(Enlarge) Neighbor Ride outreach coordindator Colleen Konstanzer, right, her daughter, Meah, and passenger Lucille White. (Submitted photo)

Neighbor Ride is celebrating "Five Years and Miles of Smiles" this month by doubling efforts to get the word out to Howard County seniors about the availability of volunteer-based transportation. What a difference it makes to Clarksville area residents who might be isolated at home otherwise.

It's equally rewarding for volunteers. Clarksville resident Colleen Konstanzer has been with the group from the start. Colleen and daughter, Meah, enjoy the intergenerational experiences. There are now more than 200 volunteers with flexible schedules to fit their lifestyle and, of course, children are usually welcome to come along for the ride.

Passenger Lucille White has appreciated taking some of the more than 23,000 trips for medical appointments, social outings, religious services, volunteer activities, shopping and other trips for personal services provided by Neighbor Ride volunteers.

Any Howard County senior ages 60 and older may register and request up to 12 rides a month by calling 410-884-7433 to request a Registration Packet or go to www.neighborride.org, click on Transportation then select "New Passenger Registration." Use the same number or Web site to volunteer.

Ham and oyster lovers will want to remember the annual supper at Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church Saturday, Nov. 7 from 3-7 p.m. In addition to platters of oysters and plates of ham, there is also a children's menu. The United Methodist Women will offer gently used books, CDs, DVDs and videos for all ages. You'll find take-home taste treats of cakes, pies, breads, rolls, cookies, cupcakes and candies at the bake sale table and gift items along with hand-crafted cards at Grandma's Attic. Come and get it.

River Hill Garden Center opens the holiday season with the seventh annual Holiday Design Show Nov. 11 and 12 from 5-9 p.m. The charity event supports Historic Ellicott City and the Howard County Conservancy. There will be wine, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and demonstrations. The $25 tickets can be purchased by phone. Call 410-531-3303.

A little rain couldn't dampen enthusiasm for homecoming at River Hill High. Boosters worked in the rain during the football game. Principal William Ryan reports that many staff, students and parents declared this one of the best homecomings ever. Go Hawks!

Allison Kotewicz, River Hill Class of '09, is currently a freshman at Colorado State University and was recently appointed as the first youth director on the Green Building Institute's board of directors. Its mission is to foster sustainable building practices through education and example.

As a Gifted and Talented Intern/Mentor River Hill student, Allison attended and ran workshops, testified in Annapolis, researched and produced papers and created the Youth Environmental Coalition, a group that capitalizes on the energy and networking abilities of existing youth organizations to disseminate information to students on ways to preserve the Earth.

Allison's work was so successful that the Green Building Institute awarded her a $500 scholarship and established a scholarship in her name to be given to a student who shows promise of maintaining a "greener" Earth.

Before leaving for college, Allison helped craft a grant for a rain garden to be installed at the Howard County Central Library. Her work in creating the Youth Coalition has made a permanent impression in the field of environmental science and she's just getting started in life.

Way to go, Allison!

River Hill continues to produce outstanding students. Matthew Beck, Samuel Engel, Cara Fisher, Brooks Gabel, Emmet Jao, Daniel Li, Richard Li, Owen Lu, Tina Meng, Muyinat Wande Osoba, Stephanie Porter, Jonathan Reyes and Jeffrey Tao were named 2009 Maryland Distinguished Scholars. Five of those Scholars are among the 30 River Hill students named National Merit Commended Students in the 2010 competition. They are indeed an impressive lot.

A canned food and toiletries drive is held on the 15th of every month. The River Hill Food Pantry is depleted and there are students in critical need of essentials. Think toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, soap/shampoo and diapers as well as food.

The Clarksville Middle School Harvest Fest Food Drive ends Nov. 13. Last year, students brought in the most pounds of food for the Maryland Food Bank. This year their goal is 4,500 pounds of non-perishable food and paper products. Your help is appreciated in reaching or exceeding the goal. Please remember, no glass containers.

Margaret and Randy Walton are delighted to share news about grandson, Randy Williams. Little Randy has been entered in competition for the next Faces of Baby Gap. Randy is adorable with a winning smile, but it takes votes to win.

Go to family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/JulieNotlaw71128518. I have not yet figured out how to cast my vote, but most of you are probably far more proficient with computers.

Good luck, Randy.

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