The happy days of summer are finally here. As I drive through western Howard County, I notice that during the day, the Ultimate Sports and Games camp is alive with 8- to 13-year-olds at the Western Regional Park (behind the Glenwood Community Center). In the evenings, a band or two can be heard. The park trails are scattered with hikers, the basketball courts are hopping with hoop players and the picnic tables are abuzz with families enjoying outdoor meals. Watching people basking in sun and fresh air can be a pastime in itself, especially when it comes to baseball.

It seems to be that the most watched activity of the summer is baseball. When I drove up last week, there were about a half-dozen travel teams and their fans (parents) that had shown up for a week-long tournament. The teams were part of the Under 10 Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association, originating from Baltimore, Savage, Howard County Youth Program, Broadneck, Reisterstown, Elkridge, Olney, Carroll, Finksburg and Western Howard County.

The Western Howard County team, known as the Renegades, is made up of the best players from Lisbon Elementary School, Bushy Park Elementary School and Glenwood Middle School.

Head Coach Ken McGlynn, of the Lisbon area, enthusiastically said about his season, "Although opening day was on April 10, our season actually began in December. We practice all winter to get to this level...travel teams are very competitive. We travel as far as Rehoboth, Delaware. Other teams travel as far as New York, Ohio and Florida (to participate in the Disney tournament)." McGlynn, who has been coaching for 14 years, and his team were hosting this year's tournament at the Western Regional Park, during the week of June 16, and were looking forward to the finals June 22. Many a home run was sure to be scored.

Scoring high volumes of produce this summer are some of the area farms. Each week, I find myself taking in the smells of ripening crops as I drive to Breezy Willow Farm, just 5 miles east of the center, in West Friendship. The home-grown, natural produce not only tastes better and fresher, it is also healthier. R.J. Caulder, owner of Breezy Willow Farm, picks her produce at its peak, and makes her own soap, jam and honey, fresh on site.

Looking for new ways to entertain the whole family? Come to the center's Family Sports Party Saturday, June 28, from 7-9 p.m. You may wear your favorite sports jersey and ball cap. Children can choose from a variety of crafts to make while rooting for the Orioles. Hot pretzels, popcorn and nachos will be provided. All ages welcome; $3 per person.

Want to take the family fun on the road? The Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival trip departs Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m. The bus leaves from the George Howard Building on Rogers Avenue in Ellicott City. Ages 8-12: $29; ages 13-up: $49. Enjoy live entertainment -- music, dancing, fiddling, comedy shows, artists and crafters. Discover the largest quilt sale in the country with more than 2,500 handmade quilts.

Reminder: The Iron Man Fitness Challenge begins July 7 and runs through Aug. 8. The challenge (open to ages 13 and up) is designed to encourage participants to complete a Triathlon that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 114-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Weekly prize drawings include water bottles, tote bags, daily fitness passes and energy bars. Grand prize drawings include one 25-visit fitness pass, and two packages consisting of a fitness assessment and an express personal training session. Participants must stop by the center weekly to log in their miles. Cost: $20. This is a great way to maintain your summer fitness goals!

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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