Even though many of my neighbors and I spent the last few days doing clean-up on our homes and farms, I will not dwell on the tornado that touched down in western Howard County recently. Other media sources covered that well.
Many of us where it set down with such fury will be paying the price either in days of physical labor, many,many trips to the landfill with trees and branches and sticks and leaves, calling friends and neighbors to tell them that your tree took their fence down or calling insurance adjusters and tree services and trying to make the quotes from each come closer together. I only want to send my wishes to those whose houses, barns or other outbuildings were affected and to voice my thankfulness that to the best of my knowledge, no one was seriously hurt. I also acknowledge that this does not compare to the massive floods in West Virginia or the terrifying fires in California. Time passes, life goes on, the scars on the land fade andI shall move on to our more routine but exciting events here in the west.
The Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Airy announces its first Inclusion Dance to be held July 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The doors are open to all who want to attend with anentry fee of $5 payable at the door. Music will be provided by an awesome DJ with all the credentials for fun and a wide variety of music. Light refreshments will be served.
So, for those for whom Inclusion Dance is not in your vocabulary, what is it really? The definition of this event by the sponsoring church is "an opportunity for people in the community to have some fun, regardless of their age or background, shape or size, or if they are disabled or non-disabled." For a night of community fun, bring $5 and a mind for some rocking and rolling. For further questions call Jennifer P. at 410-440-7374 or contact her by email at jennibeck@comcast.net.
The Office on Agingbrings us more opportunities for summer fun and feasting with its Crab Cake Fundraiser at the Gary Arthur Community Center on July 22 at noon. The menu includes a large homemade crab cake, roll, lettuce, tomato, coleslaw, chips, a pickle, sauces and dessert. The cost is only $15 with proceeds going to support speakers and programs at the 50+Center. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event andadvance payment is required. For reservations or for further information call the Senior Center at 410-313-4846.
Not to be ignored is the annual Indian Pow-Wow at the Howard County Fairgrounds on July 23 and 24. The production company is American Indian-owned and operated. The goal of this annual activity is to give folks the opportunity to "interact with Indian dancers, singer, drummers and craftspersons" and to "educate the public about American Indians past and present, through the arts."
The exciting and authentic activities include drumming, bow and arrow shooting for the children, an opportunity to join the native dancers in their circle and a visit to a tip. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. both days. The colorful Parade of Nations begins at noon on Saturday followed by periodic dancing and drumming throughout the day. Plenty of food with a Native American flavor will be on sale at the food court including buffalo stew, fried bread and corn soup. Crafters from across the United States will display their wares and their talent. Available will be Indian jewelry, woven baskets, art work, handmade clothing and other artifactsinterspersed with a wide variety of T-shirts and other souvenirs. The hope is for attendees to come, see the beautiful costumes, watch the many colorful and energetic dancers and participate with them as you feel the rhythms and to taste the food offerings that are for sale. The cost is $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and $10 for ages 13 and above. For more information call 252-532-0821 or email powwow@vance.net.
Individual recognition goes to two of our local horsewomen for their accomplishments this weekend at the American Quarter Horse Association Region 5 show held at Dream Park in New Jersey. Ashton Each Sullivan of Glenelg and her horse Suddenly Spicy won the All Around Amateur championship for the weekend while Eileen Simpson on her good mare She's The One Flower won the Level 1 Trail Championship. Kudos to these two Maryland Quarter Horse Association members who bring recognition to the Maryland andHoward County Quarter Horse folks and more importantly shine an extremely favorable light on their horsemanship and their dedication to a persistent training program and on their talented equine partners.