George and Ann Mech want to thank the Kalmia Farms community for sending them a tasty fruit arrangement in appreciation of the Mechs' efforts to organize the annual clean-up of the Triadelphia Reservoir. They really enjoyed the nutritious, guilt-free treats.The Mechs note that the clean-up would not be successful without all the volunteer help from Kalmia neighbors and others. Sloshing through mud and brambles to collect trash and debris is no easy task. This year they even dealt with rain showers. When the watershed is nice and clean, they all know they have chosen a great place to call home.You never know where a small item in the paper will lead. It may get you some volunteer help. It may lead to a reunion. It may bring other surprises.Anthony Fleg, a proud Atholton alum with parents living in Clarksville, is now a clinician educator in the University of New Mexico department. of family and community medicine and coordinator of the Native Health Initiative. He shared news of his recent honor for promoting healthy lifestyles in the Native American community. As a result of sharing the news with us, he was able to have a reunion with his first-grade teacher while visiting family in Howard County. A teacher's reward is more than monetary, it's the joy of seeing your students succeed in life. Looks like a job well done by Anthony, his parents and teachers. May his contribution to society be an encouragement to all our teachers as we begin a new school year.Through video instruction, class discussions and interactive small-group activities, Financial Peace University presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. The popular nine-week class aims to teach you how to manage your money, save money and get out of debt. The class is being offered at New Hope Church on Hall Shop Road beginning Saturday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To learn more, go to www.lookingforachurch.org.Okra may not be your favorite vegetable, but I love it and this summer I'm getting a bumper crop to devour now and freeze for later. Are you getting bumper crops?The University of Maryland Extension-Howard County office offers workshops open to all. Whether you are an experienced canner or novice, you will learn something new if you attend a Grow It, Eat It, Preserve It workshop. Sessions scheduled for September include What to do with all those tomatoes on Sept. 12; Herbs--ideas for preserving and gift giving, as well as drying other foods on Sept. 14; The Bounty of Fall Produce on Sept. 19 and finally, The Art of Fermentation and Pickling on Sept. 26. Payment must accompany registration. To learn more, call 410-313-2707.The arrival of River Hill Village, established on Aug. 11, 1991, changed the face of Clarksville. The village is celebrating its 25th anniversary already and area residents are invited to share some of the festivities.There will be a cake-cutting ceremony to continue anniversary activities on Saturday, Sept. 17 as part of the River Hill Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Coalition Halting Obesity in Children Everywhere (CHOICE) and the River Hill Community Association are hosting the annual Health Fair at the Village Center. There will be a scavenger hunt, games and activities for kids, along with health and wellness information and obesity prevention tips for all. Look for BMI, blood pressure, vision, dental and bone density screenings and demonstrations. There will also be door prizes. The River Hill Health Fair on Sept. 17 is free and all are welcome.The Bay-Wise Garden Tour is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a free event to tour a local Columbia garden featuring many Bay-wise practices. There is also a native plant sale on site. For more information contact hcm7249@gmail.com.