BAT APPRECIATION DAY April 17, 11am-1pm, Hilton Area Nature Center. Join park staff to celebrate flighted friends around the world and in your own backyard! Participate in games and activities to learn about bats and bat biologists. Rain or shine, for all ages.

CHESAPEAKE GEM, MINERAL, JEWELRY & FOSSIL SHOW Saturday, April 20, 10am-4pm, Howard County Fairgrounds. Free Admission. Visit http://www.chesapeakegemandmineral.org/club-show.html for more information.

BINGO! April 20, St. Alphonsus Church, 10800 Old Court Rd Woodstock, 20 games. $25.00 in advance. $30 at the door. 10 years or older. Food for sale. Contact: St.Al.Event.Info@gmail.com for info and/or tickets.

FULL MOON - OUR CLOSEST NEIGHBOR - LUNA, THE MOON April 20, 8-11pm, Soldiers Delight Visitor Center. The exploration of the moon has been a fascinating journey, spanning decades and involving numerous countries and space agencies. Overall, the exploration of Earth's moon has been a testament to human ingenuity, curiosity, and collaboration. As we look to the future, the moon will likely serve as a stepping stone for further exploration of the solar system and beyond. In this presentation, we will traverse the annals of history, from the early days of lunar observation to the monumental achievements of the Apollo program, and beyond. We will delve into the triumphs and tribulations of those intrepid explorers who dared to reach for the stars and touch the lunar surface. All programs are rain or shine. Telescopes -- or "time machines" -- will be provided by the Westminster Astronomy Club. Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSch1zPwgODZmwbqeCkWSUGsrnssR7CA1lGtgfDiX30mrfF_9w/viewform to sign up.

HAWK WATCH April 13 and 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at William Offutt Johnson History Center.Come join Ranger Travers at the Offutt Johnson History Center and get a good look at the activities of a pair of Red Shouldered Hawks who have chosen Patapsco Valley State Park as a nesting site. We will have a spotting scope and binoculars set up so visitors can see what our feathered friends are up to from a safe distance. For the safety of the animals, no pets are permitted at the program.

DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST March 15 thru June 16, Toby's Dinner Theater, 5900 Symphony Woods Road Columbia, MD. "Be Our Guest" for this tale as old as time. Featuring the animated film's Academy Award(r)-winning score, this breathtaking musical is the story of Belle and the Beast, who happens to be a handsome prince cursed by a beautiful enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be lifted. If not, he and his servants will be doomed for all eternity. Will their love bloom before time runs out? Visit https://tobysdinnertheatre.com for more information.

JERSEY BOYS June 21 thru Sept 21, Toby's Dinner Theater, 5900 Symphony Woods Road Columbia, MD. The fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history! JERSEY BOYS takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Discover the secret of a 40 year friendship as they work their way from the streets of Jersey to the heights of stardom. Filled with chart-topping hits including: "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Dawn," and "My Eyes Adored You," which brought them their highest honor: induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Please note: Contains mature language and themes. Visit https://tobysdinnertheatre.com for more information.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Sept 6 thru Nov 10, Toby's Dinner Theater, 5900 Symphony Woods Road Columbia, MD. This comical feast embraces the wackiness in every family and takes the musical theatre scene by storm with some of the most beloved characters of all time! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before- keep this secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's 'normal' boyfriend and his parents. Visit https://tobysdinnertheatre.com for more information.

THE MORGAN CHAPEL UMC FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN 2nd and 4th Saturdays 9-11am, 6750 Woodbine Road Woodbine, MD.

THE MORGAN CHAPEL UMC PET PANTRY IS OPEN 2nd Saturdays, 9-11am, 6750 Woodbine Road Woodbine, MD 21797.

MILLTOWN QUILTERS meet on Tuesdays at 10 am at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church, 10600 Shaker Drive, Columbia, MD and we would love to welcome you as a new member. If your passion is quilting, novice or expert, we encourage you to check out our website at milltownquilters.com and visit us.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Nov 15 thru Jan 12, 2025, Toby's Dinner Theater, 5900 Symphony Woods Road Columbia, MD. One of the most beloved musicals of all time! In Austria, 1938, a young postulant, Maria, is sent to serve as a governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, Maria finds love while bringing music and joy back to a broken family. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, the entire von Trapp family must make moral decisions. This Tony and Oscar winning musical features a trove of cherished songs including: "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and the title number, "The Sound of Music." Visit https://tobysdinnertheatre.com for more information.

ALL-U-CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER April 17, 4-7pm, Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department, 1320 West Old Liberty Road, Sykesville, MD. Dinner incls: marinara & meat sauce, bread sticks, salad bar, iced tea & water. Adult $12, children 6-11 $6, children 5 & under free, carry-out, $13. Baked table available at additional cost.

