Share your good news and events with the community. Contact Laurel Leader editorial assistant Pat Farmer, paf1@patuxent.com, or 301-725-2000, ext. 2526, or fax 410-997-4564.

Bingo

Monday Night Bingo -- Laurel Boys and Girls Club special bingo Mon., Dec. 21. Prizes include color TV, radios, watches, etc. Carla's kitchen features homemade stews and soups, cakes and sandwiches. Bingo also held Dec. 28 and Jan. 4. Doors open 5:30 p.m., first game begins at 7 p.m. 301-953- 9340.

American Legion -- Bingo on Fridays, 7:45 p.m., Post 60, 2 Main St. Doors open 5:30 p.m. 301-725-2302. No Wednesday night bingo.

Classes

Free English as a second language and U.S. citizenship classes -- Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., through May, First Baptist Church, 15000 First Baptist Lane. 301-725-6163. www.firstbaptistlaurel.org.

Montpelier Arts Center classes and activities -- 9652 Muirkirk Road, 301-377-7800. Sign up on line, www.pgparks.com, or by touch-tone phone, 301-583-BOOK.

Free genealogy classes -- Classes held fourth Thursday of each month, 7:30-8:30 p.m., 7200 Contee Road, Latter-day Saints Chapel (across from Laurel Regional Hospital). Questions on class or genealogy research, Amy Krieger, amy@byu.net or J.R. Martinez, jmartinez@acbankers.org.

New and expectant parents -- Free classes at Laurel Pregnancy Center, 415 Main St., Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Topics range from childbirth to parenting to healthy living. Taught by a professional from the community. Karen, 301-776-9997, karen@laurelpregnancycenter.org.

Competitions

Miss Teen Laurel International 2010 --Seeking applicants between ages of 13 through 18, who live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant scheduled on April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Central Maryland International 2010 --Seeking applicants between ages of 9 through 12, who live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on-stage production, fun fashion, 12-minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant scheduled on April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner will receive a free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International pageant when they are age eligible. State director, 410-490-0879, or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 13 through 18 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives all expense paid trip to National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Anne Arundel County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 9 through 12 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on stage introduction, fun fashion, 12 minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant when they are eligible. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Teen Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 13 through 18 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in personal interview, fun fashion, aerobic wear and evening gown. Pageant to be held April 9 and 10, 2010. Winner receives all expense paid trip to the National competition in July. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Miss Pre Teen Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George's County International 2010 -- Applicants must be between ages of 9 through 12 and live or attend school in Maryland. Contestants compete in on stage introduction, fun fashion, 2 minute speech, aerobic wear and formal wear (ball gown). Pageant to be held April 10, 2010. Winner receives free entry into the Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant when they are age eligible. State director, 410-490-0879 or mrsmaryland@msn.com.

Dance

LA Singles Christmas dance -- Fri., Dec. 18, 8:15 p.m.-1 a.m., Bowie Knights of Columbus Hall, 6111 Columbia Way, off Route 3. Large dance floor, largest singles dance in area. Dance with Santa. All singles and singles groups welcome. Popular music of today with a mix of old favorites. 410-721-6666, or 410-969-6392. www.lasinglesbwa.com.

Fundraisers

Benefit basketball game -- Thu., Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m., Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Lane. Hosted by the Lovely Ladies of Laurel, youth of Laurel challenge DJs from WPGC, D.C.'s hip hop and R & B radio station. www.divaladiesoflaurel.com.

Girl Scout Troop 4813 public skating session -- Sat., Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m., Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder Road. In partnership with the Gardens Ice House, Troop 4813 is offering a discount for this public skating session. Cost if purchased at their table in the lobby, $7.70 for both skating and skate rental, a savings of approximately $3. The monies will be split with the Troop and go to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital Share Her Real Actual Expenses (SHARE) campaign to provide funds for girls who cannot otherwise participate in activities. Barbara, 301-490-1310.

