Chrystie Adams has been sharing her musical talents with both the children and adults of Howard County Schools and Elkridge for the past 37 years! She has recently decided it's time to close the music books and retire from her full-time position at Elkridge Landing Middle School. She has touched the lives of countless families throughout her years of dedication, and she will be greatly missed. I declare Adams this week's friendliest neighbor of Elkridge!

Adams has this fond farewell message to share with the Elkridge community:

"Goodbye is not a word that is easy for me to say as I retire from the Howard County Public School System. A large part of my 37-year career has been spent in sharing the joy of music with the students and families in Elkridge. I came to Howard County after eight years in the Baltimore City School System and was assigned to one of the Columbia middle schools. After three years, I was still searching for a school and community that felt like 'home' to me. I started at Waterloo Middle School in 1982, and, after Waterloo was closed, I moved to Ellicott Mills Middle School and spent the next 12 years of my teaching career there. When the opening of Elkridge Landing Middle School was announced, I was eager to apply for the position of vocal/general music teacher, and I was ecstatic when I was selected for the position! Finishing my thirteenth year at ELMS and my twenty-sixth year teaching students from the Elkridge community, I can truly say that Elkridge has felt like home to me. I have so many wonderful memories of students and families who have touched my life in very meaningful ways. Thanks you for all of the precious memories that I will cherish as I leave ELMS. The music I have made in Elkridge will remain in my heart always."

However, before she begins her retirement, she is extending an invitation to all singers that have sung with her over the past 37 years to participate in an Elkridge Landing Middle School Reunion Choir. This will be Adams' final joy of singing celebration concert. This event will take place Wednesday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Elkridge Landing Middle School. All are invited to attend.

The rehearsals have begun; however, if you would like additional information, call Adams at 410-313-5040 or e-mail chrystie_adams@hcpss.org.

Grace Episcopal Church is having an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner And Family Night on Saturday, May 31, 5 to 7 p.m. This feast and evening of activities will take place at Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 6725 Montgomery Road, in Elkridge.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under, children younger than 3 are free. Activities include: a silent auction, bingo, bake sale, beer and wine garden, face painting and big ticket item raffles. For more information, call 410-796-3270 or go to www.graceelkridge.org.

Mayfield Woods Middle School has scheduled an event dubbed, "Mayfest: Bringing the Community Together Through the Arts." It has been planned for Saturday, May 31, 1 to 5 p.m., at the school.

This exciting afternoon will include bands, orchestras, choral and dramatic presentations -- all performed outdoors, with refreshments. More activities planned are world languages and art displays, face painting, and nail art. Admission is open to the public, and it's a family friendly event.

"We will have children from Jeffers Hill Elementary, Mayfield Woods Middle, and Long Reach High School performing," world languages specialist Jennifer Goldszmidt said.

Ronnie Pool, of Elkridge, had a very lively 60th birthday! He was born on Mother's Day in 1948, and it was great that his birthday landed on Mother's Day this year.

Sandy Byerly and Judy Merson, his sisters, along with their husbands, Ken Byerly and John Merson, ordered a giant yard card in celebration of Pool's big day. Sandy described the card as being a huge ape picking his nose!

"Ronnie and I got into a lot of fun mischief growing up so that is why I ordered the ape picking his nose for his 60th birthday!," Sandy said. "He was smiling from ear to ear when he saw the big ape."

Friends and family of Rockburn Elementary School children were very pleased to participate in a basketball benefit for Ricky Knight recently.

Ricky was a student at Rockburn Elementary for six years and still lives in our Elkridge community. He is bravely battling a brain tumor and his continuous courage, strength, and determination has been amazing, according to a message in the Rockburn newsletter.

Heidi Balter, principal at the school, reported that the fundraiser was a success, raising about $5,000! Both students and staff attended the event. All the students that participated received a medal in recognition of their support.

Happy May birthdays to these special people: Sean Deane, Ronnie Pool, Kaylee Weaver, Michael Lowman, Debbie Dwyer, Noah Herman, Patrick Caughy, Dave Appleby, Kathy Law, Elizabeth Meeder, Karen Moroughan, Chris Washington and Kim Petry.

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