Boo! That's the word this weekend when trick or treaters make the rounds in the neighborhood. The students at West Friendship Elementary enjoyed their annual classroom parties and costume parade surrounding the Halloween festivities and were reminded that Nov. 2 is the final day for contributions to the school PTA sponsored coat drive.

If you have a new or gently used coat, size tot to high school, or gloves, hat, scarves or mittens which you would like to donate, then bring the items to West Friendship Elementary by Nov. 2.

This is the time of year when school groups, scouting organizations, church circles and community clubs begin collecting for the needy in our area. I'll be mentioning the varied collections so that community members who wish to can contribute.

The Glenelg United Methodist Church invites the community to a fall festival Sunday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pumpkin decorating, a moon bounce, face painting, candy-in-the-haystack activities, arts, crafts, jewelry vendors, cider, hot dogs, sweet treats, all of these are offered as part of the family fun.

The community is invited to attend the church service at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School and the festival. Canned foods for the Maryland Food Bank will be collected during the fall festival.

The church membership is organizing a fundraiser in the form of a football toss which will benefit the Noah Thyberg fund. Noah is a local elementary youngster who received a heart transplant in September. Glenelg United Methodist Church is at 13900 Burntwoods Road in Glenelg.

The Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum of West Friendship is holding a series of three mile haunted hay rides. Proceeds from the spooky event will benefit the West Friendship museum.

"This is a perfect way to enjoy some good, clean, spooky fun while helping to preserve Howard County's farm heritage," Virginia Frank said.

The hay rides are set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31, 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. The Farm Museum is located at 12985 Frederick Road (Route 144) in West Friendship.

After all the tricks and treats, remember that Nov. 1 is the day to turn your clock back one hour. Daylight Savings officially ends Nov. 1 at 2 a.m.

Life is just a bowl of cherries. For my family, the proverbial bowl of cherries came in the form of a surprise five pound bag of frozen cherries.

Our neighbor, Brian Morrison, received a mixed up order from Michigan with a few pounds too many for even his family of five. So thank you to the Morrisons for an unexpected culinary delight.

Nicole Pysnack, club reporter for the Hare Raisers 4-H, recently filled me in on the club and its activities. During the October meeting, the 4-H members enjoyed an informative discussion on rabbit diseases.

The club members viewed examples of the ailments which can affect rabbits and learned what to look out for. Most of the Hare Raisers own rabbits. In coming weeks, the club members will set up exhibits and demonstrations for the Baltimore and Howard Rabbit Show at the fairgrounds as well as elect officers for the 2010 year.

New members are always welcome to this local 4-H. Interested? Contact club leader Wendy Feaga at wendyf1980@verizon.net.

On the heels of Marriotts Ridge High School's lively performance of "Jukebox a Rockin' Musical Revue" comes word that the drama department will perform "Twelfth Night" in late November. Students are presenting Shakespeare's romantic comedy as a modern day version set in Hollywood. The play will be held Nov. 19-22. More on the various roles in next weeks column.

Nancy Thompson and the Youth Mission Team at St. James United Methodist Church are looking for vendors. If you would like to set up with Longaberger Baskets, Pampered Chef, jewelry, cosmetics or crafts, call Nancy for the Nov. 14 "Shop for the Holidays" event. The Youth Mission Team is holding a pancake breakfast on the same day. The shop is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Nancy at 410-442-2020.

Don't forget about this cultural happening. Janet Morton is spreading the word. The award winning and nationally known Glenelg High School Jazz Ensemble along with guest musicians from the visiting Freiburg Community Jazz Ensemble from Germany, will present a free concert in the Glenelg High School Auditorium on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. Perfect timing in order to get home and prepare for all the ghouls and goblins at your trick or treat door. The Glenelg Jazz Ensemble was hosted by the German musicians last summer in Freiburg. The local Glenelg musicians performed in Freiburg, so now it's our turn to host this wonderful group. The Glenelg Jazz Ensemble performed in Freiburg, Germany during its successful European tour which included performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz a Vienne, and Jazz a Juan. Don't miss this wonderful cultural exchange opportunity which promises fabulous jazz. Glenelg High School auditorium is located at the school at 14025 Burntwoods Road in Glenelg. Questions? Call 410-313-5533.

Organizers say holiday shopping is just the thing at the book fair at Folly Quarter. The Folly Quarter Middle School Book Fair is up and running. The book stalls will be available for students and the community through Nov. 5. The Media Center is the hub for this book fair which is open during school hours 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Just a reminder. Mark your calendar once again. This time its for the Brass of the Potomac which will perform a free community concert at the Glenelg United Methodist Church Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. The Brass of the Potomac is comprised of 30 professional musicians from around the Washington area.

The musical group includes musicians from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. The free musical evening will include patriotic music, traditional hymn settings and challenging original works written specifically for this ensemble.

Questions about the concert? Call Doug Burian, director of music for the Glenelg United Methodist Church at 301-807-8232.

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