Laurel Lions Club -- Selling Christmas trees, wreaths and stands, through Dec. 20, Laurel Mall parking lot. Hours: Wed.-Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. All proceeds go to community programs. Scott Brannan, 301-483-9805, or sbrannan1@verizon.net.

"Sponsor a firework" -- Be a part of the city of Laurel's 4th of July celebration or give as a holiday gift. Mix and match and then look for your "firework" at next year's celebration, July 3. Color peony or gold gleaner, $20; pearl bomb or happy flower, $30; golden willow or tiger tail, $40; palm tree or panther, $50; oriental thunder or poisonous spider, $75. Kay Harrison, 301-725-5300, ext. 203, or Jane Flemion, 301-725-5300.

Games

After school chess program -- Sponsored by Laurel Parks & Recreation, Wednesdays, 3-5:45 p.m., Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. For students age 8 and over. Register for free entry pass, www.laurel.md.us/lccmap.htm. Bring own chess gear if possible. Learn how to play chess or play chess with others who know how. 301-725-7800.

Yu-Gi-Oh Club -- Meets on Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Laurel Armory Community Center, 422 Montgomery Street. Open to all levels of play. Bring a friend and your own cards. Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation programs, www.laurel.md.us. 301-725-8088.

Laurel Community Center Games Club -- Every Thursday, 6 p.m., Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. Innovative, challenging games for children, teens and adults. Games of all types such as Blokus, Carcassonne, Mencala, Lost Cities. Share your favorite or learn a new one. 301-776-2280.

Laurel Chess Club -- Meets Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., Laurel Armory Anderson- Murphy Community Center, 422 Montgomery St. Players of all ages and skill levels. Jason Waggoner, 301-490-6042.

Group meetings

Laurel Historical Society book club -- Meets monthly, third Wednesday, 7 p.m., Laurel Museum, 817 Main St., to explore history and culture related topics one book at a time. 301-725-7975.

Crown of Laurel Toastmasters Club 77 -- Meetings every first and third Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m., Boys and Girls Club, 324 Montgomery St. coltm.com.

Columbians Toastmasters Club -- Meets first and third Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m., Capitol College, 11301 Springfield Road, Laurel. Public speaking. columbianstm@hotmail.com. 301-794-9669.

Maryland Search and Rescue -- Meetings, Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Highland, Route 216 at Browns Bridge Road. Meetings Mondays, 7-9 p.m. (Last Monday each month is an officers' meeting.) Maryland Search & Rescue is a program for young men and women, aged 14-21 (and adult advisors/participants) that focuses on wilderness, lost-person searching. Training consists of a number of high-adventure activities, hiking, backpacking, land navigation, all-weather camping, rock climbing, repelling as well as search tactics and first-aid. Program run by the youth members, providing a great opportunity to learn leadership skills while giving back to the community. Pamela Paulding, 410-730-0561 or Art Ross, 410-740-2913. www.msar616.com.

Blue Star Mothers of Maryland -- Monthly meetings in Laurel for mothers supporting sons and daughters in all branches of the military (active duty, reserves, honorably discharged). 301-490-5358 or 410-978-2979.

Writers' Circle -- Second Mondays monthly, 7 p.m., Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane. Share original writing with other aspiring authors for mutual support and feedback. No registration required. 410-880-5980.

Book clubs -- Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane. Mystery Book Club, second Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Nonfiction Book Club, third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Books available at branch. No registration required. 410-880-5980.

Society of Military Widows -- Fourth Sundays, brunch at Fort Meade's Club Meade. New members welcome. Call Daisy Jackson, 410-730-6194, daisyjackson@mris.com.

History

Tours of Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road -- Guided, Sundays, noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Self-guided, Monday through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group tours for 10 or more by appointment. $3 adults; $2 seniors and groups of 10 or more; $1 ages 6 to 18; free ages 5 and under. The reproduction kitchen is a part of the regular mansion tours. 301-377-7817. montpelier.mansion@pgparks.com.