43RD AUCTION TO BENEFIT DISASTER RESPONSE May 4, 2024, 7 am, Carroll County Agricultural Center, Shipley Arena, 706 Agricultural Center Drive, Westminster, MD. Breakfast, lunch, baked goods, books, crafts, plants, white elephant tables. 9 am general auction of tools, garden, household, etc. 9:30 am specialty auction of art, antiques, collectables, furniture, theme baskets. 12 pm quilt and comforter auction. Benefits Church of the Brethren Emergency Disaster Fund, sending building materials, supplies, and volunteers to help with childcare and rebuilding homes for U.S. and overseas disaster victims. http://www.madcob.com/disaster-response-auction/ 443-547-5958.

FREE BLUEGRASS CONCERT Billy Harrison and Haywire, Saturday May 4th, 7-9 pm Doors open at 5:30pm, Stone Chapel UMC, 1448 Stone Chapel Rd, New Windsor, MD. Food and Drinks Available. A free will offering will be taken. For information contact Tim Blizzard 410-596-3867.

CARROLL COUNTY FARMERS MARKET CELEBRATING 53 YEARS Spring Market (Saturdays Only), 8am-2pm. March 30th, Easter Show; April 20th, Spring Fling; May 11th, Mother's Day.

NATIONAL TRAIN DAY 2024 May 11, 10am-3pm, Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum Complex, The Train Station, 41 North Main Street, Union Bridge, MD. Open to all ages. Free Admission. Come out to this special Saturday open house to celebrate the National Train Day and celebrate the joy of trains and train travel!

6TH ANNUAL RUBBER DUCK DERBY FESTIVAL June 1, 11:30am-3pm, Donald D. Wilson Walking Trail, 48 North Main Street, Union Bridge, MD. Rubber duck race, Jeep show & shine, kid play zone, crafts, food, vendors galore. Duck race online registration deadline May 31. Jeep Show & Shine registration deadline May 17 (incls 1 shirt). Registration after May 17 no shirt. Vendor registration deadline May 24.

32ND ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL June 8, 9am-4pm, at the Gamber Fire Dept Grounds, 3838 Niner Rd, Finksburg. Annual event sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church. Vendor info: 443-201-8077 or https://www.melchurch.org/strawberry-festival.

TRAP & SKEET SHOOTING EVERY THURSDAY Izzak Walton League Mt. Airy, 6642 Woodville Rd, Mt. Airy. Open to the public starts at 5:30pm. $6 for members, $8 non-members.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BAZAAR Nov 1, 9am-7:30pm & Nov 2, 9am-2pm, Oakland UM Church Hall, 5971 Mineral Hill Road, Sykesville, MD. Crafts, Pinecone & Gift Baskets, Wreaths, White Elephant, Cakes, Cookies, Handmade Ornaments, Turkey Noodle and Vegetable Soups, Chili, Turkey Salad Sandwiches, Italian Sausages, Cheesesteak & Meatball Subs, Hot Dogs, BBQ and Delicious Assorted Desserts.

CHURCH TO HOLD FOOD PANTRY Ebenezer United Methodist Church will hold the "Rock of Help" Food Pantry for anyone in the community in need of food from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at the food pantry building, behind the church, 4901 Woodbine Road, near Winfield. Non-perishable foods, assorted frozen foods, a non-food household item and children's shoes are available. The food pantry currently is drive-through only. Church staff will put pre-loaded bags of food in your car. The food pantry will be held Saturday April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov.16 and Dec. 21, 2024. The church is one-half mile south of Liberty Road on Woodbine Road. The church is one-half mile south of Liberty Road on Woodbine Road. Information: call the church office at 410-795-6136 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; e-mail eumcwinfield@gmail.com; or go to www.ebenezerumchurch.org.

JUDY BLUME FOREVER (2023) Jan 19, 1pm, Carroll Arts Center, 91 West Main St., Westminster, MD. $6 - $8. Generations of readers have found themselves in a Judy Blume book. Her name alone launches a flood of memories for anyone who's gripped one of her many paperbacks. For decades, Blume's radical honesty has comforted and captivated readers - and landed her at the center of controversy for her frankness about puberty and sex. Now the beloved American author candidly shares her own coming-of-age story. Emmy-winning filmmakers Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok trace Blume's journey from fearful, imaginative child to storytelling pioneer who elevated the physical and emotional lives of kids and teens, to banned writer who continues to fight back against censorship today. Playful and poignant animations celebrate the magic and awkwardness of being young, while intimate conversations with acclaimed authors and artists reveal Blume's profound impact on readers. Long-standing fans share open-hearted letters they wrote to Blume over decades. With humor, sensitivity, and a healthy dose of adolescent cringe, "Judy Blume Forever" tells the story of the woman whose trail-blazing books changed the way millions of readers understand themselves, their sexuality, and what it means to grow up.

