Carol Hill, our intrepid Highland mail carrier, is leaving her post. June 26, today, is her last day. She has taken a job at the University of Maryland. You will be missed, Carol. Yea, I know it's not like you're moving away and we'll see you around the 'hood, but it won't be the same. Good luck in your new career.

The following came from Reservoir High School principal Addie Kaufman's final eSchoolNewsletter for the 2007-2008 school year.

"Liz Savopoulos won the award for best Junior Critic Writer at the Cappies of Baltimore 2008 Gala Event. Chris Dews and Alec Walker gave an outstanding one scene performance from "Fences." Matt Hill, Carly Lawler, Lorinzo Reed and Matt Summers were also celebrated as Cappies of Baltimore "commendees." Gabby Rigaud participated in the U.S. Department of the Treasury's inaugural National Financial Literacy Challenge. She demonstrated a high level of financial literacy, which was worthy of recognition and a letter to the school. Jeffrey Carrion was the only RHS student accepted into Leadership University's Class of 2008. Dr. Kaufman and the staff look forward to hearing about Jeffrey's project and attending his graduation from Leadership U."

Thanks, doc, for all you do for the students.

I would like to recognize a local lad for attaining the highest rank in Boy Scouts, that of Eagle Scout. Samuel W. A. Dooley, of Troop 617 of the National Pike District, Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, was awarded that rank June 14.

Dooley started scouting with Pack 606 as the younger brother of a scout. He attended Camp Oest from when he was 4 until his 12th birthday. He earned the Arrow of Light as a Webelo and bridged to Troop 617.

He attended many summer camps and learned to scuba dive while attending Sea Base High Adventure camp, in Florida, and has held many leadership positions. As troop historian, he produced more than 20 issues of Troop 617 News.

Dooley earned 30 merit badges on his climb to Eagle Scout. His troop meets at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, in Scaggsville, which is also here he completed his Eagle project, which comprised a nature trail, bird and bat houses and the identification and labeling of trees and plants along the trail.

Dooley will be a junior at Reservoir High School in the fall and is active in school plays. This summer, he is traveling to Europe as a student ambassador in the People-to-People program. Congratulations for a job well done.

Jane Hayes is a coordinator with the Howard County Master Gardeners program and they've got some great programs coming up. If you want to feed your garden organically, fertilize without chemicals, improve your soil's health, and recycle your yard waste, then learn to compost. Join Howard County Master Gardeners for composting demonstrations, discussion, and free composting bins. There will also be information and demonstration on red worm composting, too.

Talks are held at Schooley Mill Park (near the horse ring) on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and the fourth Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. through October. (The Wednesday talk in October is at 6 p.m.).

Saturday, June 28 will mark the 130th annual Clarksville Picnic at the St. Louis the King Roman Catholic Church. Now, that's a lot of years of picnics. Over the years, this event has changed -- from a primarily farm family event to a community event; from late summer to early summer; from the middle of the week to a Saturday. And, I suppose, in future years, it'll change in other ways. But, I digress. The grounds open around 10ish with the dinner tent opening at noon. There's lots to do and I hope to see you there.

Don't forget to check out the new online neighborhood blogs that the Howard County Times has put up. They can be found at www.explorehoward.com under the Neighborhood menu. Let me know what you think.

Well, that's all for this week. I hope the kids and you all have a great and safe summer. Look after your neighbors. Remember our troops who are serving in harm's way. And their families. Commit a random act of kindness.

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