I know you all join me in thanking our county's department of Recreation and Parks for taking on the fireworks celebration in Columbia this year. A lot of people would have been very disappointed if this great tradition didn't continue. When my kids were small we always went and always the hardest part was the hour at the end waiting in the parking lot for a chance to get back onto Little Patuxent Parkway. But it was worth it to see the great display! Now my husband, Tom, and I content ourselves with sitting on our back porch and listening to the booms and seeing the occasional flash of light. Tradition.

Pool

I was amazed to pull into the parking lot behind the log cabin the other day and find parking spaces at a premium when usually during the day there are plenty. The explanation was immediately obvious as I saw a stream of little kids, towels around necks, walking from the Roger Carter Center with their parents. Ah, summer -- prime swimming lesson season. Later when I was leaving, I saw another large group who looked like happy campers at the end of a busy day. I'm glad that so many people are taking advantage of the variety of offerings at the Roger Carter Center, even if I have to jockey for a parking space.

Historical Society

My friend, Karen Griffith, is curator at the Howard County Historical Society. When I talked to her the other day I was impressed by her latest project. She has gone around the Historic District and photographed every building on Main Street and some beyond. Now, she is trying to determine every business and occupant every building has had. My mind reels at how hard a job that will be.

For one thing, a few decades ago all the street numbers changed, so it's even hard to be sure people are talking about the same building over the years. Places with names like the Opera House are pretty easy, but most places don't have familiar names like that. So, I salute Karen for her efforts, which will result in a wonderful reference for all of us.

Got Rocks

I hope, after last week's cover story, you have made your way to the lower end of Main Street, parked, and taken a look at the rock village evolving in the Patapsco River. I knew about it when I went looking, but it is still a bit of a surprise to see it. I think the rock formations have grown and prospered in that part of the river more than any other place because of the importance of rock to our town. Granite buildings carved from the local hills, the great big rock next to Ellicott's Country Store, and now these little lovelies are making the news. This is a part of what I love about the Historic District -- you never quite know what to expect next.

Volunteers

This is a call to all teachers, as well as newly retired folk. Now that summer is in full swing, you might want to take a break from the pool and the yard work and volunteer some time with Historic Ellicott City, Inc. The "dirty work" of the decorator show house begins the end of July, and volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. I can tell you from experience that this is a lot of fun -- especially when the house is air conditioned like it is this year. If you have time to help, call the office at 410-461-6908, and thanks.

E-mail news and events taking place on Main Street to janetkusterer@juno.com

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