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In time for Valentine's Day, Marriage Savers of Frederick County is hosting an essay contest aimed at encouraging young adults think long and hard about committed relationships.

The organization, which seeks to raise awareness about marriages through faith-based and community initiatives, is administering the essay contest for all Frederick County middle and high school students.

"We're hoping to just do our part to get young people thinking about what it takes to help a marriage be successful," said Jonathan Switzer, a board member of Marriage Savers. "At the end of the day, it's not rocket science, but it's just getting kids to tie it together with love, respect, et cetera."

Those entering the contest are asked to write a 200- to 300-word essay that answers the question, "Whose marriage do you most admire and why?" The essay must focus on a Frederick marriage.

The deadline to submit the essay is Feb. 12.

The winner of the contest will receive two tickets to Adventure Park USA. The couple whose marriage the writer admires will receive a free meal from the Red Horse Inn, and pair of 14-kt diamond earrings from the Wholesale Diamond Consultants.

The organization is also asking for entries for the longest marriage in Frederick. Winners of that contest will also receive a free meal from a local restaurant.

The essay contest is being promoted through Frederick County Public Schools by the principals of the junior high and high schools.

Those interested in entering should go to the Marriage Savers of Frederick County Web site at www.marriagesaversfrederick.org. On the site, go to "Contact Us" and enter your name, e-mail address and essay in the body of the e-mail.

The Marriage Savers will also be holding two other events to promote healthy relationships. On Feb.12, they plan to show the movie "Fireproof" at the Lynfield Event Complex,10142 Hansonville Road, in Frederick.

The organization is also planning a Marriage Enrichment Seminar, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 13, at the C. Burr Artz Library, at 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Sessions will be guided by marriage counselors associated with the Marriage Savers organization.

Artists sought for new city project

The Downtown Frederick Partnership is seeking artists to make their mark in a new art project in Frederick.

The partnership is seeking proposals for a new downtown project called, that Heritage Trail Marker. The selected artist will be responsible for designing, fabricating and installing up to 31 markers in the first phase of what is envisioned to be an ongoing project to mark the history of everyday life in Frederick.

Due to grant funding requirements, the first phase of the project will focus on Carroll Creek Park as well as the new Visitors Center site. The markers are intended to be placed in concrete, asphalt or brick sidewalks and must be flush with the walking surface.

Once selected, the artist will begin work on designing visual elements that correspond to the quotations developed by local historians. The markers are meant to emphasize notable elements of everyday life throughout Frederick's history.

Proposals are due by 4 p.m., Feb. 22, at the Downtown Frederick Partnership office, at 22 S. Market St., Suite 2A, Frederick.

For additional information about the project or to request a copy of the request for proposals, contact Kara Norman, executive director, at 301-698-8118.

Salon plans ‘Cut-a-thon' for Haiti relief

O'Hair Salon and Spa invites area residents to plan a haircut or other service for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 14, to help with relief efforts in Haiti.

The staff of the salon, at 6 E. Church St., Frederick, will offer a variety of services including haircuts, shampoo/blow-dry services, makeup applications, quick-fix treatments and seated massage.

All proceeds from these services will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts for Haiti, which was devastated by an earthquake on Jan. 12.

The salon will also offer T-shirts, discounted items and raffles, with all profits to be donated.

Frederick artists featured in Annapolis

The artwork of 17 local artists is now donning the walls of the Capitol building in Annapolis.

For the fourth year in a row, the Frederick Arts Council has hosted its "Frederick in Annapolis," exhibit, and in partnership with the Frederick County delegation, has chosen local artwork to be hung in the Maryland State House office building.

The Frederick County artists chosen to be featured this year are: John Connors, P. Ann Cummins, Susan Reinhardt, Rebecca Jackson, Tom Kozar, John Nickerson, Ron Roos, Karen Peacock, Robert Savannah, Russell A. Poole, John Stamos, Sara Stamos, Cindy Stegle, Christine Conko, Patrice O'Neill, Cindy Poole and Susan Ledford.

Some of the artists will join the Frederick Arts Council and other arts groups for Maryland Arts Day, on Tuesday. This annual event provides a full day of educational activities and a chance for the local delegation to meet with Frederick County's arts leaders and artists.

Visitors to the Maryland State House can see the local artwork through April 9. For a specific listing of locations, contact the Frederick Arts Council at 301-662-4190.

Teach Autistic Children Today

receives funds, holds fundraiser

Teach Autistic Children Today (TACT) will hold its annual Longaberger Basket Bingo at noon, Feb. 13. The event will be held at the Jefferson Ruritan Club, located on Lander Road at Route 340, in Jefferson. Tickets are $20, but tickets purchased by Feb. 8 are $18.

Available for purchase at the event will be: additional sets of game cards for $5; 3 special games; two raffles; punch cards; two King Tuts, and food and drinks. Tickets can be reserved by calling 240-405-9161 or 240-818-4613 or by e-mailing tactevents@yahoo.com

All proceeds will benefit TACT, a nonprofit organization that helps local children with autism get the treatment services they need. The TACT organization was recently awarded a $10,400 grant by the Community Foundation of Frederick County, all of which will be awarded to families on a waiting list for services. For more information, go to www.tactmd.org.

Send City Beat items to Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net or call 301-846-2134 for more information.