Toy Drive at Bellow Springs Through Dec. 17

By Susan Lavin
Posted: November 26, 2008

Ron Bates, along with Bellows Spring Elementary will be sponsoring the sixth annual Toy Drive.

“Last year was such a major success and it continues to grow more and more each year. I collected about 3000 toys and around $500 in gift cards. We will be delivering the toys and gift cards to local hospitals (Hopkins, Howard County General etc..), families in need and local shelters,” Bates said.

The age ranges are from infant up to teenagers. Some suggested items might be baby toys, games, action figures, CDs, balls and dolls. They will be accepting donations from now until Dec. 17 in order to have enough time to get them delivered. The toys must be new and unwrapped due to health and security reasons, especially at the hospitals.

Call Ron at 410-294-5159 for more information.

Thanks so much for your support in making a difference in the lives of children and families over this holiday season.

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Holiday Shoppe at Rockburn Elementary School

By Susan Lavin
Posted: November 26, 2008

Rockburn Elementary is hosting it’s ninth annual Holiday Shoppe Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. They are looking for local crafters and artisans for the craft fair portion of the Holiday Shoppe. If you would like to reserve a table, please do so by Dec. 1. The cost is $20 for Rockburn families and $25 for all others. For additional information, e-mail Jessica Kaufman at jkaufmans@verizon.net.

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Wild Critters in Elkridge

By Susan Lavin
Posted: November 26, 2008

Have you seen a few wild critters roaming the yards of your neighborhood lately? I received news of a coyote sighting in the Hunt Club neighborhood, and it was thought to be rather brazen as it strutted across the yards of several homes.

Just yesterday a fox was sunning itself in my backyard. I first saw it in my garden, and then he proceeded up the hill and stretched out in the sun for nearly a half hour, rolling around and enjoying the afternoon.

So, keep an eye on your small dogs, and children playing in the yard, as these roaming animals are wild, and unpredictable.

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Elkridge Rotary Club Donates Instruments!

By Susan Lavin
Posted: November 19, 2008

Steve Wampler, the instrumental band teacher at Elkridge Elementary School would like to sincerely thank those in Elkridge who have donated musical instruments to the music department.

The Elkridge Elementary music program has received about a dozen musical instruments from the Elkridge Rotary Club and a resident of the Elkridge Senior Apartment Complex. Giving the gift of music can change the lives of children, and it’s much appreciated.

“This is the advantage of teaching in a real community like Elkridge.  There’s a history and community pride here,” Wampler said.

Mike Merson, a representative from the Elkridge Rotary Club, dropped off two more trumpets and three clarinets just a few weeks ago.

Music truly does inspire greatness, happiness and overall achievement in children.  It says on the Howard County Web site: “The study of music gives children a broadened world vision and an appreciation of other points of view. As a performing art, music builds self-discipline and promotes self-esteem in ways that are not inherent in other curricular offerings. Because of the ordered nature of the elements of music, students learn to think with increased complexity; because of the creative potential in music, they learn to think in divergent ways.”

Both band and string instruments are still needed at Elkridge Elementary School, so why not give the gift of music and donate the ones you no longer use?

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Grace Tea a Success!

By Susan Lavin
Posted: November 18, 2008

The Grace Episcopal Church Tea was a huge success! Close to 100 ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch, accompanied by tea, scones and lively conversation.

Thanks to Judy Peddicord and her hard working team of volunteers that saw to every detail. They transformed the church hall into a candlelit venue with a keyboard player, soloist, fresh flowers, a shopping opportunity and menu to rival any classy restaurant.

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