Boteler benefit in Bel Alton

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A benefit dance will be held for a lifetime member of the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department March 20.

Scotty Boteler is fighting a rare type of lymphoma. His case is only the sixth to be discovered, according to event organizers.

The dance will be 8 p.m. to midnight at the firehouse at 9765 Bel Alton Newtowne Road.

There will be music, a silent auction, bake sale and 50/50 raffle. Admission is $10.

For more information, call 301-645-5360 or 301-643-1340.

Women's role in American Revolution

The National Park Service's Thomas Stone National Historic Site will hold a presentation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20 to honor Women's History Month.

Meeting in the park's visitor's center, park guide Amanda Long will hold a 30-minute presentation on the role of women in America's fight for independence.

Among the women she will discuss are Martha Washington, Abigail Adams and Betsy Ross along with other lesser-known but heroic women like Deborah Sampson, Margaret Corbin and Deborah Champion.

Visitors will learn how the courageous actions of women during the American Revolution inspired the nation to strive for the goal of freedom.

The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours offered on the hour and half-hour starting at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The park contains the restored home of Thomas Stone, outbuildings

and cemetery.

A visitor center features exhibits highlighting Southern Maryland, a sales area and restrooms. Admission to the park is free. Parking is available at the visitor center.

The site is at 6655 Rose Hill Road in Port Tobacco.

For more information, call 301-392-1776 or go to www.nps.gov/tsht.

Volunteer for a little sunshine

Hospice of Charles County will hold a free one-day bereavement camp for children 6 to 12 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Camp Sunshine, held on the campus of Kamp-A-Kom-Plish in Nanjemoy on May 15, is in need of volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include serving as a Big Buddy for the day, helping with setup and food, and helping with games.

The hospice also needs volunteers who have experience with music therapy.

Volunteer training will be provided before the camp. Background checks are required for all volunteers.

For more information, call Lucia Hartman at 301-934-1268 or e-mail lhartman@hospiceofcharlescounty.org to get more information.

Reading event scheduled at library

In celebration of Read Across Maryland, a reading program sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education, the Charles County library has scheduled Kathy Wells, a member of Southern Maryland Quilters Association, for a story time at 10 a.m. March 24 at the P.D. Brown Memorial branch at 50 Village St. in Waldorf.

Parents and children are invited to come.

After story time, children will do a related craft project.

"We are very excited to have the support of our local chapter of Southern Maryland Quilters Association. Story time is an integral part of getting young children ready for school and developing in them a love of reading," Janet Salazar, children's librarian of the Waldorf branch, said in a press release.

For more information go to www.ccplonline.org or www.readacrossmaryland.org.

Benefit bike ride

The Charles County Sheriff's Department, United Way of Charles County and Spring Dell Center will have a wheely good time March 20 with a benefit bike ride.

Sunny days and clear blue skies are what the United Way and Spring Dell Center hope for as it not only marks the first day of spring but marks the sheriff's department's first bike ride for the United Way and Spring Dell.

Riders can take advantage of a beautifully scenic ride on the Indian Head Rail Trail beginning at Indian Head's Village Green Pavilion at 100 Walter Thomas Road.

Riders can enjoy striking water views and eagle observation points, among other scenic attractions while giving back to their community all at the same time.

All proceeds earned will be shared amongst the two nonprofit organizations.

Check in is at 7 a.m. allowing riders to prepare for the 26-mile ride on the trail at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 301-609-4844 for a registration form. Registration is $25 per person. Those registering two or more riders will receive discounted fees.

All participants registering before March 10 will get a T-shirt and lunch provided by Chick-fil-A. In case of rain, the event will be held April 10.

Scholarships available

The Southern Maryland chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America and the Re-Use Barn will award college scholarships for $1,000 to three high school seniors entering college for the 2010–'11 school year.

Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; live and attend school in Charles County, Calvert County or St. Mary's County, and plan to attend an accredited college with a major in natural resources or conservation.

Scholarships will be awarded based on a student's scholastic achievement, written essay, community involvement and interview.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 3. To get an application, learn guidelines or for more information, call 301-932-3787.

Talent contest scheduled

Model Productions will host a talent contest and spring fashion show extravaganza at St. Charles Towne Center April 3.

For more information, go to www.ModelProductions.com or call 770-751-0500.

All that jazz

Friends of Old Waldorf School will hold a "Vino, Java & All That Jazz" fundraiser May 22 at Shady Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Hughesville.

From 6 to 9 p.m. listen to the sounds of the Jason Kearse Trio and check out Lia Sophia jewelry, sample flavored coffees and wines while snaking on light appetizers and desserts.

Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, call 301-934-2648.