Tours of Snow Hill Manor -- Plantation house of late Georgian style built in

1755, 13301 Laurel-Bowie Road. Tours Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 301-725-6037. snowhill.manor@pgparks.com.

Helping others

Sacred Hearts Children's Transplant Teddy Bear and Book Drive-- Teddy bears and books can be donated through Monday, Dec. 21 at Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Road. At Deerfield Run Elementary on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 4 p.m., County Council chair Thomas Dernoga joins member of Lovely Ladies of Laurel mentoring group to wrap donations and send get-well letters to transplant patients at Children's Hospital of Washington, D.C., and Children's Hospital of Pittsburg. The teddy bear and book drive was organized by University of Maryland sophomore Odunola Ojewumi, who received heart and kidney transplants in 2002, and since founded Sacred Hearts Children's Transplant Organization. 240-565-1284.

Holiday happenings

Holiday open house -- Month of December excluding Dec. 25, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays, 6-9 p.m., Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel-Bowie Road. Tour the Manor and see the holiday decorations. All ages welcome. 301-725-6037.

Kids and teens

Laurel Teen Outdoors Club -- Chaperoned ski trip to Seven Springs, Jan. 29-31 for teens in grades 9-12. $285 for coach transportation, hotel accommodations at Seven Springs Resort in Pennsylvania, two buffet breakfasts and one buffet dinner, two-day lift ticket, snow tubing and use of resort's heated pool and fitness room. Additional cost for ski/snowboard rental and lessons. Robin Cooch, Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation, 301-725-8088.

Weekend Teen Club -- Sponsored by Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation. Fridays, 7-10 p.m., Laurel Community Center, 7901 Cypress St. Saturdays, 7-10 p.m., Laurel Armory Anderson-Murphy Community Center, 422 Montgomery St. Basketball, games, tournaments and food. Must have annual pass, no daily drop in fees accepted. Ages 12 through 17. 301-725-7800, www.laurel.md.us.

Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane -- For Teens on Screen: Anime Movie Club. First Mondays, 7-9 p.m., Special screening of popular anime films. Refreshments. Ages 11 to 17. Registration required. Teen 'Zine. First Wednesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Add your voice to the online newsletter written by teens, for teens. www.hclibrary.org/teenzine. Ages 13 to 17. No registration. Teen Book Club. Fourth Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m., ages 13 and up, no registration. 410-880-5980.

Children's classes -- Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Savage, 410-880-5978. No registration unless specified. Preschool: Play Partners, ongoing every Wednesday, 9:45-10:30 a.m., ages infant-23 months with adult.

Library

Laurel Branch Library -- 507 Seventh St. 301-776-6790.

* Daytime storytimes (pick up free ticket at children's desk): Newborn to 12 months with caregiver, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; 12 to 24 months with caregiver, Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.; ages 2 to 3, Mondays, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., limit 35; ages 2 1/2 to 4 1/2, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., limit 35.

* Evening storytime, ages 3-6, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., limit 35. Pick up free ticket at Children's Desk.

Maryland City at Russett Branch Library -- 3501 Russett Common, 301-725-2390.

* One-on-One Computer Training: Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m. and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. Work individually with a librarian in a scheduled session. Learn how to access your library account and search the catalog; search the Internet and special electronic databases, and set up a free e-mail account. Reservations required. Call or visit the branch to schedule an appointment.

* English Basic Skills: Contact the library for information on dates and times. These free English classes offered by Anne Arundel Community College integrate listening, speaking, reading ad writing skills for students with minimal English training prior to attending classes.

Savage Branch Library -- 9525 Durness Lane. Sunday hours 1-5 p.m. www.hclibrary.org, 410-313-7890.

