IN BRIEF

St. Mary's Library Grant

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The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded the St. Mary's County Library system an "Opportunity Online" hardware grant of $18,200, library Director Kathleen Reif announced.

Over the next two years, the grant must be matched with $10,400 in local funds. The St. Mary's grant is one of 18 awarded statewide.

The foundation recognizes the role libraries play in providing adequate, up-to-date technology services to all people. The grant is designed to help libraries maintain and improve their technology services, including public computers and Internet access.

The timeline for raising the local funds is $3,900 by June and an additional $6,500 by the following June.

Reif said the funds will be used to purchase computers and software, as well as furniture and network equipment for all three of the library's branches: Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown and Lexington Park.

Last year, the library's computers logged more than 150,000 uses, a 16 percent increase over the previous year, Reif said.

She also announced that BAE Systems has committed $1,000 toward the matching funds.

For information or to make a donation, contact Reif at 301-475-2846, Ext. 1013, or at kreif@stmalib.org.

Waste Collection Ends

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Charles County officials remind residents that weekly curbside collection of yard waste for the year will end Dec. 31. It will resume April 1.

During the winter break, residents may take their yard waste to the composting facility at the landfill, or to recycling centers in Pisgah, Gilbert Run Park in Dentsville and Breeze Farm on Cobb Island. Yard waste includes grass, leaves, garden clippings and brush.

For information, call the Department of Public Facilities at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778.

Music Performance

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Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition will perform Jan. 26 at the Nanjemoy Community Center.

The band's repertoire consists of traditional bluegrass, original ballads, energized instrumentals and old-time gospel. They will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

Before the show, a spaghetti dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. The cost for Charles County residents is $15 in advance and $20 at the door; nonresidents, $17 in advance and $22 at the door. The snow date is Feb. 2.

The program is sponsored in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Charles County Arts Alliance.

For details, call the Nanjemoy Community Center at 301-246-9612 or 301-609-7639. The center is at 4375 Port Tobacco Rd.

Soup Cook-Off

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The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center will host its third annual Soup Cook-Off on Jan. 8 in the school's state-of-the-art kitchen.

Cooking will begin at 3 p.m., with doors open to the public at 5:30. Tasting and judging of the junior division will start at 6, immediately followed by the senior division.

The contest is open to the first 20 individuals or teams of up to three that register. Contestants will have use of the facility and access to necessary equipment, but must bring the ingredients.

The public is invited to sample the soups and be part of the event. Soups will be grouped into six categories and will be judged by expert chefs, local celebrities and community leaders. A "People's Choice" award also will be given.

House soups will be provided by the Forrest center's culinary arts students. Tickets for the contest and house soup sampling are $5; students, $3; and children younger than 4, free.

All proceeds will benefit the center's SkillsUSA student organization.

For information on tickets, registration or sponsorship, contact Ron Grosche at 301-475-0242 or at rkgrosche@smcps.org.