Artist Teri Rizzutti spent her childhood in both urban and suburban areas of Maryland. One of her earliest memories is trying to communicate with her grandmother, who didn't speak English.

Teri found a way to converse with her through creating drawings and cartoons on scrap paper.

"I was only 5, but overcoming a language barrier and communicating through art seemed magical. I have never forgotten that," she said.

Today, Teri is an accomplished artist whose work in tapestries, abstracts, cloudscapes and figure paintings can be viewed in private and corporate collections and galleries around the world. In Ellicott City, Teri's work can be found in the homes of Linda Freeman, Ruth and James Bell and Lisa and Larry Blum.

Ellicott City's Gallery 44 owner Marian Berman and Teri have been friends for more than 25 years. On Friday, Oct. 23, Marian is hosting a Terri Rizzutti art exhibit featuring all new work from the artist.

The exhibit was named "Circle of Hope" in a symbolic nod to Teri's current station in life. Recently, Terri learned that a cancer that she thought was long gone has returned. While undergoing vigorous treatment therapies, Teri has been using her painting as a form of healing.

"Teri's new work is a reflection of her courage, talent and indelible spirit," Berman says. "This exhibit is art with a heart - a fundraiser where folks can get a great piece of art and know they are helping someone very special during a critical time."

I wasn't surprised to learn that Marian was helping a friend in need. She is someone who works tirelessly for those less fortunate in our community. As chairperson of the Success in Style organization, she helps provide work attire and counseling to disadvantaged women entering the job market.

"We have an 85 percent success rate and help over 350 women a year," Marian was happy to tell me.

Consider attending the Gallery 44 Teri Rizzutti "Circle of Hope" exhibit which runs Oct. 23 through November. On opening day at 7 p.m., the community will have the opportunity to met Teri and watch as she works on a new painting in the Gallery.

For more information, visit Gallery 44 online at www.gallery44.com or call them at 410-465-5200.

It's not too early to think about holiday gifts. If books are on your list to buy for family members, please consider purchasing them from Folly Quarter Middle School's Book Fair.

Celia O'Brien, FQMS Book Fair Chair, is pleased to announce the Book Fair will run from Friday, Oct. 22-Nov. 5 in the school media center. The Fair will be open every school day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Evening hours are available Monday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

My neighbor, Debbie Richmond, brought to my attention that the youth ministry at her church, First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, is holding a Pumpkin Patch fundraiser every day through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9325 Presbyterian Circle in Columbia.

The Pumpkin Patch will feature pumpkins of all sizes for sale as well as Indian corn, gourds, fall flowers, cornstalks and cookbooks. There's a free children's straw maze and special story times can be arranged for groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers began 31 years ago when a farmer with some pumpkins met a minister with a need for funds. The farmer agreed to let the church sell the pumpkins and they would share the proceeds. There was no contract, no legal proceedings, just a handshake and trust in each other.

Today the Pumpkin Patch Family of churches and other nonprofit organizations is made up of more than 1,300 locations, over 30 denominations in 48 states and is still growing.

Proceeds from The Pumpkin Patch will support student ministry service projects. For more information or to arrange a special group story time call First Presbyterian Church at 410-730-3545.

Congratulations to Junior Girl Scout Troop 4719 from the Hollifield Cluster of Service Unit 54! In June, the 19 girl Troop finished their junior level by earning the Bronze award and bridging to the next level as Cadets.

During the three years at the junior level, the girls earned a collective 497 badges. The Troop, then sixth-graders, celebrated their accomplishment in a ceremony held at the Bethany United Methodist Church.

The ceremonial event included Billy Heinbuch, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Ranger/Outdoor Program Specialist at Camp Illchester who graciously accepted donations of kits specifically designed by Troop 4719 to help Brownie Troops.

The event concluded with a special presentation by Troop leaders, Karen Freerksen and Rhonda Jackson, who presented each girl with the many badges and patches they earned during the year.

Following the ceremony, friends and family of Troop 4719 enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided at a deep discount by Carrabba's Italian Grill.

Pam Failing, of Ellicott City, wanted me to mention that her church, Glenelg United Methodist, is hosting a free community concert Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. featuring The Brass of the Potomac - a 30 member group of professional musicians from around the Washington metropolitan area including the armed services.

BOTP is an all-volunteer group based in Prince George's County, performing full scale concerts in schools, community arts centers and worship centers. Join Glenelg United Methodist and the community for an evening of patriotic music, traditional hymn settings, and challenging original works written just for this ensemble.

For more information on Brass of the Potomac and Glenelg United Methodist, go to their Web site at www.brassofthepotomac.com and www.glenelgumc.org.

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