Last month I wrote about the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus and its impressive showing at the Sweet Adelines International Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Sixty-three women, including six from Howard County, comprise this state-wide group of harmonizers.

President Nancy Gaither, a resident of Woodstock, e-mailed to say that the group braved the first snow of the season Dec. 5 to participate in its seventh annual "Snackin' with Santa" performance, held at Hilltop Elementary School, in Glen Burnie.

Seventeen youngsters -- relatives and other children sponsored by HCMC members -- formed a "Kids Khorus" that joined in telling the story of a tall elf who feels out of place at the North Pole but learns that the "best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

The cheery songs included holiday favorites like "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Christmastime Is Here." To round out the fun, Santa popped by to visit after the performance.

HCMC has already begun looking ahead to Valentine's Day and is forming a quartet to give the gift of song to others on this special day. To learn more about sending a "Valentine Singing Gram," go to the group's Web site at www.harborcitymusiccompany.org after Jan. 1.

The University of Maryland Extension has announced several upcoming events, beginning with New Pesticide Applicator Training and Private Applicator Pesticide Recertification. These free classes take place at both the Carroll County office, located at 700 Agriculture Center Drive, in Westminster, and the Glenwood Community Center, 2400 Route 97, in Cooksville.

The Carroll County New Pesticide Applicator class runs Feb. 11 from 6-8 p.m., with the New Pesticide Applicator Examination Feb. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Private Applicator Pesticide Recertification classes are Jan. 14 and Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.-noon. To register, call the Carroll County office at 410-386-2760.

The Howard County New Pesticide Applicator class runs Feb. 17 from 7-9 p.m., with the New Pesticide Applicator Training Examination Feb. 24 from 7-9 p.m. The Private Applicator Pesticide Recertification class takes place Jan. 13, also from 7-9 p.m.

To register, call Carolyn Kulp in the Howard County office at 410-313-2707. The deadline is Jan. 8 for the recertification class and Feb. 12 for the new applicator training.

Additionally, the Carroll County office offers free Nutrient Management Voucher Training classes Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m. and March 4 from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 410-386-2760 to register.

One more event on the schedule for 2010 is the North American Farmer's Direct Marketing Conference, which takes place this year at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Lancaster, Pa.

Activities begin Feb. 5 with a three-day pre-conference bus tour, followed by a two-day tradeshow at the conference center. The event culminates on Feb. 10 and 11 with full-day workshops highlighting topics like retail, agritourism, buy local, business management, family business, and employee management. To register, go to www.nafdma.com.

As 2009 draws to a close, the good folks at Neighbor Ride encourage you to resolve to make a difference in your community. This volunteer-based transportation service, which was recently voted Best of Howard County - Charity/Nonprofit for the second consecutive year, helps county seniors maintain their independence by providing rides to appointments, outings, and day-to-day activities.

Volunteer drivers can provide rides that are convenient to their schedules and locations and are welcome bring their children.

To learn more about this rewarding opportunity, contact volunteer coordinator Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE or volunteer@neighborride.org.

The congregation of West Liberty United Methodist Church invites the community to "worship in the new year" Dec. 31. Their semiformal "End of the Year Celebration" includes a 5 p.m. service and a 6 p.m. dinner. For more information, call 410-442-2969, or go to www.west-liberty.com.

Since this is my last column of the year, I would like to wish my readers a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year! I look forward to sharing your news in 2010!

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