Hello, everyone!

On Saturday, Dec. 15, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on the square in Leonardtown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children can take their Christmas list and parents can bring their camera to capture this once-a-year event. In case of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Winegardner Auto showroom.

Well, friends, I always receive Christmas cards and well-wishes this time of year from faithful readers. However, I just received one that really stands out from a very loyal reader in Mississippi, Donnie Garner, who is affectionately known by many as “Noodle.” He was born here more than 50 years ago and came from a large family of 19. He moved to Mississippi three years ago, but has continued to subscribe to The Enterprise and reads my column regularly.

Donnie, I want to thank you very much for writing to let me know that you are a loyal reader and for your beautiful Christmas card and handsome picture. Old county friends can contact Noodle by writing to Mr. Donald Garner, 68 Lynn Ray Road, Petal, MS 39465-9317.

Thank you, Donnie, for keeping in touch. It is always good to hear from all of my readers, but especially from those in faraway states.

A children’s Christmas party sponsored by the Third District Optimist Club will be held at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown for children up to 10 years old on Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents, don’t forget to bring your camera; there will be a special visit from Santa on a fire truck. Come out to enjoy games and snacks while supporting a worthy cause. For information, call Kitty at 301-475-5177.

The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the squad building, located on Route 235 in Hollywood. Anyone wishing to become a member is encouraged to attend.

The St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point will present its 27th Annual Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit, featuring antique and collectible dolls, toys and working miniature trains in a holiday setting, Wednesdays through Sundays from Dec. 1 to 16 from noon to 4 p.m. The museum will be open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 to 30, but will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Admission is $3 per adult, $2 for seniors and military, $1.50 for children 6 to 18 and free for kids 5 and younger. For more information, call 301-769-2222.

The 13th annual Christmas cookie sale will be held Dec.15 from 9 a.m. until sold out at Hollywood United Methodist Church. Any assortment of homemade cookies can be purchased for $10 per container. Keep them for your own enjoyment, or these would make very nice gifts for family members or friends. Many people like the personalized touch of a homemade gift, rather than something bought from a store. For more information, call 301-373-2500.

Santa Claus will visit the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Children are invited to bring their wish lists, come and sit on his lap, color pictures, make oatmeal glitter for his reindeer and more. Admission is free. For more information, call 240-298-7956.

The American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville and Jay Armsworthy and the Sons of the American Legion will present their next bluegrass show on Jan. 27 with The Boxcars. Doors open at noon, and shows begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Food will be sold before the show starts by the SAL. For more information, call 301-737-3004. Send a check or money order to Jay Armsworthy, P.O. Box 741, California, MD 20619.

Well, we are still counting down to Christmas. Can you believe it is only 13 days until Christmas and Santa will be coming to our town? Remember, if you have any live plants or chocolate around your home as decoration, please keep them out of the reach of your pets because they are hazardous.

Send signed news to Audrey Ridgell, P.O. Box 457, Leonardtown, MD 20650.