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Holiday2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Year's Hot Spots in Anne Arundel County

Celebrate at New Year's Eve Annapolis or head somewhere else in the county for a fun-filled night.

Looking for a fun, unique way to ring in 2011? When you think of Anne Arundel County as your playground, the possibilities are endless. This New Year's Eve, you don't have to drive far or brave ridiculous crowds to have a great night. We've included a list of some of the hottest attractions in the county. Family Friendly Events New Year's Eve Annapolis Downtown Annapolis will become "party central" on Dec. 31 filled with performances, family friendly activities and two fireworks displays. The festivities kick off at 3 p.m., all centered in a heated tent at the City Dock in Annapolis. The family themed events start early with activities and entertainment, concluding with an early bird fireworks display at 7:30 p.m. This is a great option …

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Tree and Holiday Recycling

Prepare your pine for pickup using these tips.

There's nothing like the excitement of decorating and unwrapping presents by the tree. Once Christmas comes and goes, it may be tempting to quickly chuck the tree to the curb with the empty boxes and ripped wrapping paper. However, Anne Arundel County has some guidelines for you to follow when preparing to dispose of natural Christmas trees, wreaths or garlands. Christmas trees will be collected on regular curbside recycling days and should be placed outside by 6 a.m. that day to make sure it's not missed. "The trees should be free from all ornaments, garland and other decorations," said Tamiko Knight of the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works.  This also includes removing the tree stand and any metal ornament hangers that …

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Celebrating Kwanzaa

One county woman discusses the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa, which runs Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

"There was no Kwanzaa when we were young," said Geraldine Lippman, president of the Cedar and Morris Hill Improvement Association in Glen Burnie. "But that was a different time. I grew up in the country and there was a lot more interaction among people. The community came together and worked together." Kwanzaa has relatively recent roots compared to other holidays around this time of year. It was started in 1966 as an extension of the Black Freedom Movement. The holiday was instituted by Maulana Ron Karenga and is considered the first holiday specifically for blacks. Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26 and continues until New Year's Day. Kwanzaa has family and community at its core and each day celebrates a different principle. The seven principles …

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Snowmas: Winter Storm Watch in Effect

National Weather Service issues alert that coming winter storm could impact holiday travelers.

This morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm watch in effect from Christmas Day through late Sunday night. The alert said that the Christmas Day storm is expected to move in from the south bringing possible snow accumulations of 5 inches or more. The storm is expected to arrive late tonight and continue through Sunday night or early Monday morning. Temperatures should remain in the upper 20s and low 30s. Winds are expected to be from the north tonight, 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 30 mph on Sunday afternoon.  In the storm alert, the NWS noted that there is a "potential for significant snow accumulations that may impact travel." Updated — At 3:42 p.m., the NWS updated the winter storm watch to a winter storm …

Holiday Message: 'Real Peace is in Our Hearts'

Local religious leaders offer counsel on holiday woes.

It's the season to be jolly with decked halls, festive clothes, extravagant foods and plentiful gifts. How does all that play against the backdrop of a sluggish economy, gas approaching $3 a gallon and food prices on track to jump 2 to 3 percent in the first half of 2011? Faith communities in Greater Annapolis are not immune to the effects of these hardships. Spiritual leaders of many denominations are faced with celebrating a holy season while lifting up many in great need.  "I have seen the residual affects of the economy in our congregation," said Rabbi Philip Pohl of Congregation Kol Shalom. "I think more people are turning to faith to help in these difficult times. They are looking for other blessings." On the morning Pastor …

Flurries on Christmas Morning

Although more snow is predicted for this weekend, some festive flurries fell around Greater Annapolis on Christmas morning.

Although the flurries stopped well before noon, residents around Greater Annapolis were treated to a little bit of snow on Christmas morning.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Feelings of Loss More Intense This Time of Year

Groups offer support for people coping with loss during the holidays.

There's a saying that time heals all wounds but, for some people, the winter holidays can be an even more challenging time if a loved one has died. For two county women, this is the case this holiday season. Both are proactive in their own healing journeys. John Christopher Campbell died in 2002 at the age of 21, leaving members of his family stunned. However, his mother, Kathy Campbell of Hanover, helps others through the pain of loss and separation. By doing this, she said she continues to heal. "John's death was very sudden. The autopsy said his heart was enlarged. John was a student and set to be married the next year," she said, adding the exact cause of death was not definitively determined. Campbell is leader of a bereavement …

Interfaith Families Share Holiday Traditions

Find out how local interfaith families spend the holidays.

"Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?" Vermicelli pudding for Eid-Al-Fitr or Christmas ham? For some interfaith families in Anne Arundel County, these questions impact their holiday plans and the answers can vary greatly. "We call the holidays our December delight and dilemma," joked Susan Ryder, program coordinator at Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) of the Greater Washington DC Area. IFFP caters to the needs of Jewish and Christian interfaith couples who want to raise children with an understanding of both faiths. At IFFP religious services, congregants focus on whatever Jewish or Christian holiday is next on the calendar. "Holidays are tough enough when someone celebrates just Christmas. When families want…

Give the Gift of Giving

Allow your recipients to choose their own charity.

This holiday season, I am particularly grateful to have a roof over my head, a full stomach, a job that I love and my health – not to mention a support group of family and friends. When it came time to shop for gifts for my extended family, purchasing more "stuff" just didn't seem like the right thing to do. Don't get me wrong; I am an enthusiastic advocate for buying local. For a change of pace, I encourage you to consider balancing consumption with the gift of giving for 2010. For those who have a special place in their heart for K-12 public school teachers, visit www.donorschoose.org. This online charity connects you to classrooms in need. Simply click on the "gifts" button on the upper right side of the screen and let your recipient …

NORAD Website Tracks Santa throughout Tonight's Journey

Kids and adults can follow St. Nick's every move online.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is charged with keeping the United States and Canada safe from dangers originating from the sky or space. Tonight, however, the Colorado-based government agency adds one more important task to its daily list of duties. The agency will again provide its Official Santa Tracker that marks the Big Man's every move as he makes his way throughout both hemispheres. Included on the site is a countdown and activity page and a flight tracking system. Kids and adults can enjoy this very entertaining site that will have sugar plums dancing through everyone's head before retiring.

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