It is time once again for some ripe, juicy citrus fruit from Florida! The Marriotts Ridge High School music department invites you to purchase grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines, or a variety pack while helping the music students raise funds for their annual spring trip.

Nov. 6 marks the first order deadline, with pickup at the high school Nov. 21 -- just in time for Thanksgiving! For more information, go to www.mrhsmusic.net, or e-mail mrhsfruit@yahoo.com.

Another exciting Marriotts Ridge fundraiser takes place at historic Hebron House Nov. 13 from 7-10 p.m. "In Perfect Pitch," a night to benefit Marriotts Ridge Performing Arts, features musical performances and a silent auction, plus decadent chocolates and desserts, wine, coffee and tea. Tickets cost $25 per person.

To reserve tickets, e-mail Kathy Wehr at kiwehr@verizon.net, or go to mrhsmusic.cmarket.com and select "Order Event Tickets."

For more information, e-mail mrhsmusic@verizon.net. The address for Hebron House is 2331 Calvin Circle, in Ellicott City.

Happy anniversary, Neighbor Ride! Colleen Konstanzer, Community outreach coordinator, announces that Neighbor Ride celebrates "five years and miles of smiles" this month. To date, the organization's volunteers have provided more than 23,000 trips to Howard County seniors in need of transportation.

If you are a Howard County resident, aged 60 or older, and would like to use Neighbor Ride's service, you can request a registration packet by calling 410-884-RIDE (7433). Forms also appear online at www.neighborride.org. Click the "Transportation" tab at the top of the page, and then select "New Passenger Registration" from the left-hand menu to download the packet.

Registered passengers may request up to 12 rides per month by calling the Neighbor Ride office between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by completing the online Transportation Request Form, also located under the "Transportation" tab on the Web site.

Although Neighbor Ride currently boasts more than 200 volunteer drivers, the organization continually welcomes new volunteers to help meet the growing need for transportation services in our county.

Drivers may select schedules that are convenient to their homes and daily routines and are welcome to bring their children for a rewarding intergenerational experience. If you can assist, call Rosemary Noble at the number listed above, or e-mail volunteer@neighborride.org.

Western Howard County provides a haven for many delightful songbirds and majestic raptors and thus presents some exciting opportunities for local birders.

If your child, ages 9-13, enjoys birdwatching, encourage him or her to enter the Howard County Bird Club's 2nd Annual Youth Birding Essay Contest, which runs now through Jan. 31, 2010. Essays should describe "My Favorite Birdwatching Experience" and may not exceed 250 words.

The winner will receive a backpack containing a pair of Eagle Optics Triumph 8 x 42 binoculars, a field guide, and a one-year free membership to the Howard County Bird Club. Previous winners are not eligible to participate.

Mail entries to Tom Miller at 6404 Glasgow Circle, Sykesville, MD 21784, or e-mail to birderTWM@verizon.net. The child must include his or her name, age, and contact information.

Amy Bejm, band director at both Dayton Oaks and West Friendship elementary schools, would like to congratulate her November Musicians of the Month.

Dayton Oaks students include Justin Argauer, Eli Clawson, Emmalyn Hoeflich, Derek Isaac, Vincent Kiatta, Jack Morton, Jenny Stidham and Rachel Waldman.

West Friendship students include Brianna Garrisi, Emily Koller, Alexander LaVeck, Romy Lindahl, Alexandra Pickett, Katie Sharbaugh, Jillian Stewart and Kyle Vitiello.

Congratulations to these young musicians on their hard work and dedication!

Joanne Abalos, Information and Guest Services Coordinator at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, announces several upcoming events, including some free or low-cost public service offerings.

"Care for the Caregiver," a time of sharing, offers spiritual support to personal caregivers Saturday Nov. 7 from 9-11 a.m. and again Nov. 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Center suggests a donation of $15, or whatever participants can afford.

On Nov. 13, BSSC Executive Director Thomas Little and Sharon Scibek, of Swan Learning Services, present "Keep the Spirits Up - A Day for Job Seekers and Career Changers." The program, which runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., includes a morning of guided reflection plus an opportunity to relax from the stresses of job-searching. After lunch, the facilitators discuss skills that can help participants land new jobs. BSSC appreciates donations for this program.

Bon Secours offers its free Music at Marriottsville event in the chapel Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. This month's concert features the St. Bernadine Catholic Church Choir singing spirituals, hymns, and contemporary gospel music. The center welcomes donations.

Additionally, BSSC offers several retreats and workshops throughout the month.

On Nov. 14, Patricia Montley, a poet, author, playwright and theater director, leads "Creating Rituals: Making Meaning with Stories and Symbols" from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Participants learn about rituals and how to create one that fits their needs. The program costs $50.

Marilyn Merikangas, Virginia Novak and Stephen Wade facilitate a silent Ignatian Directed Weekend November 20-22. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. on the 20th, with dinner at 6 p.m. The program costs $200.

On Nov. 21, Katherine Johnson presents "SoulCollage: Gratitude and Soulful Creativity." She helps participants complete two to three small collages symbolizing various aspects of their personalities, with a special emphasis on gratitude and thanksgiving. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and costs $55; including all materials.

Finally, Little guides a Thanksgiving retreat Nov. 25-28. "Come to God's House Giving Thanks" offers quiet relaxation and an opportunity to explore the need for a spirituality of abundance and gratitude. Check-in begins Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. The retreats costs $275.

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.

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