(Enlarge) The Howard Lions ice hockey team is off to a good start this season in the Maryland Scholastic Hockey League. Players on the team this year include Nick Calvitt, Mike Curtin, Justin Green, Ross Heyman, Brad Howington, James LoPresto, Ryan Merl, Tyler Metzger, Vili Numinen, Tyler Overstreet, Tyler Pakulla, Scott Smith, Megan Straumanis, Eric Wallis, Ben Avara, Joseph Natoli, and Cory Oler. The team is coached by Pat Green, Zach Calvitt and John Yorks. Margaret Wallis is the team manager. (submitted photo)

The Howard High Lions ice hockey team would like to invite all their fans to a game Friday, Dec. 19 at 4:50 p.m. at the Gardens Ice House, in Laurel. They will be playing Mt. Hebron, and it promises to be a great game!

Bring along a carload full of friends, wear your Howard High blue and white and make lots of noise in the stands!

The coaches this season are Pat Green, Zach Calvitt and John Yorks with Margaret Wallis as team manager.

The players include: Nick Calvitt, Mike Curtin, Justin Green, Ross Heyman, Brad Howington, James LoPresto, Ryan Merl, Tyler Metzger, Vili Numinen, Tyler Overstreet, Tyler Pakulla, Scott Smith, Megan Straumanis, Eric Wallis, Ben Avara, Joseph Natoli, and Cory Oler.

When you enter the Patrick Rink at the Gardens Ice House, check out the huge Howard Lions banner. This incredible banner was provided courtesy of Clai Carr, owner of the Gardens, given that Howard plays the vast majority of their home games at Gardens Ice House.

CrossLife Church is holding a Christmas Eve candlelight service at Grace Episcopal Parish Hall, in Elkridge at 6 p.m. "We would love to invite the community," the Rev. John Mackall said.

The life skills students from Mayfield Middle School recently organized a food drive to assist needy families in the area. These students are challenged with autism, and various levels of learning disabilities, however they have come to understand that for many neighbors in our community, times are tough. They are very concerned that for some, there may not be enough money to buy food for their families. They are very grateful for what they have, and wanted to do something to help those not as fortunate as themselves.

"I feel bad for the people who do not have any food to eat," said Colin Pierre, a student from the life skills class.

"Over two weeks this fall, the students and their teachers discussed ways to give back to their community. In November, the students decided to run a non-perishable food drive," explained Jennifer Goldszmidt, community liaison from Mayfield Middle School.

"The food drive helps the homeless get something to eat," Davon Washington said.

Principal Susan Brown interviewed students Davon Washington and Caleb Lindstead on the closed circuit school morning news show. When asked how they felt about the food drive, they overwhelmingly answered, "Good, because we are helping people!" Parents were given an invitation to bring in donations during parent conferences and to send in food contributions with their children.

"I feel bad for the people who do not have money to buy food," Angel Sams said.

Under the direction of teachers Samantha Jaworowski and Erin Patterson and, para educators Shatema Hill, Dreama Bonavitacola and Maryann Walker, the students collected more than 150 food items.

The food was donated to FISH Food Bank the day before Thanksgiving. You can visit the website for more information or to make your own donation at www.fishhowardcounty.com.

The life skills students range in age from 12 to 14 years old. The class includes these generous and thoughtful students: Oscar Altamirano, Jeremy Kampiyil, Caleb Lindstead, Colin Pierre, Angel Sams, Michael Smith, Davon Washington and Hannah Suh.

"It was pure joy to see this wonderful group of children prioritize the needs of others and take a leadership role within our building to make a difference," Brown exclaimed.

Congratulations to the life skills students from Mayfield Middle School for being this week's friendliest neighbors of Elkridge!

There is a small group of Elkridge women who call themselves the Mom's Club. They all have children attending Elkridge Elementary School and get together on a regular basis to say a blessing and pray for the teachers and staff of the school.

In the beginning of the school year they hosted a staff breakfast, and now for the holidays they displayed a brightly lit Christmas tree filled with candy treasures for the staff to enjoy.

The staff says "Thanks!" to these members of the Mom's Club: Cindy Barr, Gail Dadourian, Kathy Oliver, Lavina Rowell, Katie Judge and Melissa Yue. The sweet treats remind the staff of what a great community they all have the pleasure to work amongst.

Have you seen the beautiful Christmas decorations at 6311 Montgomery Road? Daniel and Janice Thornton really know how to light up their house for the holidays.

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