Monthly Archives: November 2011

New Website Offers Resources to Parents, Educators of Children and Students with Disabilities

Posted on November 30, 2011 by | Leave a comment

BALTIMORE
November 18, 2011

Families and educators interested in early intervention services and special education information and issues now have a user-friendly resource at their fingertips.

MarylandLearningLinks.org is a unique, dynamic website providing information about the Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes, family involvement and other topics and trends related to special education. The site features a number of interactive tools, blogs, and newsletters aimed at administrators, teachers, service providers, and parents.

“We know that students thrive when their support system is equipped with the best information,” said Interim State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky. “MarylandLearningLinks.org provides users with critical ideas and resources, all free-of-charge and available just a click away.”

MarylandLearningLinks.org offers helpful information for families and educators working with children with disabilities, birth through age 21. The website offers users the benefit of an online community. Parents and educators can join, participate, and share in an ongoing conversation, all designed to strengthen student learning.

Developed through Maryland’s State Improvement Grant (H323A070003), MarylandLearningLinks.org is a partnership of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services, and the Johns Hopkins University/School of Education/Center for Technology in Education.

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A Sense of Place, Encaustic Paintings by Marilyn Banner on View at Adkins Arboretum

Posted on November 29, 2011 by | Leave a comment

RIDGELY, MD
NOVEMBER 29, 2011

The color is lush and the countryside is spirited in Marilyn Banner’s small encaustic landscapes on view at the Adkins Arboretum Visitor’s Center through Jan. 27. Her paintings of marshes and farmland (with occasional goats, cows and horses) are built up with vibrant layers of translucent beeswax.

Encaustic “paint” is actually molten beeswax mixed with damar resin (crystallized tree sap), tinted with pigment and heated till it’s molten. The word “encaustic” means “burning in” and refers to the process of fusing layers of wax together into an extremely durable and archival surface. There will be a reception to meet the artist and learn more about the process of encaustic painting on Sat., Dec. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Rhythmic strokes of green and ochre describe tall grasses surrounding a pool of water in “Marsh Rhythms,” a 12”-square panel. Banner built the surface up in layers of colored wax with shades of turquoise and pale green peeking through from beneath. Opaque white marks float on the surface, like sunlight on the reeds, and marks carved into the wax lend a sense of depth and distance.

“I can draw and paint and play with fire,” Banner said, describing how it feels to work in encaustics. “I think it’s magical because it’s beeswax. It’s natural. It’s very different from working with acrylic paint.”

Encaustic is a medium that has to be seen in real life. Its translucent depth and sensuous, luminous quality can’t be reproduced by photography or in print. For Banner, its strong physical qualities help her to hone in on the feelings she has for particular landscapes.

The meadows and foothills of the Shenandoah Valley appear in many of these works. Although Banner normally works in her Kensington studio, not far from her home in Takoma Park, she has had several artist’s residencies at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. There she can concentrate fully on her work while being surrounded by the beauty of the farmlands at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This landscape has become part of her, as have the marshes and beaches on Cape Cod where she and her husband, pianist Carl Banner, often go to visit Carl’s family.

“I can’t paint places that I haven’t internalized,” she said. “I have to feel the resonance of the place, how it felt to be there.“

Banner, who exhibits frequently in New York and in the Washington, D.C., area, sees her interpretations of landscape as poetic or even romantic. She works and reworks her images, often inscribing drawings into the wax and rubbing oil paint into the surface. She may add color or carve parts of the wax away, until the image resonates with her feeling for the landscape.

“That was my training,” she explained. “I was trained by an Abstract Expressionist who worked with nature.”

Taking the advice of this teacher at Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned a BFA, Banner learned to approach her work as an open-ended process of discovery, with much the same philosophy as the Abstract Expressionists of the 1950s. After doing graduate work at Queens College and earning an MSEd at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, she experimented with many media from collage and photo transfers to mixed media sculpture, but since 2004, Banner has been captivated by encaustic painting.

The physical layers of encaustic medium dovetail with her feelings for the multiple layers of meaning in her work. For Banner, making art is a way of coming to know the inner world by exploring the landscapes of the outer world.

This show is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing exhibition series of work on natural themes by regional artists, sponsored in part by Caroline County Council of Arts. It is on view through Jan. 27 at the Arboretum Visitor’s Center located at 12610 Eveland Road near Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely. Contact the Arboretum at 410-634-2847, ext. 0 or info@adkinsarboretum.org for gallery hours.

