Marriotts Ridge Seeks Support for Polar Bear Plunge

By Cassie Felch
Posted: January 9, 2009

Winter temperatures continue to grow colder, indicating the time once again for steaming pots of soup, flannel sheets, crackling fires … and an icy dip into the Chesapeake Bay! Every year, thousands of plucky individuals take part in the Polar Bear Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. This organization describes itself at www.somd.com as offering “year-round training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.”

Marriotts Ridge High School boasts four students who participate in Special Olympics sports, plus numerous others who volunteer at the events. The school, in support of these individuals, will contribute a team to the Jan. 24 Polar Bear Plunge. If you would like to join the Marriotts Ridge Stampeding Mustang team or make a donation, contact Special Education Teacher (and sister of aforementioned Amy Bejm) Laura Bejm Burton at lbejm@hcpss.org. For more information about the Polar Bear Plunge, go to www.plungemd.com.

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Marriotts Ridge Music Foundation Needs Flea Market Donations

By Cassie Felch
Posted: January 9, 2009

Do you need to make space in your home for new holiday gifts? Instead of discarding your “gently loved” older possessions, consider donating them to the Marriotts Ridge Music Foundation, which will be sponsoring a huge fundraising sale called the Mustang Flea Market. Since the sale will not take place until March 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., you still have time to clean out your closets, attics, basements and garages. Volunteers will accept your donations in the school cafeteria March 6 after 2:30 p.m., so mark your calendars now. For more information, e-mail Cathy Garger at savorsuccesslady3@yahoo.com or 410-461-6652.

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Marriotts Ridge High School Announces Winners of Reflections Program

By Cassie Felch
Posted: January 9, 2009

Marriotts Ridge High School recently announced the winners of its 2008-2009 PTSA Reflections Program, which centered on the theme “Wow.” Since 1969, the National PTA has coordinated the Reflections Program as a means of encouraging students to express themselves artistically through musical composition, dance choreography, film production, literature, visual arts, and/or photography.

At MRHS, Timothy D’Amato won first place in Film Production, and Molly Malarkey took first, second, third and fourth places in Photography. In the Literature category, John Hain came in first place, Molly Malarkey took second and third places, and Vivian Tu came in fourth. Malena Silva won first place in Dance Choreography, while Rebeca Rehaut came in second, Allison Tayl took third, and Holly Jones came in fourth. All will move on to the county competition, the winners of which will be announced at Faulkner Ridge Center Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Congratulations to the MRHS winners, and best of luck at the next level!

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Neighbor Ride Needs Volunteers for the New Year

By Cassie Felch
Posted: December 23, 2008

‘Top 10’ lists abound at the turn of each year, and not surprisingly, even New Year’s Resolutions receive a ranking. Many of the Top 10 resolutions remain consistent each year and center around self-improvement, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. However, altruism also makes the cut. If your goal is to create a better 2009 by giving back to the community, then Neighbor Ride offers the perfect solution. Voted the best in Howard County – Charity/Nonprofit, Neighbor Ride is a volunteer-based transportation service that aims to keep the county’s older residents active, independent, and socially involved.

Neighbor Ride needs volunteer drivers to transport seniors to medical appointments, shopping trips, employment and volunteer commitments, religious services, social outings, and other activities. Opportunities are flexible, and drivers may choose to provide rides that are convenient to their homes and schedules. Neighbor Ride also encourages parent volunteers to bring their children for a rewarding intergenerational experience.

For more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE (7433) or e-mail volunteer@neighborride.org

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Chapelgate Presbyterian Hosts Shelter for Homeless Dec. 23-29

By Cassie Felch
Posted: December 22, 2008

Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, in partnership with Grassroots in Columbia, will host the Cold Weather Shelter for the homeless of Howard County during Christmas week, Dec. 23-29. This endeavor requires volunteers to drive, serve food, wash laundry, and the like. If you can help or would like more information, go to www.chapelgate.org and select the “Cold Weather Shelter” link in the upper right-hand corner. The church phone number is 410-442-5800.

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