Have you ever been told that there is someone that you have to meet? I was told that about North Laurel resident Derrick Miliner.

Derrick was born and raised in the south during segregation in a small mill town. He lost his father at an early age and lived a life full of struggle.

From the age of 11 until he was 28, Derrick was involved with drugs and alcohol. His life was depressing and held little hope. God, his mom and wife were powerful influences in his life.

Derrick decided to clean himself up and start living to achieve his dreams. He has so many dreams and they seem to be coming true. He's been married for 21 years and is a lay minister in his church. He was a reverend for three years before.

He works as a policy analyst for the government. He went back to school and got his bachelor's degree in health care and his masters in telecommunications.

He is planning to go back for his ordination and maybe a doctorate to teach speech. He's taking a writing class and he did write a book called "From the Projects to the Pulpit: God's Grace Is Sufficient." All proceeds go to a nonprofit he created, Helping Youth Grow. He also plans to write another book. He loves to learn and volunteers for a program called Side by Side.

Derrick is proof that it is never too late to turn your life around and give back to the community. What an amazing neighbor.

There is still time to see Reservoir High School's production of "Noises Off." This adult farce is a play about a play and can be seen Thursday- Saturday, Nov. 19-21 at 7 p.m. and additional matinees Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for seniors and students and $10 for general admission.

Attention Reservoir parents. There is now a Web site just for you -- www.reservoirparents.com. It is designed to offer support to Gator parents.

There is still one more deer management hunt scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23 in the North Laurel Open Space Area.

Anyone interested in the University of Maryland Extension 2010 Master Gardener Training program should apply soon. Training will cover plant, insect and disease problems and sustainable and environmental impacts of gardening practices. Training starts Jan. 27 and will run till March 31. Cost of the training is $195. Interviews start this month. Call 410-313-2707.

The Howard County Bird Club is still taking submissions for its second annual Youth Birding Essay Contest. The topic of the essay is "My Favorite Birdwatching Experience." Length should be no longer than 250 words.

Applicants must be Howard County residents between the ages of 9 and 13.

Essays should be sent to Tom Miller, 6404 Glasgow Circle, Eldersburg, MD 21784 or e-mail it to birderTWM@verizon.net. Include name, age and contact information of the writer. The deadline is Jan. 31.

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