Southern Maryland Community Events Nov. 8-15, 2007

MARYLAND'S RURAL FUTURE FORUM, sponsored by Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. "Saving Our Rural Character Beyond the Tobacco Buyout: Your Voice Matters." Farm and land owners, trails partners, elected officials, businesspeople and the community are invited to participate in a discussion on the future of the area's rural character and economy. RSVPs needed. 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., College of Southern Maryland at La Plata, 8730 Mitchell Rd., La Plata. Free. 301-274-1922.

COMMUNITY IMMIGRATION FORUM,"Should There Be Limits to Immigration?" Presented by College of Southern Maryland. Panelists will provide perspectives on legislation being discussed in Washington. 9:30 a.m., College of Southern Maryland at Leonardtown, 22950 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown. Free. 301-934-7703, 301-870-2309, Ext. 7703.

DECORATIVE PAINTERS MEETING, the local chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters. Some previous painting experience is necessary. 9:30 a.m., Charlotte Hall Library, Southern Maryland Decorative Painters, 37600 New Market Rd., Charlotte Hall. Free. Membership fees, $40 national dues and $20 chapter dues. 301-884-2835, 301-843-3345, 410-326-2576 or http://www.smdpaint.org.

ITALIAN DINNER, entertainment, door prizes and silent auction. Carryout available. 4 and 7 p.m., Waters Memorial United Methodist Church, 5400 Mackall Rd., St. Leonard. Adults, $10; children 6-12, $5; children younger than 6, free. 410-586-1716.

Sunday 11

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST, sponsored by Second District Fire Department and Rescue Squad auxiliary. 8 and 11 a.m. Sundays, 45245 Drayden Rd., Valley Lee. Adults, $7; children 5-12, $3; children 6 and younger, free. 301-994-0978.

OYSTER SCALD, oyster stew, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, beer and dessert table. White-elephant sale, auction and silent auction. 11:45 a.m. and 4 p.m., St. Mary's County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown. Scald, $12; 12-ounce stew, $4. 301-475-8403.

DRIVE-UP CHICKEN DINNER, one-half chicken (breast, wing, thigh and a leg), parsley potatoes, green beans, carrots and a roll. Delivery available for the town of La Plata with purchase of three or more dinners. Bake table also available inside station. Proceeds to benefit the rescue squad. Noon and 5 p.m., Charles County Volunteer Rescue Squad, 2 Calvert St., La Plata. $12. 301-934-4434.

Monday 12

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY, a support group for those who want to lose weight gradually. Members have a weekly weigh-in and discuss fitness programs. 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Prince Frederick Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. Annual membership, $24. No cost to attend single meeting. 410-586-9354.

Tuesday 13

BEEKEEPERS MEETING, Association of Southern Maryland Beekeepers. 7 and 10 p.m., Golden Corral Restaurant, 2800 Crain Hwy., Waldorf. Free. 301-884-5230.

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT, prizes and socializing for all ages. Registration required. 7 and 8 p.m., Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane, Lusby. $3. 410-535-1101.

Wednesday 14

DEMENTIA CARE CONFERENCE, for those interested in learning more about the disease. Family members, friends and professionals caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias will get help to cope with the challenges. Keynote speaker is Marcelle Morrison-Bogorad, director of neuroscience and neuropsychology of aging at National Institute on Aging. Sponsored by Greater Waldorf Jaycees and Morningside House. 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Greater Waldorf Jaycees, 3092 Crain Hwy., Waldorf. Family caregivers, $25; professionals, $35. 301-934-5856 or 703-766-9021.

MILITARY PRAYER SERVICES, for those wanting to pray for people serving in the military or to pray for those who have lost their lives because of war. Noon and 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, St. James Episcopal Church, 7 Potomac Ave., Indian Head. 301-743-2366.