As winter draws to a close, seasonal traditions offer early signs that spring is approaching. Mardi Gras celebrations mark the final days before the start of Lent, a season observed by many Christian congregations as a time of reflection and preparation for Easter.
Two local churches are marking Fat Tuesday with Pancake Suppers open to the community.
Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, located at 12101 Linden-Linthicum Lane in Clarksville, will hold a Fat Tuesday pancake supper on Feb. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. The meal will include pancakes with toppings, a beverage and sausage.
St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 8300 Old Columbia Road in Fulton, will host its annual pancake dinner the same evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Organized by the Knights of Columbus No. 12524, the event will include pancakes and additional items for dinner. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family.
Although summer seems a long way off, planning for camp season is already underway. Registration has opened for the River Hill High School Booster Camps for summer 2026. The weekly programs include a traditional lineup of varsity sports camps, along with artistic programs such as dance and video production.
A new offering this year is the Paper Magic Book Camp, a hands-on program for children ages 8 to 13. Participants will work with paper and cardboard to create interactive books. Campers will explore different book formats and basic paper-engineering techniques while designing and illustrating their own original projects inspired by stories and shared reading. Dates, times and registration details can be found at riverhill.org.
Preschool registration for fall 2026 will open in February at several local early childhood centers.
The enrollment period for Hilltop Early Learning Center, located at 12121 Linden Linthicum Lane in Clarksville, runs from mid-February through March. The center serves children ages 3 to 5 and focuses on play-based learning, outdoor exploration and activities that support social, emotional and academic development.
Mt. Zion Christian Preschool, at 12430 Scaggsville Road in Highland, is also accepting new students for the coming school year. The preschool offers a play-based program that emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity and outdoor play, along with before- and aftercare options.
Temple Isaiah Preschool, located at 12200 Scaggsville Road in Fulton, will open registration for the 2026–27 school year for new families on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The preschool also offers a Summer Fun Club program running from mid-June through early August, with flexible weekly enrollment and half-day dismissal options.
Interested families can learn more by contacting the respective schools.
A new vendor has joined the lineup at the Common Kitchen food hall. Laud Shawarma has opened, offering Nigerian-style shawarma inspired by street food traditions. The menu features a range of options, including chicken, beef, sausage and shrimp, along with vegetarian and vegan choices such as mushrooms and tofu. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition to new dining options, the Common Kitchen continues to host weekly events for all ages. Bingo is held Tuesdays at 6 p.m., with free admission. Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m., and trivia nights take place Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., with teams competing for prizes. Live music featuring local artists is scheduled Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
When she’s not writing about the Clarksville area, Susan Soldavin serves as the Communications Coordinator for the River Hill Community Association. Send news to include in this column about people and events in the community to susansoldavin@gmail.com.