During these difficult economic times, Bon Secours Spiritual Center hopes to assist by offering two free/low-cost programs during the month of August. As I mentioned last week, "Care for the Caregiver" takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, 9-11 a.m., and again Aug. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This program offers a day of respite for those dedicated to providing support to others. The center suggests a donation of $15 per session (or a free-will offering for those cannot pay the full amount).

Next, on Aug. 14, Bon Secours offers "Keep the Spirit Up," a day for job-seekers and career changers. The morning session, led by Sharon Scibek of Swan Learning Services and BSSC Executive Director Thomas Little, begins at 9 a.m. and includes a guided reflection time, followed by an opportunity to use the swimming pool or otherwise relax on the beautiful campus. After a noon lunch, the facilitators lead a discussion about job skills. The program concludes at 3:15 p.m.

Although the center does not charge for "Keep the Spirit Up," it does appreciate donations and requests that participants register in advance since space is limited.

Bon Secours continues its August events with a directed weekend retreat, "St. Paul - Call to Conversion," that takes place Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. to Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. Thomas Little leads participants during this in-depth study of Paul, the most prolific personality in the New Testament. The retreat costs $210, with a $50 deposit.

On Aug. 16, an Ignatian Eight-Day Retreat begins at 7 p.m. and runs until Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. Marilyn Merikangas, Virginia Novak and Stephen Wade facilitate this silent study of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The retreat costs $550, with a $150 deposit.

Also during the weekend of Aug. 22-23, Robert Hitz leads GRACEnotz, an enrichment weekend for healthcare professionals. Participants use music and writing to explore gratitude and other related attitudes in their lives and work; they should bring a journal and a favorite musical recording. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. Aug. 22 through 1 p.m. Aug. 23 and costs $125, with a $50 deposit.

Finally, Margaret Guenther helps participants reflect on the great questions of our time during "The Promise of Hope in an Uneasy World," from Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. through Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. This retreat costs $550, with a $150 deposit.

To register for any of the programs at Bon Secours, call 410-442-1320, or go to www.BonSecoursSpiritualCenter.org. The address is 1525 Marriottsville Road, in Marriottsville.

Although summer always seems to pass too quickly, fall athletes must already think about returning to Marriotts Ridge High School. The coaches plan to collect paperwork in the school cafeteria between 4 and 6 p.m. Aug. 14, with the fall sports season officially beginning Aug. 15. The requisite paperwork includes an athletic participation form, a physical dated after April 1, 2009, a copy of the student's birth certificate (if new to playing sports), and proof of residency. To print forms or learn more, go to www.marriottsridge.net/documentRepository.php.

The Howard County Conservancy announces a new "Butterfly Flutter By" workshop geared toward preschoolers age 2 and older, plus an accompanying parent or caregiver. The program, which takes place Aug. 18, 10-11:30 a.m., includes stories and crafts, plus a short walk, and costs $5 per child (pre-payment required). To register, call Tabby Fique at 410-465-8877 or e-mail tabby.fique@hcconservancy.org. The Conservancy's address is 10520 Old Frederick Road, in Woodstock.

This week's Sykesville Concert in the Park (Friday, Aug. 7) features The Jenny Leigh Band, an acoustic duo that performs a variety of genres and styles. The concert runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Millard Cooper Park, with a lighted playground for little ones and free parking at Sykesville Middle School. As always, the Snack Shack will sell Chick-fil-A, Hoffman's homemade ice cream and many other treats. For directions, go to www.mdparty.com/sykesvilleconcerts.

Millard Cooper Park also serves as the venue for The Shakespeare Factory Players' performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," scheduled for August 9 at 3 p.m. Call 410-795-8959 for more information.

Clark's Elioak Farm, at 10500 Clarksville Pike, in Ellicott City, invites the community to the Enchanted Forest 54th Birthday Party during the Aug. 15-16 weekend. The event will feature special family activities, face painting, story times and fairy tale characters.

The second-annual Enchanted Forest Employee Reunion also takes place at the farm from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 15. All former employees may attend for free. For more information, call 410-730-4049 or e-mail ClarksMotherGoose@gmail.com.

One of the photos accompanying my July. 23 column about Frisky's Wildlife & Primate Sanctuary incorrectly identified the subjects. In the photo, Janet Styles (Frisky's volunteer and mother of Heather Wandell) helps Josh, Hannah and Charlotte Lee feed goats Dennis and Dominic.

user comments (0)