(Enlarge) Brian Deegan, Matthew Owens and Joseph Stoner, all members of Boy Scout Troop 882, chartered by Poplar Springs Methodist Church, reached Eagle Scout rank with their Court of Honor ceremonies July 10 at St. Michael's Church hall. (Submitted photo)

Our neighborhood has lost two very important people this summer. The Rev. Lisa Bandel-Sparks, of the Lisbon United Methodist Church, was recently transferred to the Davidsonville United Methodist Church.

Rev. Lisa has been a member of our community since 2002. Her farewell party at the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Hall was attended by more than 150 people. Rev. Lisa was also the chaplain for the Lisbon Fire Company.

The theme of her party was the Ravens since she is such an avid fan. The inscription on the cake read, "May your future hold many touchdowns and few penalties."

Poe, one of the Ravens' mascots, was on hand to entertain the partygoers and to pose for photographs. The Rev. Kenneth McDonald is the new pastor for Lisbon United Methodist. I'd like to wish Rev. Lisa well in her new position and welcome Pastor Ken to our community.

We also lost the Rev. Brian Schockley from the Poplar Springs United Methodist Church. Rev. Brian has been a member of our neighborhood since 2007. He has been transferred to a Emory United Methodist Church, in Street.

We wish Rev. Brian and his family well in their future life. I'd also like to welcome the Rev. Jerry Grace and his wife, Jackie, as the newest members of our community, coming to us all the way from England.

This is just a reminder that the Howard County Farm2Table Restaurant event is still in progress from now until Aug. 8. Participating restaurants will be offering new menus at discounted prices ranging from $10 to $40.

Menu items will feature local farm fresh produce, products, cut flowers, herbs, meats, eggs and game often paired with Maryland wine and local beers.

Restaurants participating in this event include; Aida Bistro and Wine Bar, Alexandra's at Turf Valley, Azul17, Bistro Blanc, Café de Paris, Coho Grill, Copeland's, The Crab Shanty, The Diamondback Tavern, Donna's, The Elkridge Furnace Inn, Greystone Grill, The King's Contrivance Restaurant, LeeLynn's, Inn at PeralynnaManor, Iron Bridge Wine Company, Mama Lucia, Mangia Italian Grill and Sports Café, The Melting Pot, Portalli's, Pure Wine Café, Rams Head Tavern, Ranazul, Second Chance Saloon, Tersiguels French Country Restaurant and Victoria GastroPub.

For more information, go to the website at www.howardcountyrestaurantweek.com.

Congratulations to Brian Deegan, Matthew Owens,and Joseph Stoner for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. These scouts are members of Troop 882 which is chartered by Poplar Springs Methodist Church. The awards were presented at the Court of Honor held at St. Michael's Church.

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