"When it comes to cleaning up our environment, children are an untapped source of energy. They are young and strong, and they have a great willingness to help." This was said by a group of adult volunteers a few weeks ago in reference to a group of cub scouts and stream clean up in Elkridge.

Chris Foster, Cub Scout Den Leader from Pack 794 recently organized scouts and family members to clean up a small stream and roadside on Loudon Avenue.

Betsy McMillion, from the Patapsco Heritage Greenway Association, sponsored the stream cleanup. A big thank you to the association for providing road signs, safety vests, and gloves for the scouts and volunteer family members.

"Betsy discussed with the children the importance of their efforts," Foster said. "Within two hours the roadside was transformed and a large truck tire that had been blocking the flow of water was removed from the stream."

In addition to the truck tire, the cub scouts removed a car fender, a large television, and a dozen bags of trash!

"The Patapsco Heritage Greenway Association specifically Betsy McMillion was wonderful to work with and even provided snacks and drinks for the children," Foster added.

Pack 794 is looking forward to the next meeting, to be held during the Garlic Mustard Challenge Sunday, May 4. I promise to tell you all about that exciting annual day at a later time, when I have all the details.

Jean Campen is very involved with the Elkridge Heritage Society and the preservation of the Brumbaugh House, where the society is presently located.

Campen, along with other members are very excited and proud to announce that Gary Peddicord, a talented local artist will be a guest at the May meeting. On Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m., Peddicord will be displaying his artwork of local historical sites at the Brumbaugh House during the evening, and explaining the history behind his paintings.

Twenty-five years ago, the Elkridge Historical Society was organized in the Brumbaugh House, the office and home of Bruce Brumbaugh, a beloved physician who delivered many Elkridge babies. The Brumbaugh House is now used for pictures and displays, memorabilia about the people, their churches, schools, homes, transportation and even recreation throughout the years including during the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

"Elkridge is rich with history. Until at least 50 years ago, Indian arrowheads were found in the Elkridge area, exposed after heavy rains would wash away the earth. Native Americans found game in the forest and fish in the Patapsco River for food," Campen said. "Before settlers came from Europe the American Indian association gave the River its name. Hogsheads of tobacco were rolled to the port of Elkridge that in the early days of America rivaled the port of Annapolis. Iron ore was mined and granite quarried. The famous Elkridge Viaduct, a curved arch bridge, is testimony to the development of the railroad and its influence on the area."

All are welcome to attend the meeting, whether you are new to Elkridge and want to find out more about the oldest settlement in Howard County, or if you are a seasoned community member and would like to see Peddicord and his paintings.

This week's friendliest neighbors are Jeanne Slater and Meridy McCague from the Elkridge Senior Center. I have heard compliments about these two for quite some time. A couple of weeks ago, I received a pleasant phone call from an elderly neighbor, who would like to stay anonymous. She talked about how both Slater and McCague are compassionate, caring, and professional towards all the seniors on a daily basis. Her voice filled with emotion as she described how much Jeanne and McCague have meant to her, personally.

This anonymous darling lady explained how Slater introduced her to a senior expo that is held in the fall each year at Wilde Lake High School. The assistance and information that she gained from this expo has improved her life, and she thanks Jeanne for making it possible for her to attend.

She would like to share her gratitude towards Slater and McCague for their every day task of helping so many Elkridge seniors. They perform their jobs with the utmost of empathy, kindness and generosity.

Congratulations to Tina Flynn, a counselor from Elkridge Landing Middle School, who was selected as the HCACD Middle School Counselor of the Year.

"As we all know, she is most deserving of this honor and recognition," Principal Tom Saunders said.

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