Jamboree

Across the waterfront, preparations have begun for the launching today of the fifth annual Baltimore on the Bay festival, a nearly monthlong celebration of the city's maritime heritage and seafood tradition.Events begin with the seafood part -- a noontime oyster-shucking contest and waiters' race at the Harborplace amphitheater. And from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the 13th annual Blessing of Baltimore's Work Boats will feature a parade of boats honoring "the vessels that keep the Inner Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay running smoothly," organizers say.Each boat is to be blessed by the Rev. Thomas L. Culvertson of Emmanuel Episcopal Church as it passes a reviewing area at the Inner Harbor's west wall, in front of the Light Street Pavilion of Harborplace.

From The Sun Oct. 24-30, 1843Oct. 25: About a dozen ducks, belonging to Anastarus Deter, residing in Fell's Point, died yesterday morning, with evident symptoms of being poisoned.Oct. 28: We see it stated in a number of papers that Daniel Webster intends to pay a visit to the South, this winter. He will doubtless be received with the respect due so eminent a man.From The Sun Oct. 24-30, 1893Oct. 25: Architect Jackson C. Gott has prepared plans for the new Maryland Penitentiary. The plans contemplate the occupation of the entire block from Madison Street on the south to Eager Street on the north, and from Forrest Street on the east to Concord Street and the jail premises on the west.

Annual celebration St. Paul's Lutheran Church holds its annual "Bless the Years Celebration" on Sept. 25 and 26 at the church, 308 Oak Manor Drive in Glen Burnie. The event is to help people recognize and celebrate each year that's added to their lives as a gift from God and to respond with renewed commitment and service. Activities include a luncheon for those 55 and older at noon Sept. 25. Michael Walter, along with "A Poor Man's Band," provides the musical entertainment.

Carroll County Public Library branches are offering a variety of summer activities for all ages. Upcoming programs include: Eldersburg, 6400 W. Hemlock Drive: Summer arts and crafts, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Aug. 22; Mummies for ages 7 to 10, 2 p.m. Thursday; Craft Club for adults, 1 p.m. Saturday; Games, Games, Games for ages 7 to 13, 1:30 p.m. Aug. 20; Family Game Night, 7 p.m. Aug. 21; Three Billy Goats Road Trip Puppet Show, 9:45 a.m. and...

Like the crossword puzzles it celebrates, the documentary Wordplay is a small triumph of infusing personality into formula. Director Patrick Creadon and producer Christine O'Malley mold their film around a handful of puzzle-solvers anticipating the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford, Conn. But even if you think you never want to see another fact-based or fictional feature that builds to an election, an academic test or a sports championship, Wordplay holds you with its craftiness, its playfulness and, best of all, the bounteous bonhomie of its puzzle-makers and crossword addicts.

A rowdy roundup was staged at La Fontaine Bleu as 1,050 cowgirls and cowpokes packed the place for Harbor Hospital's "Harbor Daze" celebration. Since the theme for this year's jamboree was "Our Country Style," many folks donned western duds in red, white and blue -- with stars and stripes a major motif. As a band played country-western tunes, hardy two-steppers snaked around other guests mingling on the dance floor. Another line -- this one for the Tex-Mex buffet -- formed out the back of the ballroom to a tent where vittles like pit beef and barbecue were being served.

BEACH NEWS AN OCEAN CITY EDUCATION School's out for summer, but that doesn't mean the learning has to stop. Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum offers free educational programs six mornings a week beginning tomorrow. Visitors to Ocean City can stop by the museum on the Boardwalk starting at 10:30 a.m. each day except Sundays for discussions on topics including knot tying and sharks. Here's a look at the daily schedule: MONDAYS / / The Ocean City Beach Patrol demonstrates the newest techniques in lifesaving, including beach equipment, safety tips and laws.

Letters, calls and the roar of the crowd:Carla Adams, Baltimore: I am Christian and a Scout assistant leader. I am incensed by the tone of an article in the May-June issue of Scouting magazine [admiring the Hitler Youth.]I am incensed by the lack of acknowledgment that these groups played (a part) in the murder of non-Christian people and Christians alike.People would believe Hitler Youth groups didn't have anything to do with the mass murder of Jewish and non-Jewish men, women and children if they read this article in the national Scouting magazine.

AN EAGLE COURT of Honor was held Feb. 7 in honor of Matthew Folsom Kerwin.Matt, a sophomore at Centennial High School and a Scout for 10 years, has been a member of a Cub Pack in Long Valley, N.J., and Pack 361 in Ellicott City.For the past four years, Matt has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 944, where he has been active in leadership positions.His activities include services as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, den chief, troop quartermaster, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader and crew chief.