Get into holiday spirit at local museums
The St. Clement’s Island Museum is a distinct destination which interprets Maryland’s earliest history with the colonial arrival at St. Clement’s Island in 1634 and the concepts of religious toleration and separation of church and state which the colonists brought with them. The “Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit” runs through Jan. 2, 2022.
The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park offers interpretation of the historic Piney Point Lighthouse, the U-1105 Black Panther Shipwreck Dive Preserve, Potomac River maritime history and more. A Very Retro Christmas Holiday runs through Jan. 2, 2022.
The Old Jail Museum is housed in the jail built in 1876 and in use until 1945 by the oldest sheriff’s office in the nation. This granite block and brick structure retains its original upstairs cells where prisoners were once segregated by gender and race.
All three St. Mary’s County museums will be open noon to 4 daily for winter hours through March 24. The museums are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All Museums will be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For more information, go to www. Museums.StMarysMD.com.
Health department recognized
Congratulations to the St. Mary’s County Health Department, which was recently named Maryland’s 2021 Community Star by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.
For more information, go to www. smchd.org.
A weekend of vintage values
The Vintage Source will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12. Browse the storer for unique items, including boxwood wreaths.
For more information, go to www.TheVintageSourceCompton. net.
Library holds book sale
The Friends of the St. Mary’s County Library held a Winter Book Sale Dec. 4 at the new Leonardtown Library. The next sale is being planned for the Spring of 2022. The FOL thanks everyone who helped make the December sale a success!
Maryland DNR news and notes
- Congratulations to the Knott Family, which won the Park Quest grand prize drawing for a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport by completing 12 quests. Th Maryland DNR thanks everyone who participated in the 2021 Park Quests and plans are in the making for the 2022 season.
Email suggestions to melissa. boyle@maryland.gov.
- Maryland fifth-graders are invited to participate in the Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The 2022 theme is “Trees Are Terrific…and Maryland Forests Are Too.”
Submissions are due Jan. 21, 2022.
For more information, email anne.gilbert@maryland.gov.
Updates from Historic St. Mary’s City
Historic St. Mary’s City has closed the outdoor exhibits for the 2021 season, though the grounds and trails remain open for walking and exploring.
The Shop at Farthings Ordinary will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 18.
For more information and to support HSMC, go to www.HSMCdigsHistory.org.
Garden in Lights looking for sponsors
Every year, the Annmarie Sculptuure Garden and Arts Center is offering discounted Garden in Lights tickets to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program card holders. This year the current high cost of gas and other necessities is making even these discounted tickets out of reach for many families.
For more information on the Annmarie Garden in Lights and the SNAP Ticket Program, go to www.AnnmarieGarden.org.
Check gifts off your list with Ag farm guide
The virtual Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission Holiday Farm Guide is now available on the “Get Our Guides” page at www.SMADC. com.
You will find over 100 listings of farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and stores featuring S MD-grown and produced farm products from the land and water. In addition, the guide highlights farm-hosted events and activities for the entire family such as wreath-making workshops, holiday markets and open houses which offer live music, photos with Santa, hayrides and visits with horses and farm animals.
Recipe of the Week
Marinated Hors D’oeuvres By Ellynne Davis
Ingredients
1 10-ounce can Red Salad Tomatoes in olive oil and Italian spices, drained (I found this at Aldi’s or you may substitute 1 large firm, red ripe tomato cut in chunks)
1 5-ounce package fresh Mozzarella cheese pearls, drained
1 6-ounce can large black pitted olives, drained
4 ounces pepperoni slices, cut up 1/3 cup bottled Italian dressing (more or less, to taste)
Italian spices, crushed red peppers, grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil sprigs for garnish
Directions: In a medium-sized bowl, mix tomatoes, cheese, olives, pepperoni, and dressing. Mix well, then chill. Just before serving add spices and herbs, to taste.
Please continue to send your news items and recipes to LynnieBDavis@gmail.com. Thank you.