Businesses, nonprofits to team up for baby and toddler fair

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008

April Wathen of Lexington Park remembers when her first son was born 3� years ago. She couldn't find a one-stop shopping place in St. Mary's for baby-related items, she said.

"There wasn't a comprehensive place to go to get everything in this county," she said Friday.

About five months ago, after her second child was born, Wathen decided she would try to put together that kind of opportunity for herself and other area mothers.

The "All for the Love of Baby" Baby and Toddler Fair is Wathen's effort to bring together a group of baby-related businesses as well as nonprofits related to children or child-rearing for a one-day, baby-focused event. The fair will be held Oct. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in California. Admission will be cash-only at the door, $3 for individuals and $5 for couples. Children will be admitted free and parents are encouraged to bring babies and toddlers.

Satisfaction is guaranteed. "If you feel that you did not gain anything useful at this, you will be refunded your full admission price," Wathen wrote in a description of the event. The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary gift bag and there will be an opportunity to win prizes.

Wathen wants participants to attend "prepared to shop and experience the demonstrations," she said.

A mix of 20 for-profit and nonprofit groups will participate, including the Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center, St. Mary's County Library, the Breastfeeding Resource Center, St. Mary's County Health Department, MOMs Clubs and the St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks. Businesses on site will include Wathen's own All for the Love of Baby, as well as Baby Bundlin', Music Together, Kiddos Baby and Toddler Gym, Discovery Toys and KT Storks. More information on the fair is available at www.allfortheloveofbaby.com.

Beagle rescue group

is now at capacity

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland Inc. is encouraging families to consider adopting a pet that needs a good home.

BRSM receives hundreds of requests from shelters in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C., asking the group to take in healthy and not-so-healthy beagles that are in need. All BRSM dogs are fostered at private homes. The rescue group is currently operating at 100 percent capacity. BRSM has 62 beagles, both purebred and mixed-breed, available for adoption. Call 410-409-7287.

Art society to take

part in winefest

The Riverside WineFest on Oct. 4 and 5 at Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood will give area residents the opportunity to taste some locally made wine, take a leisurely stroll and have the chance to view original works of art displayed by the Color and Light Society. Sixteen wineries will be joining the festival this year. 

Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted price of $17 through Sept. 26. At the gate tickets will be $20. Designated driver and visitors ages 6 to 20 will be admitted for $5. Children younger than 6 will be admitted free. To purchase tickets in advance (Visa or Mastercard only) or to find out more information, visit www.sotterley.org or call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850.

The Color and Light society has reorganized its focus to better facilitate the growth in the interest in the arts in Calvert and St. Mary's. The nonprofit organization of local artists is dedicated to artistic development and the creation of original works of art.

In addition to the Riverside WineFest, the group has been involved at the Calvert Marine Museum's Maritime Festival in May, Sharkfest in July and Artfest in September. Color and Light is open to new members wishing to foster the expansion of art in Southern Maryland.

For more information write P.O. Box 1184, Lusby, MD 20657; or e-mail colorandlightsociety@comcast.net.

Tourism department announces new video

A 2�-minute video showcasing St. Mary's County can be downloaded from the county government's Web site at www.stmarysmd.com. Click on "Tourism Department" under the "Visitor" box. Click on "View Our Video."

The video features images by local photographer Joe Dunn and others and is set to "Chesapeake Born," a song written and sung by folk artist Tom Wisner. "It was a pleasure to work with both of these fine artists," said Carolyn Laray, tourism manager, who produced the video, in a statement.

Gallery to feature art by SMCM professor

St. Mary's College of Maryland art professor Sue Johnson will show several of her artworks at the James Backas Gallery in Baltimore until Dec. 18. The exhibit is hosted by the Maryland State Arts Council and will showcase the work of nine artists who have each received a MSAC 2008 Individual Artist Award. Titled "Personal Vocabulary," the show focuses on the artists' current paintings and works on paper.

The Backas Gallery is located within the MSAC offices at 175 West Ostend St. The exhibition is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding state holidays. Call Carla Dunlap, senior program director for the MSAC, at 410-767-6494.

Prepare for the scare

The Ghosts of Sotterley Tours will be held again this year at Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood. Dates are Oct. 16 to 18, starting at 7 p.m. Continuing along the timeline from last year's Revolutionary War era, this year's new Ghosts of Sotterley Tours dramatization takes place in 1791 – two years following the death of Elizabeth Rousby Plater. The lady of the plantation was not ready to leave this life. A restless spirit, she makes her presence known to guests during the spooky walking tours at Sotterley Plantation. There will be a bonfire (weather permitting), refreshments for purchase and ghostly music for the cost of $13 per person. Reservations are required. Call 301-373-2280.

Volunteers needed for new event at Sotterley

Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood is planning to hold its first garden fair on April 25 and 26, 2009. This event will feature guest speakers, vendors, demonstrations, children's activities and more. Organizers need volunteers to assist with pre-event work. Much of the work needed can be done from home, and some of the jobs will include making advance contacts via phone/e-mail and chairing or aiding sub-committees for advertising, vendors, speakers, demos, children's activities, entertainment and more. Contact Karen Tippett at 301-373-2280 or events@sotterley.org.

School employees cited

St. Mary's public schools honor employees for outstanding performance each month, as nominated by school system employees. The Work Hard and Be Nice award recognizes distinct and extraordinary accomplishments of public schools employees.

Award recipients for August 2008 are: Don Asher, information technology analyst/system administrator; Scott Smith, director of secondary instruction, administration and school improvement; Anthony Marcino, supervisor of assessment; Diana Rogers, fiscal services program manager; Carmen Johnston, Lexington Park Elementary prekindergarten teacher; Vicky Carroll, Lexington Park Elementary prekindergarten paraeducator; Kimberly Dunkin, Lexington Park Elementary kindergarten teacher; Paula Williar, Green Holly Elementary teacher; Linda Paolillo, Green Holly Elementary kindergarten teacher; Sharon Thorstensen, Green Holly Elementary instructional resource teacher; Ann Haines, Green Holly Elementary kindergarten teacher; Darlene Austin, administrative assistant to the chief academic officer; Beverly Dahlstrom, administrative assistant to the superintendent; Ann Davis, administrative secretary; Sherri Gray administrative secretary; Ellen Johnson, account clerk for the department of human resources; Carolyn Nelson, fiscal/records specialist; Gloria Ramos, administrative secretary; Mary Smith, account clerk; Penny Weiser, office manager of the department of special education; April Reece, Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center building service manager; Brenda Hinsdale Dewey Leonardtown Middle English/reading teacher; Diana "Dee" Allen, Esperanza Middle secretary; Louis Barnes, electro-mechanical leader; Francis Mike Mason, vehicle mechanic; Elmer Long, HVAC employee; Mike Roache, HVAC employee; Brenda Dale, Mechanicsville Elementary secretary to the principal; Cynthia Lilly, Fairlead Academy special education teacher; and Eugene Butler, regional building logistical supervisor.

scraton@somdnews.com