CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2009

April 2, 2009
Seder Meal
The Seder holds such importance in understanding the culture and heritage of Jesus. In appreciation of this tradition we begin our Holy Days. The most important week of our Catholic faith. 6pm at the Shrine of St. Anthony, 410-531-2800, www.companionsofstanthony.org

April 4, 2009
GreenFest 2009
GreenFest, Howard County's annual kick-off to Earth Month, will feature "Energy and Water Conservation" as the theme for 2009. With over 90 vendors, displays will provide practical ways to Live Green in Howard County. Vendor themes include: Energy and Water Conservation, Green Consumer Products, Wildlife Exploration, and Local Green Organizations. 10am to 4pm at the Howard Community College Galleria, 410-313-4374
www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP

April 4, 2009
Daffodil Day
Ann annual celebration of Spring for the public, free admission, refreshments, tour of the cemetary-park, raffle of garden basket and talks on history and horticulture. 1 to 4pm at Whipps Garden Cemetary Park, 410-465-6721.

April 4, 2009
Egg Hunt
Details to follow, rain date April 11, 2009.
www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP

April 4, 2009
The Calder Quartet
Inspired by the innovative American visual artist Alexander Calder, the Calder Quartet continues to challenge the conventions of chamber music by creating insightful pairings of the traditional and the contemporary. The program will include the Christopher Rouse String Quartet No. 2. 8pm at the Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, Candlelight Concert Society, 410-997-2324, www.candlelightconcerts.org

April 9, 2009
2009 Triduum
Thr program will focus on accompanying Jesus throughout the hours of his glorious passion, death, and resurrection, using sacred scripture and the writings of St. Francis of assisi as guides. 5pm at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

April 11, 2009
Easter Vigil
The Solemnity of Christ's Resurrection from the dead is celebrated with reverence and jubilation. Refreshments follow the Liturgy. 8pm at the Shrine of St. Anthony, 410-531-2800, www.companionsofstanthony.org

April 11, 2009
Wonder Talks & Walks
Wildflowers are Wonderful. 10:00am at The Howard County Conservancy, 410-465-8877, www.hcconservancy.org

April 18, 2009
Dog Day Afternoon
Columbia residents and their four-legged friends are invited out to an afternoon of games, treats and entertaining activities. Area pet vendors will be on hand to supply information on keeping your pets healthy and happy. 11am to 2pm, 410-715-3104, www.ColumbiaAssociation.org

April 18, 2009
Christopher Shih, Pianist
Candlelight Concerts is proud to present Christopher Shih of Ellicott City, winner of the 19th International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs in Paris, France. This competition attracted 100 candidates from 28 countries across the globe. Dr. Shih also won the Audience Award and Press Award. 8pm at Monteabaro Recital Hall, Howard Community College, Candlelight Concert Society, 410-997-2324, www.candlelightconcerts.org

April 18, 2009
T'ai Chi Chih - Joy Thru Movement
T'ai Chi Chih is a particularly enjoyable, contemporary Qigong set of easily learned movements that circulate and balance our vital life of force, or "chi". Regular practice of these gentle movements results in a state of well being from the inside out and brings far reaching benefits. 9:30am to 4:00pm at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

April 18, 2009
Earth Day Celebration
9:00am to 1:00pm at The Howard County Conservancy, 410-465-8877, www.hcconservancy.org

April 24, 2009
Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self
This retreat, based on Joyce Rupp's latest book, offers both inspiration and encouragement for personal growth. 5pm at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

April 25, 2009
Bob's BMW Motorcycles Annual Open House
Every Saturday in April, Bob's BMW Motorcycles opens its doors to celebrate our annual Open House Month ending in one big Open House Day on April 25th. Bob's BMW will offer great food from the Blue Knights, music, seminars and specials throughout the dealership. All riders and non-riders are always welcome and be sure to tour the vintage motorcycle museum while you are there. 9 am to 4pm, 301-497-8949, www.bobsbmw.com

April 25, 2009
12th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County
This signature Howard County fundraiser for the arts features a reception with a silent auction of local artists, culinary delights from local restaurants and caterers and musical performances. After the reception, guests are invited to the Jim Rouse Theatre for the Rising Star competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. 6-11pm at the Jim Rouse Theatre/Wilde Lake High School, 410-313-ARTS, www.hocoarts.org