* Internet Technology, one-on-one tutoring: Mouse in the House: Family Web Surfing, ages 7 and over; Open the Door to Open Office: Ages 13 and over; Research 24/7: Access full-text articles and other resources for school assignments, business or personal use from any computer at any time.

* Preschool classes: Picture Book Parade, every Thursday, 10:15 a.m., ages 2-5 with adult, 30 minutes, no registration; Pajama Time: Every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Nature

Invasive plant removal -- Second Sunday of every month, 1 p.m. The Sierra Club invites volunteers of all ages to join its ongoing removal activity in Riverfront Park. Meet at the Municipal Swimming Pool, Ninth and Main streets, Brigitte, 240-506-8976.

Patuxent Research Refuge -- Free programs; advance registration required, donations to the Friends of Patuxent appreciated. 301-497-5887, www.patuxent.fws.gov.

* North Tract, Route 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 32. 301-776-3090, http://patuxent.fws.gov. Contact Station and grounds open every day, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except for federal holidays. Winter Trees: Sun., Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m., all ages.

* National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Route 197. Explore Your World: Sun., Dec. 20, 2-3 p.m., ages 16 and over.

Scouts

Girl Scouts -- Dedicated to helping all girls build courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. To join in Laurel, Anne Arundel area, Chris, 301-498-7599.

Daisy Girl Scouts -- Girls, age 5, entering kindergarten welcome. Learn, work and play together. 800-834-1702, dwilliams@gscnc.org.

Seniors

Connect-A-Ride -- Senior discount tickets for bus service can be purchased for $9 at Phelps Senior Center, 701 Montgomery St. www.corridortransit.com.

O'Malley Senior Center -- 1275 Odenton Road, 301-621-9515, 410-222-6227. Thursdays, 1 p.m. Pinochle Club, Mondays, 1 p.m., single-deck pinochle, Wednesdays, 1 p.m., double-deck pinochle. Quilting Club, first and third Friday of every month, 1 p.m., Annex.

Phelps Senior Center -- 701 Montgomery St., 301-776-6168, seniors@laurel.md.us. Seniors in Motion: Walk inside Laurel Mall, Tuesday and Thursday, 8-10 a.m., upper level near food court. Food and Friendship program: Lunch Monday through Friday, register with office, order one week in advance, donation of $2.25 per day. City of Laurel senior van transportation: "Curb to curb" service for seniors and disabled adults for small annual fee. Travel within incorporated city limits of Laurel only. Registration required. 301-498-3384. Wii games: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, room 1, 1-3 p.m. Social Club: Share the newspaper, a book or talk about what's in the news, Monday through Friday, Main Room, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with break for lunch. Crochet Club: Mondays, noon in room 2, bring your own supplies, beginners and experts welcome. Bingo Bunch: Every Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., call 301-776-0661. Line dancing with Barbara Brown: Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Phelps Center. Food drive for LARS to help out families in need ends Jan. 25. Diabetes dialogue: Third Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m. room 2, sponsored by Prince George's County Health Department. Monday Movies: Third Monday of month, room 1, 10 a.m., with popcorn and lemonade. 301-776-6168 for movie titles and reservations. Poker, bridge and dominos: Desire to learn or play, Fridays, 12:30-3:30, room 1. Phelps Senior Center Winter Dance, Sat., Dec. 19, 4-10 p.m., $10 per person. 'Tis the Season, Tue., Dec. 29, 10 a.m., social gathering with music and food, RSVP, 301-776-6168. Music by John Schneider. White Christmas, Toby's in Baltimore, Thu., Dec. 17, 4 p.m., total cost $59. G & M Restaurant, Linthicum, Mon., Dec. 21, 11:30 a.m., $5 transportation. Banneker-Douglas Museum, Annapolis, Wed., Dec. 30, 10 a.m., $5 transportation.

Savage Senior Center -- 9525 Durness Lane. Mill Walk, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Historic Savage Mill. Social line dancing, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon; Sit and Stitch group, Fridays, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; English Conversation Club, every third Saturday, 9:30-10: 30 a.m.; line dance class with Barbara Brown, Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., all levels ($30 for eight-week session). 410-880-5915.

