Unique Boutique to offer art lovers an online sneak peek

THIS ‘N' THAT

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Every year, between 40 and 45 artists and craftsmen from the region are selected through a jury system to participate in the annual Unique Boutique, a fine art and craft show featuring local artists.

"I … look forward to working with my local artist community," said Sarah Houde of Hollywood, an artist who specializes in marine-themed pottery who has participated for at least the last 15 years of the show. "It's really nice to have such a good show right in my back yard."

The 36th annual Unique Boutique will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department social hall. There is free parking and free admission. Food will be available for sale.

Something new for the show this year is the introduction of a Web site, uniqueboutiquesomd.com, which features a listing of participating artists, many with biographies and work samples to view. "So, people can have a chance to browse and see what's going to be shown ahead of time," Houde said.

The show this year will feature paintings, basketry, ceramics, folk art dolls, hand-spun yarn, ornaments, stained glass, jewelry and more. In addition to Houde, artists ranging from Mary Lou Troutman, Mary Pat Hollis, Jim Kinnett, Frank Greenwell, Jeanne Hammett and Melissa Ricks are set to participate. This year, each of the participating artists is donating one item for a special sale, with all of those proceeds benefitting Hospice of St. Mary's.

Houde noted that organizers have tried to keep high standards for the show, and she believes that has contributed to the show's longevity. "I hope to see 50," Houde said of the show's future anniversary.

Libraries offer online tutoring for students

St. Mary's County Library is now offering free, online tutoring for students and their families daily from 2 to 11 p.m. in both English and Spanish, according to Kathleen Reif, library director. A library card is needed to use this new tutoring service, called HelpNow! HelpNow! is a product of Brainfuse and is being provided by the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association.

HelpNow! provides tutors in all core subjects for students in grades 3 through 12. There are no session limits for the tutoring. Subjects include math (algebra I, algebra II, geometry, trigonometry and calculus), science (biology, chemistry, physics and earth science), social studies and English or language arts. 

Reading and writing assistance is also available, including a writing lab for help with writing a report or paper. Foreign language labs provide live online instruction from fluent language tutors. HelpNow! also offers skill-building assistance to help students master a concept or skill, presented by tutors in one-to-one sessions. Tutors have a four-year degree and prior teaching or tutoring experience and are cleared with a background and reference check.

HelpNow! can be accessed from the library's Web page at www.stmalib.org. For more information, contact a library branch.

Center wins award

The Center for Life Enrichment, a not-for-profit agency in Hollywood supporting adult individuals with disabilities, was selected by the Archdiocese of Washington to receive the St. John Vianney Award for its programs and services enhancing the potential of individuals with disabilities. The award was presented after the annual partnership Mass with persons who are deaf and persons with disabilities held at Little Flower School in Great Mills.

Ridge Lions announce pair of scholarships

The Lions Club of Ridge offers two scholarships, one for $1,000 and a second for $500, in memory of past District Governor Thomas B. Stone. The scholarships shall be used for college-level education by any qualified full-time student regardless of sex, race, religion, age or financial abilities. Funds may be used for tuition, books or boarding. To be eligible for this scholarship, the candidate must be a resident of St. Mary's County and of the First Election District or sponsored by an active Ridge Lion.

Students must complete the Ridge Lions scholarship application. Forms are available from school guidance counselors or by writing Ridge Lions Club, P.O. Box 420, Ridge, MD 20580. Applicants are required to submit a typed 500- to 700-word essay on "What I would do to make the world a better place to live." Applications much be received by March 13, 2010. Awards will be made by April 20. Funds will be sent to the finance office of the learning institute. Call 301-872-5924.

NAACP to greet minority educators

An annual meet-and-greet for minority educators, administrators and support staff in the St. Mary's public schools will be hosted by the St. Mary's County Branch of the NAACP on Nov. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lexington Park library. Participants can meet the NAACP executive committee, visit with other school employees and learn about community events, local organizations and churches. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Deborah Dennie by Nov. 13. For more, contact Janice Walthour at 301-862-2296 or lwalthour@md.metrocast.net or Alonzo Gaskin at 301-872-4626, milgas@verizon.net.

scraton@somdnews.com