The kids or grandkids are back in school. Days are cooler. It's time to do something special just for you. Get out your walking shoes and come join the 50+ Walking Club. You need not be 50+ or a Columbia resident to be welcomed by the regulars. Meet at Claret Hall, in the River Hill shopping center, Thursdays at 10 a.m.

It's pleasant to explore the shaded pathways through the Village of River Hill with congenial companions. Think you can't keep up with the pace? Don't worry. Your walking speed will pick up quickly as you begin walking on a regular basis and a more experienced member of the group will always be willing to go at your pace.

Think you might not be able to stay out long? No problem. There are paths to cut back to Claret Hall all along the way. Did you try it once and quit? Try again. The more you do something, the easier the good habit becomes.

Think you've run out of excuses? Good! You have no excuse. We'll look for you at Claret Hall on Thursday at 10 a.m. It's going to be fun. You might even want to walk again on Tuesday mornings or arrange a mutually convenient time with some of your new friends. There is no cost. You might want to bring a water bottle.

For more information, call 410-531-1749 or e-mail rhevents@columbiavillages.org.

Test scores do not define who you are or what you may accomplish in the future, but it is still necessary to take tests and important to try to do your best. River Hill High School PTSA has scheduled two PSAT Prep sessions to give juniors confidence and skills needed for the January test.

Session 1 will be Saturdays, Sept. 27-Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-noon, plus review sessions in January. Registration deadline is Sept. 19.

Session 2 is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 28-Jan. 8, 2:30-4:30 p.m., plus review sessions. Registration deadline is Oct. 13.

Both sessions offer math and critical reading/writing courses for $275. If you want only math or critical reading/writing, it will be $175.

Limited financial aid is available. To learn more, go to www.riverhill.org/ptsa. Click on SAT Prep Courses. You may also call Jennifer Hill at 443-535-0355 or e-mail hillfamily86@gmail.com.

Parents, be sure to attend Back-to-School Nights if at all possible. It's a good opportunity for you to join the PTA and volunteer your services at the school. Students usually maintain a higher level of achievement when parents are involved with the school.

Have you been following the Drum Corps exploits of River Hill High School musicians Kendra Orcutt, '08 (trumpet), Evan Berry, '09 (trumpet), Mark Mangus, '09 (tuba) and Mike McNeill, '10 (baritone) as they traveled with the Jersey Surf? They took a bronze medal for third place in the Nationals. Scores were phenomenal and very close. The final standings were 1. Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets (Santa Clara, Calif.), 96.852; 2. Blue Devils (Concord, Calif.), 96.775; 3. Jersey Surf (Camden, N.J.), 96.050.

Congratulations, Jersey Surf. Way to go. The accomplishment required a lot of dedicated effort. Their success is also a tribute to River Hill band director Joe Fischer, who provides outstanding training for our students.

Locally you can find these talented musicians back marching at River Hill.

Success in Style will hold its annual benefit Pink Bag Lunch Sept. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the nearby Maple Lawn Community Center, in Fulton. Registration is at 11 a.m. Tickets are $40. Vendor tables are now available to reserve at $100. There will be prizes, raffles and more.

For more information on the event, call 410-750-6475, go to the Web site www.successinstyle.org or e-mail successinstyle@verizon.net.

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