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Posted in Arts, Ridgely

Greensboro’s “Lighting of the City”

Posted on November 29, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Greensboro’s “Lighting of the City”

December 3rd Parade begins at 6:00 pm

Parade ends at Carnival Grounds, Sunset Ave, Greensboro

Greensboro lights up the town along the Choptank River in this festive evening, featuring a parade that ends at the Carnival Grounds where you can enjoy hot chocolate and visit with Santa! Contact: 410.482.6222 FREE!

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Posted in Event, Greensboro

Denton Holiday Windows: An Old Fashioned Christmas

Posted on November 28, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Denton Holiday Windows: An Old Fashioned Christmas

December 1st- December 31st

Come see Denton’s windows get decked out as artists and

businesses transform shop windows into “An Old Fashioned Christmas.” Contact: 410.479.4305 or www.downtowndenton.com

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Posted in Denton, Event

Ridgely Old Fashioned Christmas

Posted on November 27, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Ridgely Old Fashioned Christmas

Saturday, December 3rd 6:45 pm

Ridgely’s Old Fashioned Christmas features a parade, refreshments, Santa, the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and more! The parade begins at Martin Sutton Park at 6:45 p.m. and proceeds to Town Hall, followed by Town Hall Open House and Santa. Contact: 410.482.8026 FREE!

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Posted in Event, Ridgely

Caroline Hospice Festival of Trees, Exhibit and Bidding

Posted on November 26, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Caroline Hospice Festival of Trees, Exhibit and Bidding

Thursday, December 1st – Saturday, December 3rd
Thursday & Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Foundry, 401 Market Street

View and bid on beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and festive trims to benefit Caroline Hospice. Bids will be taken until 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 3rd. Contact: 410.479.1009

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Posted in Denton, Event

Denton Holiday Parade & Lighting of the Green

Posted on November 25, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Denton Holiday Parade & Lighting of the Green
Thursday, December 1st 6:00 pm
Market Street, Denton

Get into the holiday spirit at Denton’s Annual Holiday

Parade, which features marching bands, Santa, and the best of the season. Following the parade, watch the illumination of the Courthouse Green and enjoy a holiday musical performance. Contact: 410.479.2050 FREE!

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Posted in Denton, Event

Miracle on Market Street Holiday Marketplace

Posted on November 22, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Miracle on Market Street Holiday Marketplace
218 Market Street, Denton MD
Thursday, Dec 1st & Friday, Dec 2nd: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturdays, Dec 3rd – Dec 17th: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sundays, Dec 4th – Dec 18th: Noon – 4:00 pm

The Miracle on Market Street Holiday Marketplace features unique, locally crafted gifts! You’ll find one-of-a-kind items from local vendors, including Barbara Martin Designs, D’Artemis Essentials, Michele Wade from Cindy Draper & Associates Patti’s Petals, Tea Tyme, Saturday Soup at Salad Star, Sunday Soup at Harry’s and more! For more information, please visit www.downtowndenton.com or call 410.479.4305

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Posted in Business, Denton

1st Annual Holiday Open House at Outstanding Dreams Farm

Posted on November 22, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Outstanding Dreams Farm, located at 24480 Pinetown Rd in Preston, will be hosting their 1st Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am.

Enjoy a unique shopping experience featuring a full line of warm, comfortable Alpaca clothing and toys. Tour the farm and visit the alpacas while you do your holiday shopping!

The Holiday Open House will feature door prizes, store specials, refreshments and a raffle for a life size alpaca stuffed animal!

Contact: www.outstandingdreamsfarm.com or 410.673.2002

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Posted in Event, Preston

The Holidays in Caroline County

Posted on November 22, 2011 by | Leave a comment

November 29 – December 3, 2011
Hospice Festival of Trees, Exhibit and Bidding
The Foundry, 401 Market Street. Bids taken until 5pm Sat Dec 3rd.
View and bid on beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and festive trims. FREE!

December 1 -31, 2011
Downtown Denton Business Windows
Come see Denton’s windows get decked out as artists and
businesses transform shop windows into “An Old Fashioned Christmas.”
Contact: 410.479.4315 or www.downtowndenton.com FREE!

December 1, 2011
Denton’s Annual Holiday Parade
Features marching bands, Santa, and the best of the season. Following the parade, watch the illumination of the Courthouse Green and enjoy a holiday musical performance. Contact: (410) 479-2050 FREE!