SPRING BIG $ BINGO hosted by Libertytown Volunteer Fire Departmentt, Sat, May 13. 60 PP In advance/$65 at door. Price Incl: Dinner, Coffee/tea, Reg. 9 Block game pack, 1 game strip for each special & Jackpot paying $500/$1000 & $1200). Extra game papers, Sodas & snacks for sale. Call LaRue @ 301-829-2510 for tickets. Make checks payable to LVFD. LVFD reserves right to reduce payout if less than 150 players. No Refunds.

TAYLORSVILLE WINFIELD LIONS CLUB Annual Dance with live band, May 4, 8pm-12am, Winfield Community VFD Hall, 1320 W Old Liberty Rd, Sykesville, MD. Music provided by Bootleg. Set-ups will be provided. BYOB/BYOBeer. Cost $40 per couple/$20 single. For information or tickets, contact Lion Tom Harney at tom@tharcoinc.com. 443-250-4442 (cell).

THE ROCK OF HELP FOOD PANTRY at Ebenezer United Methodist Church will hold a May Madness Treasure Sale, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the church fellowship hall, 4901 Woodbine Road, Winfield. Proceeds from the flea market/yard sale will go to the food pantry. Breakfast and lunch food sales will support the new building mortgage. The food pantry is held from 9am-11am the third Saturday of every month at the church for anyone in need of food. Information: 410-241-1509; or church office at 410-795-6136.

IMPROV JAZZ WITH JOE KEYES AND THE LATE BLOOMER BAND FAC After Hours, recurring weekly Wednesdays Feb 21 thru June 19, 7-9pm, 5 E. 2nd Streeet, Frederick, MD. 301-662-4190.

MEDITATIVE DANCE MOVEMENT - FAC AFTER HOURS Presented By: Transformative Arts Project, Mondays thru June 24, 5 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD, 301-662-4190. Price: $10 donation. Time: 6-7pm.

MURDER MYSTERY PARTY 2/23, 3/22, 4/26, 5/24, 9/13, 10/25, 11/29, 7-10pm, 581 Himes Ave, Frederick, MD. Price: $85 per person.

GAS & STEAM ENGINE SHOW April 27, 10am-5pm & April 28, 10am-3pm, Agricultural History Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD. Gas engines & tractors, live music on Saturday only, Antique cars & truck, pony rides & more.

SPRING FORAGE EVENT IN MARYLAND University of Maryland Extension, NRCS, the Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, and several Maryland producers invite grazers, livestock owners, and associated industry personnel to attend upcoming spring educational forage events! This in-person event will cover a range of topics and will be held at various locations across the state, both on producer farms and at UMD research and education centers. April 16, 5:30pm. Location: Hidden Waters Farm in Pikesville, MD Description: Join UMD Extension, NRCS, and producer Joe Shaffer to discuss increasing plant and animal diversity and potential challenges and successes with integrated multi-species grazing. Registration: https://go.umd.edu/pw-april. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Amanda Grev (agrev@umd.edu; 301-226-7575).

SPRING FORAGE EVENT IN MARYLAND University of Maryland Extension, NRCS, the Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, and several Maryland producers invite grazers, livestock owners, and associated industry personnel to attend upcoming spring educational forage events! This in-person event will cover a range of topics and will be held at various locations across the state, both on producer farms and at UMD research and education centers. April 25, 9am. Location: Central Maryland Research & Education Center in Ellicott City, MD. Description: Join the Mountains-to-Bay Grazing Alliance, UMD Extension, and partners to host Allen Williams for a pasture-based field day. Attendees will learn about soil health, biodiversity, grazing management, fencing and watering systems, and the behavior of grazing livestock at this interactive field day with classroom and field-based activities. Registration: https://go.umd.edu/allenwilliams (space is limited).If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Amanda Grev (agrev@umd.edu; 301-226-7575).

SPRING FORAGE EVENT IN MARYLAND University of Maryland Extension, NRCS, the Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance, and several Maryland producers invite grazers, livestock owners, and associated industry personnel to attend upcoming spring educational forage events! This in-person event will cover a range of topics and will be held at various locations across the state, both on producer farms and at UMD research and education centers. May 16, 2024 at 6:00pm Location: New Roots Farm in West River, MD. Description: Join UMD Extension, NRCS, and producer Sarah Campbell to discuss finishing cattle on grass, genetic selection for grass-finished livestock, and pastured pigs. Registration: https://go.umd.edu/pw-may. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Amanda Grev (agrev@umd.edu; 301-226-7575).

BONNIE RAITT May 29, 8pm, Lyric Baltimore, 140 W Mt. Royal Ave, Baltimore, Maryland. Bonnie Raitt is a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose unique style blends blues, R&B, rock, and pop. After 20 years as a cult favorite, she broke through to the top in the early 90s with her GRAMMY-award winning albums, 'Nick of Time' and 'Luck of the Draw,' which featured hits, "Something To Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" among others. The thirteen-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and Rolling Stone named the slide guitar ace #54 on their recently updated list of the "250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and one of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time."