If it were possible to measure a mile wide grin of pride, Martha Rhoads would win by a long stretch. That is the feeling of grandparents Martha and Chuck Rhoads, who celebrated two granddaughters' graduations on May 21.
The two graduates parents, Peggy and Tony Pritchard, are doubly delighted as well. Who could have imagined that Kylie Pritchard, who graduated with Dean's List honors from Towson University, and her sister Toni Pritchard who graduated with National Honor Society accolades from Glenelg High School would mark the very same day for their respective commencements?
Both graduates plan to make Elementary Education a career. Following in her sister's footsteps, Toni, the recent Glenelg grad, will attend Towson University in the fall in the Honors Program. Toni is the recipient of the Jim Schmidt Memorial Scholarship.
Both sisters have long been active in sports and grandmother Martha Rhoads admits that she and her husband Chuck have never missed a game or match by any of their many grandchildren. Congratulations to these two fine young women from such a loving and tight knit local family.
Retired dentist Joel Goodman wears a lot of hats. Goodman is the Nature Sphere Planetarium programmer at the James and Anne Robinson Nature Center, the logistics chair of the "STEM-ulating Minds" program, the director of the Celestial Searchers Astronomy Club and the Observatory Director of the Howard Astronomical League.
It is no surprise that Goodman is thrilled with the ribbon cutting ceremony set for June 27, 7 p.m. at the Howard Astronomical League Observatory at Alpha Ridge, 11685 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) where a First Light Star Party is in the works.
The celebration marks the culmination of 15 years of effort by a large cadre of dedicated individuals from the Howard Astronomical League, from state and county officials and from private companies. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening under the stars with crafts, rocket sightings, telescope viewing and a model solar system walk guiding viewers from the Sun to Pluto and back.
St. James United Methodist will hold Vacation Bible School from July 6 to 10, 9 a.m. to noon. Children, preschool through fifth grade, are invited to participate. Crafts, stories, recreation, music and snacks make up the daily routine with an overall theme of the Amazing Grace Adventures of "Gangway to Galilee". To sign up for the one week Vacation Bible School call the church office , Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 410-442-2020 or email stjamessec@verizon.net.
Congratulations to Kathi Wilson who was recently named the Hare Raisers 4-H Organizational Leader. Busy times for Wilson as her club prepares for the Howard County Fair.
The Maryland Western Horse Association holds its next show on June 28,beginning at 8 a.m. at the Howard Country fairgrounds in West Friendship. Judge Debbie White will be in residence for the equestrian action including the crowd favorite, cake walk.
Congratulations to Glenelg High School's Calvin Pitney who cleared 14 feet, 6 inches to win the Boys Pole Vault during the 3A Maryland State Track and Field Championships.
Want to learn all about "Bioluminescence"? Sign up at the Glenwood library for a teen class on June 26, 3 to 4 p.m. and find out what makes fireflies glow.
Don't miss the opportunity to tour the beautiful grounds of the Shrine of St. Anthony at 12290 Folly Quarter Road during an historical tour of Carrolton Hall and the Shrine on June 28 at 2 p.m. The walking tour includes the Manor House and the Shrine of St. Anthony and lasts about one and a half hours. No fee for this family event. Meet at noon in front of the Manor House.