Head on over to the River Hill Shopping Center. Rising sixth graders from Clarksville and Pointers Run elementary schools will take turns reading the Declaration of Independence July 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.

It all started with that declaration. Our Constitution came later to assure the longed-for and painfully fought-for freedoms we often take for granted. The students will appreciate your support and your patriotism might get a shot in the arm.

This is an exciting time of year for celebrating not only the birthday of our nation, but of individuals. Puja Parmar turned 15 July 2.

Is she eagerly looking forward to the day when she will be able to drive? Are mom and dad anxiously awaiting that day? What special delights will fill the year? Ask them. Happy birthday, Puja. We'll be looking for your family and friends in the July 4 parade. Have a great year.

Do you love a parade? Then you're in luck. The annual July 4 parade steps off from the schools at Trotter and Guilford roads at 9:30 a.m. and travels the entire length of Great Star Drive (closed to traffic) to the Fifth District Fire Station. Pick a nice shady spot for cheering. Participants will appreciate your encouragement especially on the final uphill portion.

Remember drinking water, sunscreen and a bag to carry home all the goodies that will be tossed your way.

While some are home in Clarksville for the July 4 holiday, others are on vacation. Be sure to share news of your exciting travels so we can all enjoy a bit of the pleasure.

Summer means travel, but it is definitely not a vacation for members of Drum Corps. Following intense competition, several River Hill High School music students won the coveted slots and began rehearsing in November for summer competition. Kendra Orcutt, and Evan Berry (trumpet), Mark Mangus (tuba) and Mike McNeill, (baritone) play with the Jersey Surf. Brian Whitney, plays tuba with Carolina Crown. Joe Lewis and Sara Hines, from Atholton High School, play baritone with the Surf. The success of these students is a tribute to River Hill band director Joe Fischer.

Mom Debbie Mangus shared some insights about Drum Corp life:

"I can tell you a bit about Jersey Surf. The others are similar. Jersey Surf practiced one weekend a month from November until April and every weekend since then. They arrive in Sicklerville, N.J., on Friday night and practice, practice, practice until Sunday afternoons. Parent volunteers cook and serve four meals a day to the 150 Marchers plus 25 to 30 staff members. It is quite a sight to see an empty school cafeteria one minute, then 150+ kids descending on the place, lining up for food, eating and then going back to practicing their music.

"When they go on tour, the Jersey Surf takes three coach buses and two 18-wheeler trucks. The kids load up the trucks with instruments, uniforms, props, food, suitcases, etc., and then get on the bus. This could be in the morning, or, more likely, after a competition.

"They sleep on school floors and on the bus when it goes from one city to another. They practice in the new city, have an afternoon or evening competition, then do it all again. And, while "on tour," volunteers again feed them four meals a day.

"This summer, Jersey Surf will travel and compete in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England and the Midwest, ending in Indianapolis for the National Championships. They will be away from home for much of the summer.

From a parent's viewpoint, this is a wonderful experience for the kids. Note that they don't get paid for this experience, in fact, we pay for them to be able to do it.

"They meet and become friends with kids from all over the county. Surf has kids from up and down the East Coast. They get to know these kids and understand how we all are the same, but, also different. They get to go places that they might not otherwise get to go. They learn to listen and pay attention, to work toward a goal and to strive for something as a team. They get to know Corps staff members who have different jobs but volunteer to work for the Corp, purely for the love of Drum and Bugle Corps."

Where can you catch up with these talented teens? Following a week of 18-hour practice in Bushkill, Pa., the Jersey Surf performed through New England.

On July 4, they'll be in three parades and then go to competition in Clifton, N.J. on Saturday. Cadets, Crown and Surf will all compete in New Jersey Saturday and again Sunday in Coatesville, Pa.

It's not a long drive from here. Maybe you could carpool with friends. After the competition, be sure to search out our young people and let them know how much you enjoyed their efforts.

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