Dove hunt scheduled Sept. 3 to help disabled veterans

By Lisa Peklo
Posted: August 31, 2009

Hot off the presses! This is last-minute, but I wanted to get the word out as soon as I heard.

Outdoorsmen Cody Kittleman and Mark Hoke will be sponsoring the fourth annual dove hunt to help disabled veterans Thursday, Sept. 3 at noon on the Kittleman farm, 3106 Fox Valley Drive, in West Friendship.

Planned with the cooperation of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the event is part of an effort by Kittleman, a world class saltwater fly fisherman, and Hoke, a Laurel turkey and waterfowl hunter, to support efforts intended to help returning injured service personnel resume their lives once again, according to a press release.

“These young men and women are the true heroes of America,” said Kittleman, who planted a special seven-acre field of sunflowers on his property in where the hunt will take place. “We need to embrace them and let them know how much they mean to all of us and help them get back into society.”

Nine shooting stations, each sponsored by local businesses to help defray costs of the event, will be provided for the veterans within the field of sunflowers, which have been cut to attract the doves.

Prior to the hunt, participating veterans will have an opportunity to fish for large mouth bass in a stocked lake on the Kittleman property. A lunch of steamed crabs, roast beef, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served from noon to 1 p.m., the release said.

According to Kittleman, a number of local and state lawmakers are expected to attend the event, which also will involve representatives of the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Though it will be the fourth annual “handicapable” dove hunt sponsored by Kittleman and Hoke for returning injured service personnel, they have also sponsored four deer hunts and three goose hunts over the past few years. Last year’s deer hunt on the farm included 37 volunteers and 13 disabled veterans.

Known as the “Slam Man,” Kittleman is a world class saltwater fly fisherman, based at the Turniff Island Lodge, in Belize. He holds 18 “grand slams,” the world record, for catching at least one tarpon, one permit and one bonefish in the same day.

Kittleman works with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., a LaPlata-based group dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings, and teaches fly tying classes at Walter Reed Medical Center whenever he’s home. He often helps to take veterans on fishing excursions to locations in the area.

You can read more about Kittleman at his Web site, www.theslamman.com.

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Road Construction Project in West Friendship

By Lisa Peklo
Posted: August 12, 2009

A Howard County road construction project along River Valley Chase Road near Maryland Route 32 was scheduled to begin on or about Aug. 3. The project will involve minimal clearing and excavation to provide for the installation of 30,000 gallon underground water storage tank for fire suppression. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid- September.

The Department of Public Works of Howard County, cautions that there may be delays along River Valley Chase Road during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, as a result of materials being loaded and unloaded.

Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed, and signs will be posted to advise motorists of the construction. Questions or concerns about Capital Project F-5972, may be directed to Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or by e-mail to publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

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Local Talent Comes Home

By Lisa Peklo
Posted: August 12, 2009

No one was more excited about the Howard County Fair than locals Christie and Charles Fields. The Fields who happen to live just a stone’s throw from the fairgrounds were front row center at the entertainment stage Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. when their son Richie Fields performed at the fair. Richie, a rising country western singing star, who was featured in the June 8 edition of Country Weekly magazine, left his summer tour in Colorado to come home and perform at the fair. Christie is so thrilled she can’t stop talking about her son. Just after Richie’s performance at the fair, he headed back on tour with stops which include Wyoming, Indiana and Georgia.

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Enchanted Forest Employees Reunion

By Lisa Peklo
Posted: August 12, 2009

This weekend is the date for the long planned second annual Enchanted Forest Employee Reunion celebration. All former Enchanted Forest employees are invited to Clark’s Elioak Farm, Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Patsy Selby and the organizing committee promise a day filled with storybook reminiscing and a renewal of old friendships. Clark’s Elioak Farm houses many of the original storybook attractions and displays which were restored by volunteers. The original Crooked House, Cinderella’s Pumpkin and the Three Bears House are just a few of the authentic items which were part of the original 1955 Enchanted Forest on Route 40 in Ellicott City. Check out the fantasy come true at the farm’s Web site, www.clarklandfarm.com.

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Meeting to Address Route 32 Safety Issues

By Lisa Peklo
Posted: July 29, 2009

A meeting has been set for July 30, 7 p.m. to discuss traffic safety along Route 32. Organizers from the Amberwoods Homeowners Association planned this important safety meeting in the aftermath of the tragic accident on June 24 at the intersection of Route 32 and River Road. Amberwoods Homeowners Association president Jay Zumbrun notes that Maryland State Highway Association officials will be in attendance, along with police officials, local elected representatives, local PTA leaders and interested citizens. “The purpose of the meeting is to voice the concerns of area residents and motorists as to the traffic safety hazards along Route 32,” said Zumbrun. The meeting will be held at the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, which is located at the intersection of Route 32 and Route 99. For further information, visit the Web site www.makeroute32safe.com.

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