CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January 2009

Through January 4, 2009
The 15th Annual Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights, a spectacular display of more than 70 larger than life, animated and stationary light creations, is a holiday tradition. All proceeds benefit Maternal Child Services of Howard County General Hospital. 410-740-7840, www.hcgh.org

Through January 4, 2009
Peter Pan
Take a magical adventure this holiday season! Fly to Neverland with the Darling children to meet the mischievous Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, swashbuckling pirates, a spunky fairy, and of course, Peter Pan himself. This musical stage adaptation of J.M. Barrie's children's classic is sure to delight audiences of all ages, so it's ok if you want to grow up! New Mainstage at the Olney Theatre Center, 410-924-3400, www.olneytheatre.org

Through January 25, 2009
Holiday Festival of Trains
Holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroading including this year's new O-gauge layout in the car house, the Museum's permanent HO-gauge layout in the freight house, and N-gauge layout, and Thomas the Tank Engine! B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station, 410-461-1945, www.ecborail.org

Through January 15, 2009
Holiday Window Decorating Contest
Stroll through the historic district and view the holiday window decorations as shop owners compete for the best window prize. Public votes determine the winner of the People's Choice Award. Ballots may be picked up at stores in town and at the Howard County Tourism Visitors Information Center, 410-313-1900, 8267 Main Street, Ellicott City Restoration Foundation

January 4, 2009
Christmas Open House
Enjoy the festive delights of a variety of Christmas trees decorated in themes of St. Francis, St. Anthony, St. Clare and others while touring the "old world" style of the Franciscan Friary common rooms. 1pm to 5pm at the Shrine of St. Anthony, 410-531-2800, www.companionsofstanthony.org

January 10, 2009
Columbia Orchestra Classical Concert #2
The Columbia Orchestra performs Joan Towers' Made in America, Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante, and Sibelius's Symphony No. 1. 7:30pm at the Jim Rouse Theatre, 410-465-8777, www.columbiaorchestra.org

January 10, 2009
Discovering How Prayer Lives in Our Responses
In this experience, we interact with music pieces that serve us as carriers of the Spirit's Presence. Our natural responses to these selections are explored through actions: painting, singing, writing, being silent, conversing and drawing. These moments will move us through creative praying to deepened contact with God. 9:30am to 12:00pm at Bon secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

January 10, 2009
Tempesta di Mare with Stephen Bard, baroque oboist
Named for baroque master Antonio Vivaldi's "storm at sea," "Tempesta di Mare performs baroque music on baroque instruments with "world-class virtuosity" and "breathtaking results." 8:00pm at the Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, 410-997-2324, The Candlelight Concert Society, www.candlelightconcerts.org

January 10, 2009
Wonder Talks & Walks
Frog Watch USA: You Can Make a Difference. 10:00am at The Howard County Conservancy, 410-465-8877, www.hcconservancy.org

January 18, 2009
Marionetas de la Esquina - A Moon Between Two Houses
Award winning Puppet Theatre from Mexico! This renowned company presents a heart-warming story written by acclaimed children's playwright Suzanne Lebeau. Lively fantasy! Outstanding theatre! "One of the most important things we need in life are friends." 3:00pm and 4:30pm at the Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, The Candlelight Concert Society, 410-997-2324, www.candlelightconcerts.org

January 24, 2009
Moving Out, Moving Up, Moving On: Facing Challenges of Change in Faith
Change, whether personal or organizational can run from difficult to traumatic, even under the best of circumstances. Change, managed in faith, leads to new promises offered, realized and then shared with others. 9:00am to 3:00pm at Bon secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

January 24, 2009
Philharmonia Quartett Berlin
For purity of sound, for the introduction of rarely heard gems, and for the best concert experience that a string quartet can offer, Philharmonia Quartett Berlin delivers. The Quartett will perform Mozart: String Quartet No. 15 in d, K. 421; Lutoslawski: String Quartet (1964); and Schubert: String Quartet No. 14 in d, "Death and the Maiden." 8:00pm at Smtih Theatre, Howard Community College, The Candlelight Concert Society, 410-997-2324, www.candlelightconcerts.org

January 25, 2009
Hansel & Gretel - Peabody Opera Outreach
A worldwide favorite! A Metropolitan Opera tradition comes to Candlelight! This fully costumed version of Engle Humperdinck's immortal opera is for family members of all ages. 3:00pm and 4:30pm at The Smith Theatre, Howard Community College, The Candlelight Concert Society, 410-997-2324, www.candlelightconcerts.org

January 26, 2009
Lunar New Year
10am to 1pm at the Glenwood Community Center, $10 per person, $25 per family, 410-313-4635, www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP

January 30-31, 2009
American Conservation
Film Festival on the Road. 7 to 10pm at The Howard County Conservancy, 410-465-8877, www.hcconservancy.org

January 31, 2009
Care for the Care Giver: A Day of Respite: Come Away Awhile, Let Us Care for You
If you are a caregiver, often you are considered the pillar of strength in your particular situation. We understand the cost of that strength and the burdens of putting yourself at the service of another: the lack of personal time, and the lost energy for other roles. 9:00am to 12:00pm at Bon secours Spiritual Center, 410-442-1320, www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org

January 31, 2009
Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance
Ages 4-6 from 4-6pm, Ages 7-11 from 7-9pm at the Kiwanis-Wallas Recreation Center, $35 per couple, 410-313-4622, www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP