Maybe you've never heard about Neighbor Ride. It's a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization whose goal is to decrease isolation and to improve the quality of life for Howard County's older residents.

I was going to reword the press release that Colleen Konstanzer, the community outreach coordinator for Neighbor Ride, but decided against it as I might get something wrong or misinterpret something in the retelling.

Here it is, in its entirety:

"In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Neighbor Ride is teaming up with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County to promote volunteerism among those 60 and over. The wealth of talent and experience among older members of the Howard County community is a perfect fit for the ever-growing volunteer needs of local non-profit organizations and educational programs. Often, the only roadblock to getting seniors involved in volunteer activities is a lack of available transportation options.

"Utilizing volunteers who drive their personal vehicles, Neighbor Ride offers county residents, ages 60 and over, transportation for volunteering, as well as for medical and personal care appointments, religious services, social outings, exercise and educational classes, shopping, and other day-to-day activities.

"Neighbor Ride and the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County are pleased to jointly announce that no-cost transportation will be available to seniors for their local volunteer activities throughout the month of April, officially designated as Volunteer Appreciation Month.

"The no-cost rides will be provided through Neighbor Ride's Senior Volunteer Fund, established with generous support from the Ascend One EDGE Fund.

"Seniors wondering where their special skills and talents are needed in the community are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County at info@volunteerhoward.org or 410-715-3172. They can also check the Center out on the Web at www.volunteerhoward.org.

"Next, senior volunteers may contact Neighbor Ride at information@neighborride.org or 410-884-RIDE for information about registering as passengers and scheduling their no-cost rides."

More information can also be found online at www.neighborride.org. If you would like more information, e-mail Konstanzer at community@neighborride.org or call 410-884-3616 or Mickey Gomez, executive director of the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, at info@volunteerhoward.org or 410-715-3172.

Thank you, Colleen, for this information. I hope the program is wildly successful.

Ever hear of a "poker run"? This is usually a charity event and is typically associated with a motorcycle ride. There's one coming up May 2, called "The Freedom Ride For Dystonia."

It is sponsored by Old Glory Harley Davidson of Laurel and Debbi Mack and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (www.dystonia-foundation.org.)

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in use does not function properly.

Mack is a writer of mysteries. Her first book, "Identity Crisis," takes place in Laurel and featured a crime-solving Laurel attorney. She developed this disease the same year her book was published.

The 1st 100 entrants will get a free tee-shirt. The cost is $30 and the ride will be about 70 miles long, ending with an event. Food has been donated by local restaurants. There will be music, vendors, door prizes and raffles.

Sign up at freedomride4dystonia.wordpress.com or www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?484755. All proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.

That's all for this week. 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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