Phoenix Cultural Singles Group -- Looking to broaden their geographical area. Meetings on Sundays, Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia. 11:45 a.m., complimentary coffee and light snacks; 12-1:15 p.m., presentation or singles discussion. Roz, 410-730-7568 or Barbara, 410-997-0739.

Support

Group meetings -- Laurel Regional Hospital, 7300 Van Dusen Road, 301-497-7914:

* Alcoholics Anonymous, every Sunday, 7 p.m. A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

* Al-Anon, every Friday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend.

* Bipolar Support Group, every Thursday, 6 p.m.

* Nar-Anon, every Monday, 7 p.m. Information and resources for the friends and families of drug addicts and substance abusers.

* Narcotics Anonymous, every Monday and Thursday, 7 p.m. A fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. For recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.

* Parkinson Support Group, every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. 301-776-3426 for more information.

* Rehabilitation Sharing Group (strokes and longtime illness), second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. Physical Medicine, 301-497-7901, ext. 77901.

Chemically Dependent Anonymous -- A fellowship of recovering addicts and alcoholics meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m., Village Baptist Church, 1950 Mitchellville Road in Bowie. 1-888-CDA-HOPE (1-888-232-4673). www.cdaweb.org.

Better BedRest, Inc. -- A nonprofit that provides resources, support and referrals for women on bedrest due to high-risk pregnancies. Diane@betterbedrest.org, or 24-hour helpline, 410-740-7662.

Howard County Young Widows and Widowers -- Social and support group meeting first Tuesday of each month, Jilly's, 10300 Baltimore National Pike, Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, Ellicott City. 410-740-5858.

Caregiver's Support Group -- Meets second Wednesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Claudia Mayer Center's new location, The Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite G050, Columbia. Group for people caring for a loved one suffering from cancer. Designed to give caregivers a safe place to air the concerns that go along with caring for a loved one with cancer. Facilitated by Mary M. Dowling, LCSW-C. Registration preferred, walk-ins welcome. 410-964-9100, ext. 5.

Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center -- A place of hope, help and support for men, women and children living and coping with cancer, 5900 Cedar Lane, Columbia. "I Can Cope" free educational series, first Saturday of each month. Registration required. Quilting and Hand-sewing classes, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m-noon. Registration required. Knitting and crochet groups, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 10:30 a.m.-noon, knit or crochet chemo caps, lap blankets or preemie hats. Tai Sophia Institute, Howard County General Hospital and the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center has established an oncology treatment program that offers complimentary acupuncture and yoga classes to individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Qualified patients are referred to the Tai Sophia program through the Claudia Mayer Center. 410-740-5858 for details. Caregiver's Support Network, for people caring for a loved one suffering from cancer, caregivers have a safe place to come to air concern that go along with caring for a loved one, registration required, 410-964-9100 ext. 5.

Mental illness -- Howard County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free family support groups. 410-772-9300, www.nami.org/sites/howardcounty.

* Family support group, support and education to family and friends of adults with mental illness, fourth Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, room 3, 10755 Scaggsville Road.

Bereavement support -- Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, 410-987-2129.

Lupus support group -- For lupus patients, second Saturday of each month, 1 p.m., Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Led by trained professionals who understand the challenges of lupus. Participants contact leader Jamila Allouane, 301-646-3608, before attending in case of schedule change. www.lupus.org.

Get inspired with Coaching -- Join the Free Community of life coaches to get practical advice that you can use every day. This coaching network will be offering free women empowering coaching groups once a month on four life balance areas, life/work balance relationships, career, money/finance and health and wellness, at 10601 Baltimore Blvd., Suite 200, Beltsville. Currently looking for coaches interested in becoming a part of this network. Lisa, 301-483-4158.

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