Having not been abducted by aliens in Roswell, N.M., I am now back in Clarksville. We (mainly Russell) drove nearly 3,000 miles in a single week. That's a lot, but exhilaration trumps exhaustion. Surprisingly, we are all eagerly, though cautiously searching for the next adventure.

Crater of Diamonds proved to be a great place for kids. There's a nice clean campground, water park and the possibility of finding a diamond or other gemstone. Start digging early before the sun gets too hot. Even jasper and quarts are treasures for little ones. Hailey thought the Grand Canyon was by far the most impressive thing we saw. She got no argument on that one.

Local dentist Rashmi Parmar sends a word of warning to all travelers. For several years the Parmars and several friends' families have used the same travel agency for group vacations. They developed a trusting relationship.

This year they noticed that cruise prices were exceptionally low. The friends all decided to take an Alaska cruise/tour. They usually charge travel to a credit card, but this year the agent offered them each a $200 discount if they would send full payment by check. They did.

If you're the cautious type, you may have already guessed what happened. As soon as the checks cleared, the agency filed bankruptcy without paying the cruise line. Vacation plans are in limbo for the Clarksville travelers.

"Buyer beware," is never untrue, but it seems to become even more critical in difficult times. Desperate financial situations can result in desperate and totally unacceptable behaviors. Protect your interests.

The final date for vacation Bible school registration at Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church is Sunday, June 21. Crocodile Dock is the theme for children ages 3 through grade 5. Registration is $50 for the first child and $40 for each additional sibling. Registration is required. VBS runs July 12-16 from 6-8:30 p.m.

River Hill High School theatre arts department is out to "WOW" the community once again. The second annual "You Can Always Come Home Players" production is set for June 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. in the River Hill High auditorium.

"Blithe Spirit" is billed as a droll comedy with enough surprises to keep it interesting. The cast includes current and former River Hill and Marriotts Ridge students.

Gabe Fremuth (RHHS '07) plays Charles Condomine, Sara Vanasse (RHHS '09) plays Ruth Condomine, Amanda Ogorzalek (RHHS '08) is Elvira, Jamie Driskill (HHS '04) is Dr. Bradman, Michelle Shankar (RHHS '08) is Mrs. Bradman, Abby Schwarz (MRHS '08) is Edith, Rocky Bostick (RHHS '09) is the pianist and Pam Land (RHHS director of theater arts) is Madame Arcati.

Mike Leon (RHHS '07) will design and supervise construction of set and props. Lighting will be designed by Robert Kubisen (MRHS '09). Nick Woodhouse (RHHS '09), Jimmy Hession (RHHS '09) and Martin Proulx (RHHS '10) will be production stage managers. Mike Brophy (RHHS '09) will be the sound designer with David Llanso (RHHS '12) and Jonathan Kwolek (MRHS '10) serving as sound technicians. The pre-production video trailer is being produced by Freemuth.

Long-time RHHS friend Sally Livingston, the theater arts director at Marriotts Ridge High School, will direct with Cara Antico (MRHS '08) assisting.

Mark you calendar and plan to attend. Tickets are now on sale at River Hill High in the front office. The $10 tickets will also be sold at the door on performance nights. The box office will open 90 minutes before curtain. Proceeds from this production go to "The You Can Always Come Home Players Fine Arts Scholarship Fund.

Will you be a spectator or participant on July 4? Either choice is likely to be extra special. This will be the 10th annual Independence Day Parade to march along Great Star Drive. Musical talent to become a member of a community Marching Band is needed now. Go to www.columbiavillages.org/riverhill, e-mail rhevents@columbiavillages.org or call Mary Harris at 410-531-1749.

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