7th District Catholic school seeks support, more students

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008

"We need some help with enrollment, and money," advisory board member Diane Fenwick said this week. "Enrollment has gone down considerably. We started out the school year with 78 [students]. We now have 83, … [but] our goal is to have at least a hundred with the next school year."

The school offers classes from prekindergarten through eighth grade, allowing the youngest children a nap during their all-day sessions, and providing all students with a high teacher-to-pupil ratio.

"Most of the classes have seven or eight kids," Fenwick said. "They get a lot of individual attention, because they are small classes."

Discounts are offered for families with two or more students at the school, and bus service is available through transfers from the parochial schools in Helen and Leonardtown. "Shadow Day" programs allow prospective students and their parents to sit in on a class and observe, before joining the current students for lunch.

Upcoming fundraising events include a Texas Hold 'em card tournament at 6 p.m. today, Friday, at Holy Angels Hall, followed by a Nov. 29 dance with "The Geezers" band and a Dec. 6 "Shopping Spree" featuring name-brand vendors. A "Sweetheart Ball" on Feb. 7 will offer cocktails, dinner dancing and a silent auction. Call 301-769-2856 for more information on the upcoming events.

In addition, an endowment fund welcoming memorial donations is under way, and more information on that program is available by calling 301-904-4020. Even if the enrollment goals are met, Fenwick said class sizes would still average little more than a dozen students.

"You'll still get individual attention," she said. "You'll still get small classes." For more information on the school, call 301-769-3389 or go online to www.holyangelssacredheartschool.org.

First Fridays continue tonight in town

Leonardtown continues its monthly First Friday celebrations from 5-8 p.m. today with artists' receptions at Heron's Way Gallery and the North End Gallery, plus a "fall flavors" cooking class at Quality Street Kitchen and Catering.

Good Earth Foods and the Brewing Grounds will offer live music, Cafe des Artistes will have special pricing on wines and meals, and Fenwick Street Used Books will have a book signing with author John Betts. Colleen's Dream will discount giftware items, and Corbels restaurant will serve half-price appetizers and drink specials in the bar until 6 p.m.

Along Point Lookout Road, visit the Maryland Antiques Center for more discounts at Leonardtown Galleria and the Tea Room. Shelby's Creative Framing will have door prize drawings, and Creek Side Gallery will have sale prices on select woodwork and gourd art. The College of Southern Maryland campus will host a "Spirit Walk" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the college.

Veterans home to hold Saturday open house

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home will hold its fourth annual Open House from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, to provide information on issues of interest to seniors, their families, physicians and other health care professionals.

Tours of the veterans home will include demonstrations of skilled nursing care, assisted living, Alzheimer's care, and rehabilitative services. Attendees also will see the new optometry center, beauty and barber shop, and massage therapy facility. Entertainment and light refreshments will be available. All Maryland residents are invited to visit. For more information, call 301-884-8171.

Veterans to be honored Sunday at cemetery

A ceremony to honor all veterans buried at Joy Chapel Cemetery on Joy Chapel Road in Hollywood will be held at 1 pm. this Sunday, Nov. 9, an event sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sgt. James H. Harris Camp. For more information, call 301-373-5251.

Helen plans its 23rd

Veterans Day program

The Veterans of Helen will present their 23rd annual Veterans Day observance program at 2 p.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the monument site in Helen.

The patriotic tribute in honor of those who have served in the armed forces of the United States will feature guest speaker Capt. Andrew Macyko, commanding officer of Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Lt. gov. and attorney

general expected

at town's parade

Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Attorney General Doug Gansler are expected to join local officials at next Tuesday's Veterans Day parade in the town.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Washington Street and feature veterans, marching bands, military units, color guards, bagpipers, Scouts, cheerleaders, motorcycles, horses, fire and rescue volunteers and law enforcement officers. After the parade, spectators are encouraged to remain in the town square for a veterans memorial ceremony to include patriotic music and a placement of wreaths.

Parade participants are requested to arrive between 8 and 9 a.m., to check in with parade coordinators on Washington Street for their line-up assignment. Individuals, bands and color guards should enter the square from Fenwick Street, where they will be directed to their assembly area.  Floats and other performing groups should enter the square from Lawrence Avenue. Emergency equipment and other large vehicles will assemble at Leonardtown Elementary School on Duke Street.

Spectators and participants are encouraged to park at the county's governmental center and take a free round-trip on the St. Mary's County Transit System shuttle bus service into downtown to view the parade and ceremony.

Washington Street will be closed until noon. Downtown parking and through traffic will be limited to areas accessible from Fenwick Street and Lawrence Avenue. For more information, call 301-475-9791 or 301-475-4200, ext. 1340.

Church to host

Saturday craft fair

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Parish Hall at Old Village Road in Mechanicsville will host a holiday craft and vendor fair from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, featuring Southern Living at Home, Tastefully Simple, Home and Garden, Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and Home Interiors. Admission is free.

For more information or to rent a table, call 301-290-0186 or send e-mail to cathyep@msn.com.

Rotary club to host basket bingo

The Charlotte Hall Rotary Club will host a super basket bingo to benefit Stephen's Fund at 1 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Moose Lodge on Mechanicsville Road. Proceeds will benefit special needs children in the community.

There will be more than $5,000 worth of Longaberger baskets, pottery and wrought iron to be won. For more information call 301-884-5669 or 240-298-3885 or send e-mail to shirley.mattingly@verizon.net.

Weekend Legends and Lore tours sold out

Sotterley Plantation's Legends and Lore tours scheduled for today and Saturday are completely sold out, but widespread interest has prompted plans to offer the tour several times at the Hollywood landmark throughout 2009. For more information on Sotterley events, go online to www.sotterley.org.

Bay talks to be

held at Sotterley

Tom Horton and Ian Plant will speak on "An Exploration of the Chesapeake Bay's Wild and Forgotten Places" next Friday, Nov. 14, at Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood. To make reservations, call 301-373-2280.

jwharton@somdnews.com