The end of a school year always brings a flurry of excitement, but it also brings good-byes. Sharon Applegarth, Debbie Espitia, Laaura Fitzgerald, Kathy Glasscock, Rhonda Nowacek, Patti Stewart and Irma Wiley will be leaving Clarksville Middle School as they retire from the Howard County Public School System with a combined total of over 100 years service.
Best wishes on your new adventures. You will be missed.
The young CMS musicians ended the year on a high note. Band, chorus and orchestra successfully competed at Hershey Park. Both band and orchestra were awarded Best Over-all. They returned triumphantly to Clarksville to perform final concerts to a packed house every time. Way to go, kids and music staff.
Drivers, beware. With school out for the summer, you may encounter children in or near roads at any timeduringthe day.
Trotter Road is scheduled for a repair project beginning around June 22 near the Cricket Creek community and Summer Sunrise Drive. The work will stabilize theslope and stream bank and protect the roadway from erosion. At times the road will be closed in both directions. The work should be completed in about a month,weather permitting.
You can hear a recorded message at 410-313-3440. For questions, send e-mails to publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.
The Howard County Historical Society has some interesting offerings coming up soon.
There will be a comedy show for ages 18 and older June 20, 8-11 p.m. Water and sodas are complimentary during the show and there is an after-show party at Cacao Lane. Parking is free. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased online at hchsmd.org or reserved by e-mail at info@hchsmd.org or call 410-480-3250. Laughter is good medicine.
Walking is also healthy.
HCHS Walking Tours led by local historians are scheduled the second and fourth Saturday of the month June through October at 11 a.m. The tour covers 3/4 of a mile and may be canceled in bad weather. Water is provided by HCHS. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Go to hchsmd.org/programs or call 4100-480-3250. Proceeds benefit the HCHS Museum. The next walk is June 27.
Other summer activities may include weed pulling or not. Children accompanied by an adult can work with Master Gardenersand Department of Recreation staff at the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area June 23, 9-11:30 a.m.Participation is free for this one-day activity.
Be a MPEA Weed Warrior June 26-Aug. 30, Fridays and Sundays, 3:30-6 p.m. Volunteers age 14+ get good exercise and learn lots about our local ecosystems. Your labor is the only cost and the rewards are great. Contact drogner@howardcountymd.gov(410-313-0476) or sberry@howardcountymd.gov (410-313-4624) to register or learn more.
The big day is coming up fast. The 137th annual Clarksville Picnic will be held on the grounds of St. Louis church the last Saturday of June, the 27th.
General chairperson Joanne Yuvanc and co-chairperson Mary Jane Tomasic have been hard at work for months. Rick Baker (dinner), Edna Ballard (dining room), Scott Sokoloski (fast food), Tony Comberiate and Chrissie Day (game stands) have been recruiting hundreds of volunteers of all ages.
Susan Miller and Eileen Goodspeed are in charge of the Money Raffle. You could win $20,000.
Suzy Hill is volunteer coordinator and Brad Jones is site director.
What will you find at the Clarksville Picnic?
There's pretty much something for everyone. Parking and live entertainment are free. You'll find games, plants, hand-crafted items, yummy baked goods, raffles, a silent auction, kiddie rides, books and lots of food choices.
The family-style country ham and fried chicken dinner is tasty and traditional fare enjoyed by locals who come from miles around and others who drive from out-of-state to share in the festivities.
I've not heard anything about White Elephant sales, but they usually begin in advance of Picnic Day. Watch for signs on church grounds to search for bargain items.
Don't miss youropportunity to be part of what may be the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in Maryland.
In-coming River Hill student, are you an experienced hockey player? Do you enjoy ice skating? River Hill Ice Hawks are making plans for the coming school year. There are discounts for first-time ice hockey players. If you'd like to give ice hockey a try, go to riverhillhawks.shutterfly.com/RH or contact team manager bcjbrady@gmail.com.