Marriotts Ridge Presents Class Acts 2009 This Saturday

By Cassie Felch
Posted: April 30, 2009

Do you know which class at Marriotts Ridge High School boasts the best singers, dancers, actors and comedians? A talent battle is brewing and will culminate in Class Acts 2009, scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Tickets will be available at the door for a yet-to-be-determined cost (somewhere between $5-10). The school address is 12100 Woodford Drive, in Marriottsville. For more information, e-mail Laura Burton at laura_burton@hcpss.org.

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Community Welcomes New Fire Station

By Cassie Felch
Posted: April 24, 2009

On April 19, I joined friends, neighbors and community leaders attending the dedication of the new West Friendship Volunteer Fire Station 3 at 12535 Old Frederick Road/Route 99 (which, for those using mapping software, is technically part of Sykesville). This station replaces the approximately 60-year old Frederick Road/Route 144 building with a roomy, modern, environmentally friendly facility. The location also allows better access to the Station 3 service area.

Initially, I worried about parking since I arrived a tad late, but St. James United Methodist Church graciously offered its lot for overflow parking, and volunteers shuttled guests to and from the station.

The weather cooperated by staying warm and dry during the event, thus enhancing a well-organized afternoon. The event also provided plenty of welcoming, small-town charm.

After the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, the station opened its doors to the public for an open house. I would like to thank Evan Sanna, a volunteer firefighter and EMT-in-training, for allowing me to tag along while he gave his mother, Dianne, a tour of the new station.

Evan is a senior at Glenelg High School and began serving with the WFVFD in January 2008. Since I have a lousy sense of direction, he saved me from lots of back-tracking and aimless wandering and helped explain everything I saw.

In addition to the expected equipment lockers and vehicle bays, I viewed an impressive new kitchen and dining area (click on the photo for a better view), a deck — complete with barbecue grills — overlooking Route 32, a weight room and TV room, private sleeping quarters, laundry and uniform storage rooms, and many fine offices, plus a classroom and a conference room.

My one-word description of the new station would be “handsome,” from the striking wood furniture and eye-catching display cases to the quarry tile floors and brand-new carpeting.

Congratulations, WFVFD, on your terrific new “digs!” You selflessly serve our community every day and night and represent the best part of this new state-of-the-art facility!

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5K Run To Help Nick Antlitz This Saturday

By Cassie Felch
Posted: April 23, 2009

In the past, I have written about Nick Antlitz, a young Woodbine man who was paralyzed from the chest down during an accident last summer. Nick has now been home for several months, where he progresses with his rehabilitation. Although he still demonstrates no movement in his legs, he does show improved dexterity in his fingers and hands.

The Antlitz family continues to need community support to help meet their financial requirements during this medical crisis. Another fundraiser, a 5K and Fun Run, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at Bushy Park Elementary School (14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood). Advance registration (before April 10) costs $15 per single or $50 for a family of four. Late registration (until April 17) costs $20 per single or $60 for a family of four.

To print a registration form or get more information, go to the “Events” tab at www.nickantlitz.com. Registrants can pick up their race packets from 6-8 p.m. on April 23-24 at Glenwood Country Day School, 2480 Route 97, in Glenwood.

If you do not care to run but would still like to contribute, go to the “Fund Raising” tab on Nick’s Web site. This page contains directions on how to donate directly to the NTAF Mid-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury Fund in honor of Nick.

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College Planning Symposium Offered This Wednesday

By Cassie Felch
Posted: April 20, 2009

The Glenelg High School Counseling Center presents a College Planning Symposium Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Moira O’Malley, GHS guidance counselor, will kick off the evening with a discussion about Preparing for the College Application Process. Attendees may then choose up to three additional sessions from the following: The Public College Experience, The Private College Experience, SAT Preparation, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Support for Students with Disabilities at the University Level, and Athletic Recruiting and NCAA Standards – Athletes Who Plan to Play College Sports.

Students attending the symposium with their parents will be eligible to win prizes, including college apparel, books and resources. Call the Counseling Center at 410-313-5535 for more information. The school is at 14025 Burntwoods Road, in Glenelg.

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“Mean Girls” Workshops Scheduled for April 22 and 30

By Cassie Felch
Posted: April 17, 2009

Those of us who survived the teenage years and are currently raising teenagers can attest that the growing-up process may involve interactions with so-called “mean girls.” The Horizon Councils and the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County invite mothers and their teenage daughters to a series of discussions about social and peer pressure on girls. These free workshops, entitled “Mean Girls: Queen Bees, Gamma Girls and Surviving the Female Hierarchy,” run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and include dinner, but attendees must reserve their spots in advance.

The first workshop takes place Wednesday, April 22 at Miller Branch library, 9421 Frederick Road, in Ellicott City. Call 410-313-1950 to register.

The second workshop takes place April 30 at Glenwood Branch library, located at 2350 State Route 97, in Cooksville. Call 410-313-5577 to register.

Members of the Horizon Councils live and/or work in Elkridge, Ellicott City, Southeast and Western Howard County and advise the Horizon Foundation about significant issues in their communities. According to www.thehorizonfoundation.org, the Foundation aims to “promote and enhance the health and wellness of the Howard County, Maryland community.”

The WGC, on the other hand, consists of female philanthropists who address the needs of women and children in Howard County. For more information, go to www.womensgivingcircle.org.

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