December 2, 2011
Denton’s Miracle on Market Street.
Take a free ride on the Candy Cane Express through downtown Denton, tell Santa your holiday wishlist and view the decorated holiday windows and gingerbread houses! Downtown businesses will be staying open late, so you’ll even be able to do your holiday shopping! FREE! Contact: 410.479.4305 www.downtowndenton.com

December 3, 2011– 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 4, 2011 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Christmas in Caroline at the 4H Park
4-H Park, Detour Road off Route 16, Denton
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this great event featuring crafts, collectables, gifts, country store, fresh arrangements and wreaths and a silent auction. There will also be costumed characters, photos with Santa, and a kidsmake-it-take-it workshop. FREE! 410.479.0565 or jdwooters@comcast.net

December 3, 2011
‘Tis the Season Holiday Event at Adkins Arboretum
Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd, Ridgely MD 21660
Ring in the holiday season with a full day of cheer at Adkins Arboretum. Festivities will begin with the annual Holiday Wreath Sale, offering unique hand-crafted wreaths and assorted greenery. Workshops featuring the Arboretum’s signature holiday swags, natural topiary, and hand-mixed winter birdfeed will be offered throughout the day. In the evening, enjoy a celebration of light, music, and fellowship. Sample hors d’oeuvres in the gallery accompanied by hand-bell and vocal choirs, then join an Arboretum docent in a luminaria-lit walk along the Blockston Branch, stopping along the way to sing carols and sip hot cider by a roaring bonfire. A Delmarva Stargazer will be on hand to uncover the mysteries of the winter sky, and horse and wagon rides around the Arboretum’s meadows will also be available. For more information, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org.

December 3 & 4, 2011
Toy and Model Railroad Exhibit
Caroline County Library, North County Branch, Greensboro
Come to the Toy Train and Model Railroad Exhibit for train layouts, steam-powered toys, refreshments and more! There will be refreshments provided by the Friends of the Caroline County Public Library, a Train Set Raffle and silent auction. FREE!
Contact: (410) 482-217

December 3, 2011
Greensboro’s Lighting of the City
Parade begins at 6:00 pm
Parade ends at Carnival Grounds, Sunset Ave, Greensboro
Greensboro lights up the town along the Choptank River in this festive evening, featuring a parade that ends at the Carnival Grounds where you can enjoy hot chocolate and visit with Santa! Contact: 410.482.6222 FREE!

December 3, 2011
Outstanding Dreams Farm 1st Annual Holiday Open House
Located at 24480 Pinetown Rd in Preston. Enjoy a unique shopping experience featuring a full line of warm, comfortable Alpaca clothing and toys. Tour the farm and visit the alpacas while you do your holiday shopping! The Holiday Open House will feature door prizes, store specials, refreshments and a raffle for a life size alpaca stuffed animal! Begins at 10am
Contact: www.outstandingdreamsfarm.com

December 3, 2011 6:45 pm
Ridgely Old Fashioned Christmas
Ridgely’s Old Fashioned Christmas features a parade, refreshments, Santa, the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and more! The parade begins at Martin Sutton Park at 6:45 p.m. and proceeds to Town Hall, followed by Town Hall Open House and Santa. Contact: 410.482.8026 FREE!

December 10 – 31, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Enchanted Campground Driving Tour
Martinak State Park, 137 Deep Shore Road, Denton
Take a relaxing ride through the festive twinkling lights around Martinak’s campground. Donations of canned goods are being accepted for St. Martin’s Barn, and cash donations are being collected for Hospice of Caroline County. Contact: (410) 820-1668

December 10 & 11, 2011 & December 17, 2011
Santa’s Magic Workshop
Martinak State Park 4:00 pm– 7:00 pm
Have a great time making decorations and crafts, visit Santa, see the train garden, enjoy tasty goodies and hot chocolate, or take a hayride through the park’s Enchanted Campground! Contact: 410.820.1668

December 12
Old Fashioned Christmas in the Federalsburg
Christmas Parade

Celebrate the season at the Federalsburg Historical Society’s old-fashioned “Christmas in the Museum!” following Christmas Parade. Santa will even be there!
Contact: 410.754.8964

December 17, 2011
Hillsboro’s Luminary Tour
The town of Hillsboro is lined with 1,500 luminaries during Hillsboro’s Luminary Tour. Light refreshments will be served at the town hall with Santa! Contact: 410.820.2967 FREE!

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Posted in Event