IT'S TIME for holiday news, and one of the nicer local traditions is organized by Sue Carrera, who teaches art at Worthington Elementary School.
Under her guidance, pupils and their parents put together swags and other decorations and use them to decorate Ellicott City's historic Main Street.
Barry Gibson, owner of Gibson Dental Laboratory on Main Street, helped start the program about four years ago, when he was president of the Ellicott City Business Association. He and his wife, Nancy, owner of the Forget-Me-Not Factory, are still involved.
"Sue's a real inspiration," Barry Gibson said. "She gets the whole thing together. She gets the parents involved as well as the students. We have a good time doing it."
The swags, which decorate lamp posts throughout downtown Ellicott City and in the little pocket park known as Tiber Park, are made from holly, bows and pine cones.
"It takes a little time to put these things together," he said.
The program has grown each year and includes about 100 kids who work during recess and after school. This year, they made more than 50 swags -- all from donated materials, Carrera said.
Pupils also create paintings that are sprayed to protect them from the elements before they are put on display.
Because of concerns about mixing religion with education, the project is voluntary and work on it does not take place during art classes, Carrera noted.
People have urged her to sell the swags to raise money for the school but, Carrera says, that would go against the holiday spirit of the project.
"The children are learning to give of themselves and they're seeing it from their parents as well," she said. "They're walking the walk and I think that's very important."
Carrera says parents who participate in the project are teaching their children valuable lessons about the importance of giving. In particular, she praised parents Donna Monger, Chris Kraft, Sheila Keating, Lucinda Miller, Colleen Asiagan, Paula Dwyer and Mary Turanchick (who recently moved away) for their efforts.
"I do feel that it is an excellent example of parents and children working together," Carrera said. "That's the part I want to stress because I think it's very important for children to see."
Toy drive
Children can learn the joys of giving by donating toys to the Howard County Fire & Rescue Services Toy Drive.
Unwrapped new and used toys can be dropped at any fire station in Howard County. Used toys should be clean and in good shape.
The toys will be wrapped and distributed to needy children in the county. Information: Tammy Bowers, 410-465-9669, or Wendy McCord, 410-313-2602.
A gift of reading
The Ilchester Elementary School PTA is collecting new and gently used books for its "Give the Gift of Reading" program.
The program began three years ago. Each year, more schools serve as collection sites. Books can be dropped off until Jan. 19 at Waverly, Longfellow, Atholton, Centennial Lane, Rockburn, Running Brook and Bushy Park elementary schools, and at Oakland Mills High School.
The books are distributed to groups working with needy populations in Howard County. Last year, 6,135 books were distributed.
Schools interested in participating need a coordinator in the school to oversee the project and arrange a collection and storage area. Information: Kathy Tomaszewski, 410-750-7364.
The end of a tradition
For the first time in more than 40 years, the Ellicott City Lions Club is not selling Christmas trees and wreaths, says member Allen B. Peddicord.
The club has no plans to resume the tradition.
The sales were started by Peddicord's brother, Dick Peddicord, and Franklin Baker. Both are members of the club.
Last year, the tree lot was moved from the Golden Triangle Shopping Center off U.S. 40 in Ellicott City to the Lions' Community Center on Waterloo Road. Sales fell and members of the club decided the sale was no longer worth the time and effort.
"Our thanks to all the people who have supported us over the many years," Allen Peddicord wrote in a letter to The Sun.
Library news
An eight-week storytelling series will begin Jan. 6 at the Elkridge branch library. Elementary school-age children and their families are invited to hear favorite children's tales and enjoy cocoa and a snack from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
No registration is required. Information: Irva Nachlas-Gabin, 410-313-5085.
