It was a musical evening at Montpelier Elementary Dec. 2, as instrumental music students and chorus took the stage to perform for family and friends. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders had been rehearsing for several weeks, and their enthusiasm and hard work were evident.

The audience enjoyed a variety of songs: "Ascencion de la Navidad"; "My Favorite Things," from "The Sound of Music"; "Momma," by Boyz to Men; "Dance with My Father," by Luther Vandross; and "Gonna Build a Mountain," from "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off."

The applause was abundant for both the students and teachers. Instrumental instructor Sarah Hughes conducted the 53 musicians, including Montpelier's first violin students. The chorus of 30 students was directed by music teacher Terrance Burton.

There's more music to come: Burton is planning a spring production.

Congratulations to the super spellers of Faith Baptist Christian School. Top honors in the school's spelling bee went to sixth-grade student Joel BienAmie; second place was sixth-grader Nicky Cordone; and finishing third was Nidhi Chandran of the fifth grade.

Representing the school at the district spelling bee of the Association of Christian Schools International were Ben Butler, Nidhi Chandran, Nicky Cordone, Andrew Hung, Kwaku Sasu, John Mouzon-Garrick, Zachary Reynolds and Evan Garnes. Kwaku Sasu placed second in the seventh-grade bee and earned overall fifth place honors out of more than 150 spellers.

It's good bye leaves: The Prince George's County crews are in South Laurel for leaf collection time again. If they haven't been to your street, they will be there soon. Following a few simple rules will speed the process along.

First, rake your leaves to the curb, but not into the street. Also, be sure there are no sticks, trash or other debris mixed in with the leaves. And when the signs go up announcing leaf collection, do no park on the street.

Candlelight tours of the Montpelier Mansion are Dec. 11-13, 6-9 p.m. In addition to decocrations, there will be refreshments and musical entertainment. Cost is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Hands-On History at Montpelier Mansion is Sat., Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. All ages are invited to learn about the holiday traditions of enslaved African Americans in the 1800s. There will be drum making, gift giving, games and more. Cost is $7 per person, reservations are required. Call 301-377-7817.

"The Nutcracker Fantasy" will be presented by Bob Brown Puppets on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Deerfield Run Community Center. This free show will be followed by a visit from Santa and his friends. Thanks to the South Laurel Recreation Council for sponsoring this annual event.

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