Theme

Q: I have inherited six boxes of antique Christmas ornaments from my German great-aunt, who collected them all her life. We always go big on decorations, but I am kind of overwhelmed. I don't want the house to look like a department store! Any good ideas on how to use many ornaments so they look tasteful? A: 'Tis the season to go a bit over-the-top, but try to keep remembering that good taste, aka restraint, is always in season. My best advice - offered after consultation with design expert Benjamin Bradley (more about him in a minute)

It's not Thanksgiving yet, but local theaters are offering a remedy for those who are about ready to trade in their turkeys for Christmas trees. Community theater troupes are rolling out holiday and Christmas plays that include seasonal favorites like "A Christmas Carol" and some original works. We've rounded up a few of those productions. WASHINGTON COUNTY 'That Holiday Feeling' Continues 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Dec. 20, which is also the last 1 p.m. matinee date.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Marvin Hurley Alumni Orchestra will perform its second annual concert at North Hagerstown High School at 7 p.m. The theme of this year's concert is "An Evening with Marvin 'Pops' Hurley," featuring music from Broadway and TV shows. Tickets will be available at the door with a suggested donation of $5. Proceeds will benefit the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts.

D.J. and Dance Instructors Chip and Sharon Moats of Waynesboro, Pa. recently provided the music and taught a dance at the Hagerstown Country Western Dance Club's annual special summer dance Aug. 22 at the Maugansville Ruritan Building. This year's theme was Hawaiian Night. Club members and guests wore colorful outfits topped with floral leis. Pineapple sundaes and theme cakes were served. Dancers from Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia participated. The club meets at the Maugansville Ruritan the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 8 p.m. The public is invited.

Christ Community Church, 8916 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown, every Sunday from 9 to 10:10 a.m. through Aug. 30, ages 2 through sixth grade. Theme is "Outrigger Island," a place where children will develop the stability to face a world of shifting sands and wavering opinions. Children will know, speak and live God's truth - Aloha style. Manor Church of the Brethren, 18511 Manor Church Road, Boonsboro, six Wednesdays through Aug. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., all age groups from 3 to adult.

Carson Charlton, at left, and Shannon Quinones, right, lead the line of 5- to 6-year-old Junior Campers as they perform the Philippine Bamboo Stick Dance as part of "Around the World in Five Days" theme week at Antietam Recreation day camp. The interational theme lets campers learn about five countries through exotic foods in baking, multicultural crafts and unique games and dance from all over the world.