In the past, I have written about Nick Antlitz, a young Woodbine man who was paralyzed from the chest down during an accident last summer. Nick has now been home for several months, where he progresses with his rehabilitation. Although he still demonstrates no movement in his legs, he does show improved dexterity in his fingers and hands.

The Antlitz family continues to need community support to help meet their financial requirements during this medical crisis. Another fundraiser, a 5K and Fun Run, is scheduled for April 25 at 8 a.m. at Bushy Park Elementary School (14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood).

Advance registration (before Friday, April 10) costs $15 per single or $50 for a family of four. Late registration (until April 17) costs $20 per single or $60 for a family of four.

To print a registration form or get more information, go to the "Events" tab at www.nickantlitz.com. Registrants can pick up their race packets April 23 and 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Glenwood Country Day School, 2480 Route 97, in Glenwood.

If you do not care to run but would still like to contribute, go to the "Fund Raising" tab on Nick's Web site. This page contains directions on how to donate directly to the NTAF Mid-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury Fund in honor of Nick.

The weather has begun to warm, marking a shift at the Howard County Conservancy from monthly "Wonder Talks" to "Wonder Walks."

On Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m., join husband and wife naturalists Bob and Jo Solem for a "Wildflowers are Wonderful" hike across Conservancy grounds, and learn to identify local flora while admiring the beauty of spring.

On April 18, take part in the Conservancy's Earth Day celebration, beginning with an 8 a.m. bird walk led by the Howard County Bird Club. Several service opportunities then take place between 9 a.m. and noon, such as tree planting, stream cleanup, invasive plant removal, and animal habitat maintenance. The event will also feature a composting demonstration by the Master Gardeners, a Bay-wise gardening display, and salad tables.

Bring a picnic lunch and the kids; the Conservancy offers a nature craft for children at 11:30 a.m. At noon, participants may take self-guided tours, including a visit to the Nature Center, which houses chickens, rabbits, terrapin turtles, a corn snake, and a grey tree frog.

For more information on these events, call 410-465-8877, e-mail hcconservancy@hcconservancy.org, or go to www.hcconservancy.org. The Conservancy resides on historic Mt. Pleasant Farm, located at 10520 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) in Woodstock.

This year, St. James United Methodist Church hosts its annual Spring Fling May 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event features a yard sale, baked goods, crafts, plants, and free activities for the kids. If you would like to sell crafts or yard sale items, call the church now at 410-442-2020 to reserve a space. The cost is $10.

Our local churches also celebrate this Holy Week with many special services. St. James begins with Holy Thursday Communion April 9 at 7:30 p.m. and continues with a Good Friday Tenebrae April 10. Congregants will figuratively gather at the cross for this "service of shadows" and progressively extinguish their candles until the Sanctuary darkens. Easter morning celebrations begin Sunday, April 12 with a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service in the Outdoor Chapel, followed by breakfast and then a full service at 10 a.m.

West Liberty United Methodist, at 2000 Sand Hill Road in Marriottsville, offers a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m., a Good Friday service at noon, and two opportunities to worship on Easter: a 6 a.m. "Sonrise" service followed by breakfast, and a 9 a.m. Easter service.

Friendship Baptist Church, at 1391 Sykesville Road (Route 32) in Sykesville, offers a Good Friday service April 10 at 7 p.m. and three Easter morning services at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m.

Finally, Chapelgate Presbyterian, at 2600 Marriottsville Road in Marriottsville, offers a Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 p.m. and two Easter services, at 9 and 10:30 a.m. The church also invites the community to an Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. Remember to bring your own basket.

The town of Sykesville's Parks and Events Committee presents its annual Easter egg hunt at Millard Cooper Town Park April 10 at 10 a.m. Children, ages 2-8, can hunt for candy- and toy-filled eggs, play on the playground, and visit with the Easter bunny! The park is on Cooper Drive near the intersection with Sykesville Road (Route 32). Go to www.sykesville.net for more details.

Lastly, I wish all of the area students and teachers a wonderful spring break! Enjoy your respite and come back rejuvenated.

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