Can you believe that this is the last column for 2009? I look back on the year and think that it's been pretty good to North Laurel.

The biggest news of the year was the groundbreaking of the North Laurel Park and Community Center that should open its doors in 2010.

The park will offer fields, tennis courts and a skate park area. The community center will offer us lots of classes, fitness and computer facilities and meeting locations. It will also offer us a newer and larger senior center.

The health department will also have a larger facility as will our police department. I can't wait to announce the grand opening next year.

No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year, I think everyone feels it is a time for giving. I know Boy Scout Troop 602 does. Every year the Troop adopts a family through the Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service.

Each Scout is responsible to shop for a gift for a member of the family that the Troop adopts. They must even wrap the gift and that they can then present all the gifts to LARS. They also went together and got five bikes with helmets to donate.

I am so proud that Troop 602 is located in the Scaggsville/North Laurel area.

Emmanuel Preschool also teaches the joy of giving during this season. Their students are participating in the Kids Helping Kids project. This program encourages children to learn about helping others. They will be helping children in Iraq and Afghanistan by gathering child-sized toothbrushes and small toothpaste for our soldiers to give to local children. This should help build a stronger relationship between our countries. They collected more than 200 sets to be sent. They even decorated a tree with some of the donations.

The children at Emmanuel have also been learning all about Christmas celebrations around the world. Parents of students have come in to teach their holiday customs with the classes. They have learned about customs from Bermuda, Peru, Korea, India, Germany and Native Americans.

The North Laurel Police Community Office wanted you know that there will be extra enforcement of handicap parking. Many parking areas are full but remember that handicap parking is reserved only for those who truly need it. The Police Community Office also wanted you know that there will be extra enforcement of our area for drinking and driving and underage drinking. They will be setting up checkpoints through the New Year.

I hope that 2010 brings you a wonderful New Year. I think it is a time of reflection and I hope each and everyone of you will make resolutions that include being more involved in your local community.

I also hope that resolution includes telling me about it for the column. Happy New Year and have a safe and joyous holiday season.

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