WEST COLUMBIA homes are filled with the scents of gingerbread, candy canes, potato latkes and sour cream during the holiday season. There are presents to wrap, cards to send and decorations to hang - but you may want to make time in your busy schedule for community celebrations.
The Harper's Choice Community Association will celebrate the Christmas season from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. today with a performance of "Clara's Nutcracker Party" and a visit from Santa Claus.
The young dance students of Meridee Levy and Pam Humeston will perform a youthful interpretation of Tschaikovsky's Christmas classic "The Nutcracker Suite." After the ballet, Santa will visit with the children.
The free event will include craft activities and refreshments. You must reserve a seat in advance.
Donations of nonperishable food items for the Harvest for the Hungry food drive are requested.
Information: 410-730-0770.
The HCC Singers, directed by Deborah Kent, will present a Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. today at Howard Community College's Smith Theatre.
Selections will include Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" with harp and Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata" with brass.
Admission is free.
Information, 410-772-4940.
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa parties
The Beth Shalom Sisterhood of Columbia will hold its Hanukkah Party from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at 8070 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia.
In addition to crafts and games, a magic show will be held and face-painting will be done. Admission is free to families of sisterhood members. Others pay $2 a person, with a maximum of $5 a family.
Information: 410-531-5115.
A Kwanzaa celebration will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kahler Hall in Harper's Choice Village Center. Families are invited to sample traditional food, play games and enjoy musical entertainment.
Tickets are required for children only and are free to Columbia Association lien-payers; tickets are $1 for nonlien-payers.
The Kwanzaa celebration is being sponsored by the community associations of Dorsey's Search, Harper's Choice, Hickory Ridge, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, Owen Brown, Town Center and Wilde Lake.
Information or tickets: Contact one of the village offices.
Gifted-and-talented band
Congratulations to Clarksville Middle School pupils who were chosen to participate in the Howard County Gifted and Talented Middle School Band.
They are Debbi Choi, flute; Felix Stief and Katherine Davis, clarinet; Robin Choe, bass clarinet; Erik Jorgenson, tenor saxophone; Dan Whitney and Adam Yozwiak, trumpet; Jake Matuskey and Andy Davis, trombone.
Andy Davis also was selected to play for the Maryland All-State Junior Band.
Mortimer honored
Atholton High School PTSA President Rosemary Mortimer received an award at the Maryland PTA Convention in Ocean City last month.
Mortimer was awarded a life membership in the National PTA by the Maryland State PTA for her years of work to benefit children.
She has served as PTA president at Clemens Crossing Elementary School and Wilde Lake Middle School; as president of the PTA Council of Howard County; and as first vice president of the State PTA Council.
In his letter recommending Mortimer for the award, Joseph W. Rutter Jr., Howard County planning and zoning director, wrote that Mortimer "consistently placed the interests of the children first. She is a consensus builder who promotes the PTA mission and the resulting high quality of life for all citizens of Howard County."
Sports awards
Last month, Atholton High School recognized athletes at its Fall Sports Awards. Receiving Most Valuable Player awards were Erin Kelley and Meaghan Murphy, junior varsity girls soccer; Jen Lomangino, JV field hockey; Spencer Black, JV boys soccer; Matt Barresi, boys cross country; Freddie Graham and Carson Nickell, JV football; Corinne Ponder, freshman volleyball; Katie Zitmay, varsity volleyball; Caitlin Kelley and Christin Pena-Ariet, varsity girls soccer; Jenni Grishman, varsity field hockey; Adrian Hoffman, varsity boys soccer; Lora Anderson, girls cross country; Mark Carbone and Robert Olson, varsity football; and Taylor Seitz, JV volleyball.
Marvelous movies
Slayton House Theatre in Wilde Lake Village Center will continue its 2000-2001 season of "Marvelous Movies and More" film series with "Whisky Galore!" at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, this 1949 British classic film stars Joan Greenwood, Gordon Jackson and Basil Radford in a fast-paced comedy about a World War II ship sinking while loaded with whiskey and the antics of local Scottish islanders thirsting for its cargo.
A short discussion will be led by film historian David Pierce.
Tickets are $7 each. Reservations: 410-730-3987.
