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 a small mill town in the south during segregation. 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.

Derrick 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 after serving as a pastor for three years. He went back to school and got his bachelor's degree in health care and his master's in telecommunications and works as a policy analyst for the government. He is planning to go back for his ordination and maybe a Ph.D. to teach speech. He's taking a writing class and is the author of "From the Projects to the Pulpit: God's Grace Is Sufficient." All proceeds from his book go to a nonprofit he created, Helping Youth Grow. He plans to write another book, loves to learn and volunteers for Laurel educational support group for families, 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 we have.

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 Nov. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m., Nov. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for seniors and students and $10 for general admission.

Reservoir Parents now have a Web site just for them: www.reservoirparents.com.

There is still one more deer management hunt being held on 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. To receive a registration packet, call 410-313-2707.

The topic of the Howard County Bird Club's second annual youth birding essay contest is "My Favorite Birdwatching Experience." Essays should be less than 250 words. Applicants must be Howard County residents between the ages of 9 and 13. Mail essays to Tom Miller, 6404 Glasgow Circle, Eldersburg, MD 21784, or birderTWM@verizon.net. Include name, age and contact information of the writer. The deadline is Jan. 31.

user comments (1)

user jmarkopoulos says...

Good Job Donna! You are the perfect person to write for North Laurel. Love ya!

Posted 9:36 AM, 12.08.09 | Permalink