Alexandria

On June 4, 2006, CHARCLY P.; beloved mother of William Martin Friends may call at the family owned MARCH FUNERAL HOME WEST INC., 4300 Wabash Avenue on Thursday, after 9 A.M. The family will receive friends on Friday, 10:30 A.M. at the Church of St. Katherine of Alexandria Episcopal, 2001 Division St. followed by funeral service at 11 A.M.

On September 29, 2005, KANDYCEWILLIAMS is survived by mother Cheryl Williams, guardians Clayton and Audra Washington, sisters Alisa, Angela and Anitra Washington. Friends may call at the family owned MARCH FUNERAL HOME WEST, INC., 4300 Wabash Avenue on Tuesday after9 A.M. Family will receive friends on Thursday in St. Katherine's of Alexandria, 2001 Division Street, at 10 A.M., followed by Funeral Services at 11. See www.marchfh.com

Karen Pecoraro is an environmental engineer for a company in Alexandria, Va., that builds and operates power plants all over the world. But for the past few months, she spent time photographing the girls in A Space of Her Own, a new program in which at-risk teens who live in low-income housing learn art and redesign, paint and decorate each other's living spaces. A Space of Her Own is a collaboration between the Art League in Alexandria and the city's Court Services Unit. "It's kind of based on the belief that learning to do for other people and learning to improve your immediate environment is beneficial for everyone," said Pecoraro, who lives in Ellicott City with her husband, Joseph, and sons Bill, Tony and Frankie.

On July 7, 2005, JOHN THOMAS, devoted father of Alexandria and Aleisa Fries, loving brother of Patricia and Gary Fries. Funderal service will be held at 10 A.M. Wednesday at the Crownsville Veteran Cemetery. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations toward Mr. Fries burial expenses to the order of Patricia Fries, 3810 Chance La., Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Arrangements by Miller-Dippel Funeral Home, Inc.

More than just one of the most popular musicians and songwriters of the 20th century, John Lennon was a talented and respected artist. The former Beatle, who attended the Liverpool Art Institute for three years, loved art and continued to draw throughout his lifetime. Fans of Lennon can take a glimpse into his artistic soul at the exhibit The Artwork of John Lennon: In My Life, on display Friday, Saturday and June 25 at a warehouse in Alexandria, Va. Lennon's widow Yoko Ono presents the touring exhibit, which features more than 100 original drawings, hand-signed pieces and limited-edition prints of works created between 1968 and 1980.

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend What:: More than 100 clans gather for this annual holiday event featuring a Christmas marketplace, Celtic concert, Scotch tastings, children's tea party, home tours and a parade of plaid. The event is also a fundraiser for the Campagna Center, which offers educational programs for children. Bonus event: Alexandria's annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is Saturday as well, beginning at 6 p.m. Where:: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Va. When:: Events begin at noon Thursday and continue through Saturday, with the Christmas parade at 11 a.m. Rain or shine.

Fund-raising activities continue to fill the coffers of the Mount Airy Flood Relief Fund. Combined efforts have so far raised $21,811.The latest event, in which eight Mount Airy restaurants donated 10 percent of their profits from Oct. 13 to the fund, raised more than $571. Three restaurants still have to report their contributions, said Suzanne Mead, a flood relief committee member.Mount Airy residents began raising money for the flood-ravaged town of Alexandria, Mo., in August. The town of 500 is at the confluence of the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers.

Adrian Druzgala of Ellicott City and Hobbit's Glen Golf Club followed an opening 76 at Wayzata Country Club with a par-matching 72 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in suburban Minneapolis, and qualified for the match-play portion of the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship, starting today.Robert Vallis, of Bermuda, who qualified at Old South CC in Lothian, and whose daughter attends Oldfields School, also made it with 71-77148.There was a playoff at 149 among 21 players for three places, and among those halted by darkness was Barry McCarty of Alexandria, Va., at 72-77149.

With the aid of bloodhounds and a state police helicopter, about 75 police officers and firefighters combed farm fields and woods near Ellicott City last night looking for a missing 4 1/2 -year-old girl, authorities said.The search for Alexandria Zirschky was expected to continue through the night. The temperature at 11 p.m. was about 60 degrees, and searchers were concerned about lower temperatures overnight.Alexandria, whose nickname is Lexie, was out for a walk with her mother and a 1-year-old sibling shortly after 6 p.m. They were walking on a path in a wooded area near Manor Lane when the mother noticed that Alexandria had apparently wandered off, said Sgt. Steve Keller, a Howard County police spokesman.

St. Patty's Day ParadeCelebrate the luck of the Irish, Eastern Shore style, with a St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday in Ocean City. Cheer on more than 100 parade participants, including bands, step dancers, floats and marching units, which will follow the parade route along Coastal Highway to the 45th Street Village. Enjoy a festival with a variety of food and drink before and after the parade.The parade steps off at noon and proceeds along Coastal Highway, from 61st Street to the 45th Street Village.