Physical education teachers Jeannie Kenney and Craig Blum would like to invite family and community members to attend Mt. View Middle School's annual Turkey Trot, scheduled for Nov. 23.

"This is a fun opportunity to help promote health, fitness, and an appreciation for lifetime activity," Kenney said.

Students run during their related arts time period, so family members can check their child's schedule to learn what time he or she will participate. Come on out to support the kids in their efforts!

For more information, call the school at 410-313-5545, or e-mail Jeannie_Kenney@hcpss.org or Craig_Blum@hcpss.org.

The Marriotts Ridge High School theater department presents its fall play, "Twelfth Night or What You Will," Nov. 19-22. This modern version of Shakepeare's comedy takes place in Hollywood and centers around mistaken identities, disguises and the search for true love.

Performances are Nov. 19-21 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

A Shakespearean tea precedes the final performance at 1 p.m. in the school commons. Tea tickets also cost $10 and include a unique, hand-made teacup.

For ticket information, go to the MRHS drama Web site at www.mrhstheatre.org, or e-mail Jeanne Jurney at jcjurney@verizon.net. The school address is 12100 Woodford Drive, in Marriottsville.

Calling all scientists, engineers and mathematicians! The Marriotts Ridge High School science department seeks your expertise for its Jan. 27 Science Fair. If you can help judge approximately 10 to 15 projects on that date, call the MRHS science department at 410-313-5568, or e-mail daniel_sageman@hcpss.org and/or amy_harich@hcpss.org.

Please provide your name, phone number, e-mail address, and time preference (either 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-noon) Also indicate which of the following areas you feel most comfortable judging: physics, chemistry, environmental science, earth and space science, behavioral and social sciences, animal biology, plant biology, microbiology, computer science or engineering technology.

The science department also invites all judges to attend the open house that evening, from 6-7 p.m., to hear the winners announced.

Recently I noticed signage along Route 97 for a new barbecue place called Smokin' Hot! Pit Beef & 'Q. Since my family loves barbecue, and since new eating establishments always provide welcome news in the rural part of Howard County, the signs piqued my curiosity.

How fortuitous when, a few days later, I received an enlightening e-mail from Lynne Quinn, with whom I volunteer each summer at my church's Vacation Bible School.

Lynn explained that Smokin' Hot represents a partnership between her husband, Scott, a former mortgage-lender, and Brett Arnold, a professionally-trained cook, as well as a venture with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, in Glenwood, where both men worship.

The business operates out of a trailer in the parking lot behind St. Andrews and utilizes the church's kitchen, and in return, Smokin' Hot donates a portion of its proceeds to the church.

Brett, who hand-makes all of his own food, from croutons to barbecue sauce, once owned another restaurant, but did not enjoy the business end of running a restaurant. He found the ideal partner in Scott, who needed to make a career change once the economy soured and who now handles the commercial aspects of Smokin' Hot.

Both men reside locally. Brett lives in Glenwood with his wife, Marcy, who often works the cash register, and the Quinn family lives in Woodbine. Daughter Anna, who attends Glenelg High School, frequently works the counter, and son Luke, who attends Glenwood Middle, also helps out during rush periods.

Smokin' Hot Pit Beef & 'Q operates all year, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. During temperate weather, patrons can enjoy their meals at picnic tables behind the church, located at 2892 Route 97.

To place an order in advance, call 410-292-9706. For catering, call Scott at 410-292-0910, or e-mail smokinhotcatering@comcast.net.

Remember that St. James United Methodist Church, 12470 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) in Marriottsville, offers a $6 pancake breakfast and holiday shopping Saturday, Nov. 14 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Vendors will sell jewelry, kitchen items, home goods, scrapbooking supplies, cosmetics, and more.

For more information, call Nancy Thompson in the church office at 410-442-2020.

Additionally, Glenelg United Methodist Church, 13900 Burntwoods Road, presents the second in a series of free concerts Sunday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. This concert features Brass of the Potomac playing patriotic music, traditional hymns, and original works. Call music director Doug Burian at 301-807-8232 for more details.

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