Hooray to Tony Bennett, of Elkridge, who throughout the years has proudly displayed an American flag on the Interstate 95 overpass bridge.

"He has been putting up the American flag ever since (Sept. 11)," said Marie Williams, who contacted me to suggest that Bennett should be this week's friendliest neighbor of Elkridge!

So, as you travel through Elkridge, and pass by the American flag proudly waving in the breeze, especially with the Fourth of July right around the corner, give thanks that you live in the United States. Pause and say a prayer for all the brave, dedicated men and women who are serving our country here and abroad.

Students at Elkridge Elementary School have been writing letters to local military overseas all year. Anita Feintuch, who organizes the communication campaign at the school shared this recent letter from Marine Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ricky F. Brown:

"With the end of the school year fast approaching I thought it prudent to send you a note of thanks from the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 24. We are with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and we are currently deployed to Afghanistan. We have been the lucky recipients of cards and letters from the kids in your school thanks to Mrs. Feintuch. We do read the letters that are sent and some of the Marines put them up where they can look to them for inspiration. Their jokes are very funny. My executive officer has one in particular he likes to read over and over that says, 'Smile, turn that frown upside down. Let all things out of your head.' He relies on those words of wisdom when things are frantic. Your kids should know how lucky they are to grow up in the United States."

Howard County's annual Fourth of July Festival and fireworks display is planned for Friday, July 4, starting at 5 p.m. at the Lake Kittamaqundi lakefront, in downtown Columbia. A rain date for the fireworks is set for is July 6.

The festival will kickoff at 5 p.m. with live entertainment on two stages with performances by the Patty Reese Band, the Players Band and Damon Foreman & Blue Funk. The second stage will host children's entertainment and feature The Kinderman and juggler and stiltman Wes Holly. Children can also participate in carnival games and crafts, all with a 'Stars And Stripes' theme."

Come on out with your family and friends, bring a picnic or buy dinner from one of the vendors on site, and celebrate the day. Parking is free!

To view the complete schedule for the Fourth of July festivities go to the Howard County Government Web site at www.howardcountymd.gov or call Ella Carter at the Department of Recreation and Parks at 410-313-1671.

The Elkridge Branch Library has planned a Middle School Art Club night for Tuesday, July 1, 7-8 p.m. The theme for July is comics and graphic art, which is very popular with young teens. I understand that friendships are often formed during these crafts events and frequently there are repeat attendees.

Students will also have an opportunity to share and learn techniques that can be used with watercolors in the Watercolor Workshop July 19.

Register for these events now, by calling the library at 410-313-5077.

Did you know that the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department hosts a Bingo every Friday? It begins at 7 p.m., in the hall, so bring a group of friends and enjoy a fun summer evening! For additional information, please call 410-761-6633 Ext. 2 or e-mail evfdbingo@verizon.net.

The Howard County Times neighborhood columnists, including myself, are now bloggers! To read more good news about Elkridge neighbors and events, go to www.explorehoward.com and go to the blog section. Please e-mail happenings, pictures and accomplishments that you would like to see on the blog or in my column.

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