You could almost hear the collective sigh of disappointment when community members learned of the departure of our beloved Postmaster Shirley Barber from the West Friendship Post Office.
After 30 years of service to the post office, 13 of which were here in West Friendship, Shirley has retired. Local businessman Randy Nixon described it best when he commented, "Since we don't have a town square, the post office serves as our center of town."
Nixon's enthusiasm for our recently retired post office honcho is echoed by many. "Shirley has been our unofficial mayor," Nixon said.
What a jewel in the crown of West Friendship Shirley Barber has been for us. She will be missed.
The winter dinners continue at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with a feast set for Feb. 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dine in or carry out. It's Italian with all the trimmings. Cost is $9 per person or $30 per family, no matter how many folks make up the family unit.
Proceeds from the February dinner benefit Bridges to Housing Stability, an organization assisting Howard County residents. St. Andrew's is at 2892 Route 97 in Glenwood. Questions? Call Lynne Hall Quinn at 410-292-8202. The dinner is donated by Smokin' Hot Grille in Glenwood.
Jazz, Japan and the return of a beloved musical that premiered at Ford's Theatre in 1986. That's what's in store for audiences who attend "Hot Mikado" set for March 4, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and March 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Glenelg Country School, 12793 Folly Quarter Road.
Based on Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "The Mikado," the musical replaces opera with the sounds of 1940 jazz. Mark your calendar now for a sizzling evening of family friendly music and dance.
Congratulations to Ann and Wally Chaillou of West Friendship on the birth of their newest granddaughter. Annabelle Shurer was born to Stefanie and Brian Shurer on Feb. 2. Young Annabelle joins her brothers Caleb and Zachary. Congratulations to all.
Congratulations, too, to seventh grade Glenwood Middle School student Ellie Feaga, who was named one of Maryland's top youth volunteers for 2015 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Ellie is known locally for her amazing enthusiasm and success as a fundraiser for any number of charities.
More local kudos for area students. The Mount View Middle School Reflections entry by eighth grader John Underwood has been selected as an entry worthy of advancement to the statewide level of competition.
Mark your calendar for March 6 when local volunteer and history buff Virginia Frank will present a lunchtime lecture on "The National Road" Bring your own lunch to the event where drinks and snacks will be provided. The presentation begins at noon, but door open at 11:30 a.m. The lecture is sponsored by the Howard County Historical Society. Admission is $5.
The lecture is to be held at the Howard County Historical Society Museum, 8328 Court Ave., in historic Ellicott City. Questions? Call Shawn Gladden at 410-480-3250 or go to the website at http://www.hchsmd.org.
The annual Spur and Stirrup 4-H Used Tack Sale is set for Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. Hundreds of used and new horse items. Free admission.