been awarded through the common application. (Note: did you know that "beca," pronounced "bay-cah," is Spanish for "scholarship?")

For more information on BECA, contact info@smcbeca.org, smcbeca.org or call 240-725-5805.

Mark your calendars now for the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary's dedication ceremony for the department's memorial to its deceased members. The ceremony and open house are scheduled for Sunday, April 18, at 1 p.m. at the fire department in Ridge.

The memberships of the department and auxiliary will be honoring those members who have been lost since the department was first established in 1948. Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 301-872-5671.

The Annual Presbyterian Women's yard sale will be held at Patuxent Presbyterian Church (USA) in California on Saturday, April 24. The church youth will be holding a bake sale and car wash on the same day.

The Presbyterian Women are accepting clothing of all sizes, children's toys, books, electronics and household items.

They will not be accepting exercise equipment or large appliances. Donations will be accepted beginning after church services on Sunday, April 18.

So, if you're doing your spring cleaning or have just moved or are about to move, please start saving plastic grocery bags, paper bags, cardboard boxes, extra hangers and any "stuff" you no longer wish to keep. Also, if you have a portable clothes rack available for borrowing during the week of the yard sale, that would be greatly appreciated. Most of the help needed will be on April 22, 23 and 24. You may contact the church office at 301-863-2033 for more information.

This week's Sunset-Watching Recipe of the Week is by Chef Randy Guy.

Grilled/Baked Rockfish

Ingredients

2 lbs. rockfish fillet

1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 c. light raspberry walnut vinaigrette dressing

Old Bay seasoning, to taste

Directions

Place fish fillets in baking/grill pan lined with foil and spray with cooking spray. Lightly sprinkle the fillets with Old Bay; mix remaining ingredients and spread on top of fish. Bake at 350 degrees or grill fish until it flakes easily with a fork (approximately 20 minutes).

Thank you, Chef Randy!

Please continue to send church, school, social, club and community news to Ellynne Brice Davis, Park-to-Point, c/o The Enterprise, P.O. Box 700, Lexington Park, MD 20653; or e-mail to Jjdavispe@cs.com.