Congratulations to Keith Mitchell who earned his Eagle Scout rank. Mitchell collected more than 1,000 pieces of baseball equipment as his service project to earn his Eagle award, scouting's highest rank. He reconditioned the equipment and his collection was shipped to less fortunate children in Nicaragua through the Oriole Advocates' "Cardboard to Leather" program.

According to the Oriole Advocates' Web site, www.orioleadvocates.org, the Cardboard to Leather program was inspired by a 1992 article by Sun reporter John Eisenberg. While in the Dominican Republic, he saw children playing baseball with tree limbs for bats and makeshift, cardboard gloves.

After reading Eisenberg's story, the Oriole Advocates decided to get involved. The group has given out more than 40 tons of baseball equipment to underprivileged youth in developing countries, including the Dominican Republic, Belize, Cuba and Nicaragua.

Little Leagues, local recreation departments, indivduals and various other groups donate equipment throughout the year, in addition to the collections held at Camden Yards and other baseball stadiums, according to the Web site.

Congratulations to Hammond Elementary School Poster Contest Winners -- Kindergarten: Brittany Johnson and Lindsey Van Der Meid (tied for first), Tatiana Hamilton (second) and Jacob Chung Ko (third). First grade: Desi Hatzakos and Erin Shugar (tied for first), Kimberly Johnson (second) and Danielle Kim (third). Second grade: Brooke Powell (first), Emma Danaher (second) and Josh Krutz (third). Third Grade: Brayden Heim (first), Dutch Schulden (second), and Rebecca Kaylie (third). Fourth grade: Samantha Schrickel (first), Jaylyn Hess (second) and Barbara Kelly (third). Fifth grade: Nabeeha Shah (first) and Katie Akins (second).

Congratulations to Reservoir High students Elizabeth Burke, Vanessa Saldo, Florencio Lopez, Cristina Lugo, Jeanette Martinez, Carlos Peredo, Anna Ramis, Diana Rojas, Jorge Ruano, Fernando Serra, Felipe Vasquez, Keydi Figuera and Jonathon Gomez who were recognized at the seventh annual Graduation Awards Convocation May 20.

Members of the Savage Senior Center are preparing draw string bags of toiletries for patients at veteran hospitals. Donations of money, razors, toothbrushes and other items are still needed. Donations can be left at the Savage Center, 9525 Durness Lane, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 410-880-5915.

A type 1 diabetes support group will meet June 16 at 7 p.m. at Borders in Columbia Crossing shopping center. North Laurel resident Judy Haxton, the community organizer for the Howard County Diabetes Education and Support group, invites any adult type one diabetic who is interested to come to that meeting. Call or email Judy for details at 301-490-0029 or jlhaxton@aol.com

The meeting focus will be on hypoglycemia unawareness and how others react to changes in a person suffering from hypoglycemia. The meeting will especially look for thoughts from those who do not notice their own changes in blood glucose.

At forthcoming meetings the group will discuss such items as hospitalization, pregnancy, coping with complications, dealing with friends and family, motivation, living alone and depression. Speakers will include medical specialists and people who have done extraordinary things in spite of diabetes.

Less than 1-in-10 of diabetics are type 1s. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar (glucose) into energy. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but typically appears during childhood or adolescence.

Type 2 diabetes is a much more common condition in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the body produces some, but not enough, insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Various factors contribute to type 1 diabetes, including genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Type 1 diabetes has no cure, but advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have simplified the daily routine of managing type 1 diabetes. With proper treatment, people who have type 1 diabetes can expect to live long, healthy lives.

Neighbor Ride, a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to decreasing isolation and improving the quality of life for Howard County's older residents, is seeking volunteers to provide transportation for health care appointments, cultural and social activities. For more information, call Rosemary Noble, volunteer coordinator, at 410-884-7433.

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