TO HONOR exceptional students majoring in business, Carroll Community College has established a chapter of Alpha Beta Gamma, an international business honor society for two-year colleges.
"We wanted our better business students to be recognized for their achievements," said accounting Professor Mary Ann Swindlehurst, who will serve as one of the organization's advisers.
"There was no way to do that except through the honor society for students in all majors," she said.
The local society, which will be known as the Delta Lambda chapter, will begin inviting eligible students to join this fall.
It plans to sponsor its first induction ceremony in the spring, Swindlehurst said.
To be eligible, students must be business majors, earn a 3.0 grade point average in their business courses and their general coursework, and have completed 15 academic credit hours at the college.
According to Swindlehurst, 15 credit hours is slightly more than one semester's work.
About 400 students have declared themselves business majors at the college, she said.
"Most of our students go on to four-year institutions," Swindlehurst said, noting that finances often are a concern for those students.
The national organization offers more than "$500,000 in scholarship money each year to members. That was one of the big selling points for us."
Swindlehurst explained that the scholarships are based upon partnerships that the national organization helps local chapters establish with four-year colleges in their area.
Students from participating two-year institutions who attend one of the partner four-year colleges will receive a reduction in their tuition, she said.
"They offer an incentive to bring these students into the college," Swindlehurst said, adding that the college intends to set up such partnerships in the Baltimore area.
For students who don't intend to attend a four-year institution, membership in the honor society can help them network and find jobs.
Chapters of Alpha Beta Gamma usually sponsor recruiting events, speakers from area businesses, and sessions about interview techniques and dressing for success.
Delta Lambda intends to do the same, Swindlehurst said, adding that students will have an opportunity to pursue community service work.
"We'll do anything else the students want to do," she said. "It's really their chapter."
For more information about the organization, or Carroll Community College's business curriculum, contact Swindlehurst at 410- 386-8249, or Kate Demarest, associate professor of management and marketing, at 410-386-8252.
Practicing traditional arts
Classes on making jams and jellies, knitting, or blacksmithing skills will be offered in traditional arts classes by Carroll County Farm Museum this fall.
Additional classes include ribbon embroidery, chair-caning, woodcarving and open-hearth cooking.
Most classes will meet Wednesday nights next month, beginning Sept. 6, and will range from one night to four sessions.
Costs vary from $20 to $100, and advance registration is required.
All groups will meet on the museum grounds, 500 S. Center St. in Westminster.
Information: 410-848-7775 or 410-876-2667.
Staying home alone
Youngsters can feel more confident while at home alone with a one-day session at Carroll County General Hospital.
"I'm in Charge," sponsored by the hospital's Learning Center, will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Women's Place, 291 Stoner Ave., Westminster.
The cost is $10 per child and advance registration is required.
Information: 410-848-2244.
Peaches galore
Members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Westminster will celebrate summer with their annual peach festival.
Food, ice cream, entertainment and games will be featured at this event, which will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday on the church grounds, 827 Leister's Church Road in Westminster.
Information: 410-848-1995.
Prayer for the school year
Spiritually minded individuals will gather as the Carroll County Heritage Foundation sponsors its third annual "Prayer in the Park" celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday at Westminster City Playground.
An evening of Christian music, praise and prayer is planned to help prepare the county's young people and the community for the school year.
Participants are asked to bring a chair or blanket for seating.
Refreshments will be available.
In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Westminster High School auditorium. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted to assist the foundation with its charitable program.
Information: 410-876-8714.
Amy L. Miller's Central neighborhood column appears each Monday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.
