Eunice Laster's children, Jena, Kaila and Keygen, inspired her to create a program called Growing Hands by Appreciating Differences, which has been implemented at Elkridge Elementary School. It was developed by Laster to encourage children to be nicer to each other, in everyday situations both during school hours and beyond.

"The program is about peers helping peers, and what better way to accomplish this task than through theater?" Laster thought.

The general idea is essentially for the students to plan and write the plays for each other to perform. The purpose is to enhance children's understanding of physical differences among their peers.

"I directed workshops for fifth-grade students and Dave Appleby, the guidance counselor at the school, taught problem solving techniques during classes," Laster said.

The Elkridge Elementary School children improvised problem solving, and eventually learned from each other.

The next phase was the workshop for the puppeteers. They were chosen randomly from the whole team of diverse fifth-grade students at Elkridge Elementary School. The group included diverse cultural backgrounds and disability levels.

The last step of the program was the actual performance, which the children wrote under the direction of Laster, Appleby and volunteer Suzanne Flagg. The puppeteers put on an enjoyable show for the kindergarten, first- and second-grade students.

The performers learned leadership, problem solving, and self-confidence and communication skills during the Growing Hands Program. The audience, along with the entertainers now have a better understanding and appreciation of physical differences, thanks to this program.

Laster is the week's friendliest neighbor of Elkridge! She would like to say thank you first of all to the students, who cooperated with this important learning experience, while having fun. Also, a sincere thanks to Diane Mumford, the principal for her support during the past two years of the Growing Hands Program.

Hooray for Elkridge Veterinarian Hospital for sponsoring the program with a donation of $250 towards Growing Hands. The contribution was very much appreciated and provided a portion of the materials necessary to run the theatrical lessons.

"Lorena Riesett, the principal's secretary was wonderful with helping me get all the supplies needed. I also really appreciated Dave Appleby for taking the program under his wing and allowing me to incorporate it into classroom instruction," Laster said.

"Finally, but certainly not least, I thank my family for inspiring me and supporting me throughout the program," Laster said.

Great American Fitness, in Elkridge, raised $7,000 for St Jude's Children's Hospital. Thanks to owner Victor Tringali and all the participants for working out to benefit cancer research. Congratulations to Denise Digiandomenico who had the most pledges of the day, more than $1,200.

"We raised enough funds to cover our operating budget for next year and purchase some well needed camping equipment," said Pat Elza, referring to the big auction held a few weeks ago to benefit Boy Scout Troop 432.

A very big thanks to Grace Episcopal Church for their continued sponsorship of the boy scouts and the use of the hall for the event. We would like to thank all our families, friends and neighbors for their donations and for attending the auction.

Dave and Joy Cheatham, with the help of their daughter Leah, ran the auction, free of charge, for the fourth time.

"There was a lot of spirited bidding and many bargains to be had. That old saying, 'One man's junk is another man's treasure' rang true," Elza said.

Happy birthday to Nick Gough and April Snyder! The community joins Ann Barnhouse in wishing her parents Mae and Ray Grabowski, a very happy 55th wedding anniversary.

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