Joe Goins, Warren McKinney and fellow Howard High Class of 1961 alumni have been busier than ever as they prepare for their 55th Class Reunion. In 2011, at the time of their 50th reunion, the classmates boasted of more than 135 in attendance for what was a rollicking weekend of activities.Alumni traveled from afar including Colorado, Michigan and New Mexico in order to catch up with their classmates. At that time, the active alum class donated a brand new restoration wall to Howard High. This year the reunion, which is set for Oct. 8 at Turf Valley Country Club, resonates with even more meaning after the devastation of the flood waters to Main Street in Ellicott City on July 30. "Many of our Howard High alumni were also students at Ellicott City Elementary in the 1950s," said Goins. At that time, the elementary school was located up on the hill and looked down upon Main Street. "We feel this entire historic district is part of our town." With this in mind, the classmates have joined forces to make a sizable donation to the Ellicott CityPartnership fund.On Sept. 22, head to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2892 Route 97 in Glenwood, for the monthly Italian feast prepared by the chefs at Smokin' Hot. The dinner is served from 6 to 8 p.m. with a fare of $9 per person or $30 for the entire family. All proceeds from the dinner are headed to the Ellicott City Partnership which is dedicated to supporting the merchants and residents of the Main Street community.Mark your calendar for the annual University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Open House , Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road in Ellicott City. The family-friendly, admission free, event has something for everyone. Cows and calves, bird watching, beautiful butterflies, chicks hatching out of eggs, hay wagon rides and dozens of hands-on activities. Food tents, chats with master gardeners, scavenger hunts and more. Don't miss this local day of nature.Just a reminder. The Friars at St. Anthony have quite a fall lineup with another great, all invited, event on Sept. 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., when Curb recording artist Marie Miller headlines the annual Friar Fest , an outdoor music concert on the grounds of the magnificent Shrine of St. Anthony. All ages are invited to the music fest which also includes Scott Mulvahill, an artist who has played with Ricky Skaggs, Barry Gibb, Steven Curtis Chapman and our own homegrown Emmy Lou Harris. Tickets are $10 per person or $30 per family. Pizza, snacks and beverages will be available during the music festival. For tickets or information, call 410-531-2800 or email info@shrineofstanthony.org.But wait. There's more. This one is particularly special to me as my son-in-law is a captain in the Montgomery County Fire Department. The Shrine of St. Anthony is hosting a retreat on Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for those who serve as first responders. The Friars, along with former Baltimore Fire Chief Bill Goodwin, led by Fr. Joe Bayne, will participate in a half-day retreat focused on allowing those who serve the greater good to have the time to come together for prayer and renewal. No cost for this event in which lunch will be provided. Call 410-531-2800 or email info@shrineofstanthony.org to register. The Shrine is at 12290 Folly Quarter Road.The Suburban Maryland Home Show comes to the Howard County fairgrounds in West Friendship on Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is geared toward all manner of home improvement, remodeling, landscaping and home decorating. Free admission.