A way to whip up business and help raise money

‘‘There is a hunger within our community for additional recreation programs,” said Tracy Cox, event chair, in a press release. ‘‘The Taste raises dollars, helping satisfy that appetite.”

Businesses participating include Salerno’s, Luna Rossa, Just Desserts, Belisimo’s, Dream Dinners, Bolen’s Bull Pen, J&P New York Pizza, Andies Candies, Serra Brothers and Linganore Winecellars⁄Berrywine Plantations. Caldwell Banker Real Estate will provide water and sodas.

The evening will include a silent auction.

‘‘We offer listings in our programs and opportunities for discounted advertisements,” said Cox about businesses that sponsor or donate items.

Advance tickets cost $29; $35, at the door.

E-mail cox@freedomfitness.info or call 410-795-9101.

Seminar for parents of children with special needs

Help for Uniquely Gifted Souls, a ministry of LifePoint Church, will host a meeting for parents of children with specials needs at 7 p.m. April 3.

Information will be provided about services, including scholarships for camp.

Call LifePoint Church at 410-239-4700.

Registered nurse to speak at Carroll Community College

Danielle Dinsmore, a registered nurse with the State of Maryland, will speak at 2 p.m. April 7 in Room P520 at Carroll Community College.

Dinsmore plans to share with the public how she chose a major for college and why she chose a career in health care.

She has a bachelor’s in nursing from Villa Julie College and expects to graduate with a Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner in spring 2009. Past employers include Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Sheppard Pratt Health Systems and Union Memorial Hospital.

For more information, contact Mary Kemp at 410-386-8209.

Rape Crisis Intervention Service open house

Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County will hold an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. April 2 at 224 N. Center St., Room 102, Westminster to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The free event includes information on agency services and its volunteer program, a tour of the building and an introduction of current S.T.A.R. (Sexual Trauma Advocate & Resource) volunteers, board members and staff.

SVP by Friday to Lauren Wallace, community educator, at lwallacercis@verizon.net or call 410-857-0900.

Meals On WheelsTurbo Turtle Splash

Meals on Wheels of Carroll County will hold its second annual Turbo Turtle Splash at 3 p.m. May 10 at McDaniel College’s indoor pool.

Participants provide a hot meal to a homebound person in Carroll County and a chance to win $10,000 when they ‘‘adopt” a rubber turtle for $5.

Stu’s Music Shop, Finch Automotive Services and Undersea Outfitters are corporate sponsors, and Scales and Tales will provide entertaining education.

Call Debbie Brown at 443-573-0929 or 866-558-0827, or visit www.turtlesplash.com for on-line turtle adoptions, to become a corporate sponsor or to obtain more information.

Nonprofit organizations that would like to share news in Service Notes may send the information to The Gazette, 218 S. Main St., Mount Airy, MD 21771, e-mail to Carroll@gazette.net or fax to 301-829-9101.