Well, here it is, the end of another year. Time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and think about what impact we'd like to have in the new year.

Maybe this is the year that someone gets really serious about losing that spare tire around the waist or to quit smoking or to start eating right. For me, I plan to continue going to the gym three to five times a week.

Maybe you've been thinking about volunteering to do something for the community but don't have any idea who to contact.

Here's a suggestion. One of the most exhilarating events in a young persons' life is the day they get that driver's license and access to a car. The freedom that this young adult feels is indescribable. After a while, it becomes commonplace but the fact is, as we age, we still are able hop in the car and drive it someplace to fulfill our errands.

But, there may come a time when, due to poor health or failing body parts, we are unable to drive to the store, the doctor, etc. This is where an invaluable service such as Neighbor Ride helps. You could really make a difference in the quality of life for some of our residents. By volunteering in Neighbor Ride, you will help senior citizens remain active and independent when you provide a ride to a medical appointment, take them shopping, to a social outing, a religious event, some personal or business need, etc.

One passenger said, "Your volunteers are such thoughtful, caring individuals. This remarkable service provides a solution to the stress of finding a ride, turning it into a positive feeling of community."

Neighbor Ride was recently voted "Best of Howard County - Charity/Nonprofit." There are opportunities to meet every person's schedule -- daytime, evenings and weekends.

The staff at Neighbor Ride work to fit your availability into the needs of the seniors. They also encourage parent volunteers that have children to bring them along for the ride for an intergenerational experience. You can call Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE or e-mail volunteer@neighborride.org for more information about volunteering.

Here's the back story. I was chatting with Colleen Konstanzer at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fulton. She's one of those types of people who is constantly "doing," not content to sit idly by. So, I know she's a volunteer at Neighbor Ride and I asked her what was happening at Neighbor Ride and the result of that conversation is the above paragraph.

Congratulations to Andrew Leishear, of Highland, He graduated from Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College) Dec. 15. AJ, as he prefers to be called, works at NASA in Beltsville. His parents, Bill and Margaret Leishear, are very proud of his accomplishment. Way to go!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Well, that's all for this week and for this year. Look after your neighbors. Remember our troops who are serving in harm's way. And don't forget their families. Commit a random act of kindness.

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