As for all the rumors flying left and right about Foster's Country Store. Jim Foster who owns Foster's Country Store says, "We're alive and well." Foster's is simply under new management. "The gas pumps will be back up and running in no time," said Foster on a hot late July afternoon. The new management is tweaking the operation currently, but full steam ahead with fresh baked pies, deli sandwiches and salads and shelves stocked with dry sundries for "quick pick ups."

The longtime convenience store located at Triadelphia and Route 144 is here to stay according to Jim Foster. "We are open seven days a week and hope to see the community back in here," Foster said.

The Howard County Fair continues through Aug. 15 with plenty of daily hourly demonstrations in the Home Arts Building, the Amateur Variety Talent Show on Aug.13 at 7 p.m., the lamb, steer, swine, poultry, rabbit and goat sale Friday, Aug. 14 at 6:15 and the most beloved Baby Contest and Miniature Parade on Aug.15 at 10:30 a.m.

I mention the Baby Contest every year, but it deserves repeating. This annual event on the last day of the Howard County Fair, was a favorite activity of my much admired predecessor, the late Helen Grimes. Helen was a great fan of the fair, the 4-H and above all, her beloved West Friendship community. Helen wrote the West Friendship column in the Howard County Times for many years. It has always been a daunting task to bring as much flavor of the community to this column as Helen did. I know that the "Baby Parade" was one of her long time fair favorites. So, if you happen by the event, think of that magnificent Helen Grimes.

Don't miss the Spur and Stirrup 4-H Drill Team demonstration Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Youngsters love to watch these beautiful horses in formation.

Danielle Bauer spent much of the summer working at the CoHo Grill, in Columbia. In her spare time, Danielle, a member of the Dayton 4-H prepared her sheep for the Howard County Fair. Danielle, a student at Glenelg High School, is another example of the hard working 4-H youth in our community. Good luck at the fair Danielle.

Another Howard County Fair reminder. Local musicians, sponsored by The Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club, will take to the stage during the last days of the 64th Annual Howard County Fair. Art Boone's "Southwest Bluegrass" will perform on Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. and John Frank's "Lone Mountain" will take the stage on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Both performances will be held on the stage which is located by the main entrance. Make sure to bring some lawn chairs and stop by for some good old fashioned music.

Calling all rising kindergarten students. The Glenwood Branch library will help entering kindergarten students mark that all important "first day" with a fun program called, "Kindergarten, Here We Come." The session even includes boarding a real school bus. This series is available Monday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. and again Tuesday,Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Register in person or by calling 410-313-5579.

This weekend is the date for the long planned second annual Enchanted Forest Employee Reunion celebration. All former Enchanted Forest employees are invited to Clark's Elioak Farm Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.

Patsy Selby and the organizing committee promise a day filled with storybook reminiscing and a renewal of old friendships. Clark's Elioak Farm houses many of the original storybook attractions and displays which were restored by volunteers.

The original Crooked House, Cinderella's Pumpkin and the Three Bears House are just a few of the authentic items which were part of the original 1955 Enchanted Forest on Route 40, in Ellicott City. Check out the fantasy come true at the farm's Web site, www.clarklandfarm.com.

Ivy Wells announces the sixth entry in her lineup for the Town of Sykesville Summer Concert in the Park series. Next band date is Friday, Aug. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. The concert which will be held at the Millard Cooper Park features the band Crossfire.

Organizers are dubbing this family night as "Back to School Night." Bring lawn chairs, blankets or quilts for this old time concert in the park affair. Chick-fil-A sandwiches will be for sale along with Hoffman's homemade ice cream. The event is a family friendly one, with a well lit playground as part of the draw for the youngest visitors. Questions? Need directions? Want more information? Call Ivy at 410-795-8959

Stress got you down? Check your blood pressure for free during one of the Howard County General Hospital walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring sessions at the Glenwood Branch library Monday, Aug. 17, 3:30- 5:30 p.m.

Just a reminder. A Howard County road construction project along River Valley Chase Road near Maryland Route 32 is scheduled to continue through August. The project will involve minimal clearing and excavation to provide for the installation of a 30,000 gallon underground water storage tank for fire suppression. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by mid- September.

The Department of Public Works of Howard County cautions that there may be delays along River Valley Chase Road during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, as a result of materials being loaded and unloaded.

Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic as needed, and signs will be posted to advise motorists of the construction. Questions or concerns about Capital Project F-5972 may be directed to Lisa Brightwell, Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or by e-mail to publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Have the posies in your garden patch drooped more than you would like? Wondering what to do about all those pesky patches of invasive stilt grass? Call on the expertise of the Master Gardeners who will be on hand to answer plant questions at the Glenwood Branch library Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-noon, and again on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

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