With the last of 2014 behind us and 2015 coming in strong, though blustery, I am pleased to report that the Elkridge Senior Center Walking Team is ringing in the New Year by getting a jump on the holiday and their activities for the upcoming year.
On Dec. 30, the team enjoyed tea and cookies after their walk, which included five members appropriately bundled for the weather.
Christopher Vale — joined by Kate Hale, Padma Pathak, Kathryn Newman, and Lee Saunders — supplied a summary of the outing, saying, "The day's weather was brisk and the course along Rowanberry was partially obstructed by geese whose droppings were skillfully evaded. Several runners, young and vigorous passed the team; but, the team easily outpaced the dog walkers. It behooved us all to look alive because a huge gathering of vultures sat on the power lines looking for opportunity."
For those of you in your golden years, joining a group of walkers supplied with tasty snacks and a sense of humor may be just the thing you're looking for to kick your resolutions into gear. Stop by the senior center at the Elkridge Branch Library for more information.
If walking's not your thing and you are already looking forward to the blossoms of spring, perhaps you would enjoy taking an adventure into exploring the art of beekeeping. The Howard County Beekeeper's Association is getting ready to offer its annual class, which has attracted 80-120 enthusiasts over the past several years.
Topics to be included in the course will be honey bee biology, benefits of keeping bees, obtaining and installing your bees, obtaining and setting up your equipment, inspecting your bees as well as products of the hive.
The sessions will take place on Tuesdays, Feb. 17 and 24 and March 3, 17 and 24 and will include one extra field day to be announced. The classes will meet at the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. on the scheduled dates and registration is required.
For additional information and the registration form, go to http://www.HowardCountyBeekeepers.org and click on "Classes."
Don't forget to check out the Elkridge Library for more opportunities to learn and connect in the community this year.