The annual St. James United Methodist Church Christmas caroling excursion is in place. If you would like to join in on the "Fa La La La La's"," be at St. James Church parking lot, at 12470 Old Frederick Road (Route 99) at 11:45 a.m. on Dec. 21.
A school bus will escort the merry band of carolers to the homes of shut-in's in the St. James and Rockland congregations. The bus is expected to return to St. James at about 4:30 p.m.
Sandi Hawkins and the gang at the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary remind the community that the annual Toy Drive bin is still awaiting your unwrapped toys. The toy drive is in place until Dec. 21 at Station 3 just off Route 32 on Route 99, Old Frederick Road. The bins are inside the entrance to Station 3.
Don't miss the Tree Lighting at Hebb House at the Living Farm Heritage Museum in West Friendship on Dec. 20, 5-7 p.m. Santa arrives at 5:15 p.m. for the official lighting. The museum is at 12985 Frederick Road (Route 144), just across from the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Condolences to the Saunders family of West Friendship on the recent late November passing of their patriarch, William Edwin Saunders. Saunders was a past chief of the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department.
More kudos for our local youth, in particular Jennifer Brigante, a Glenelg High School junior and an 8-year member of the Hare Raisers 4-H Club.
Jennifer was part of the National Rabbit Judging team representing Maryland at the American Rabbit Breeders Association convention held in Fort Worth, Texas, in early November. The Maryland team of judges finished in the top 20 for all of the United States.
In addition to her involvement with 4-H, Jennifer finds time for Key Club activities, religious education assistance at St. Michael's as well as acting as a lector. Jennifer, a member of the National Honor Society is also a tennis player.
When the rabbit convention activities offered a break, Brigante enjoyed a real live Texas rodeo, a tour of the famed stockyards in Fort Worth and the breathtaking water gardens.
Congratulations to the newly installed officers of the Hare Raisers 4-H Club.
During the annual club holiday party on Dec. 12, Hare Raisers club leaders Wendy Feaga and Kathi Wilson, whom club member Rebecca Miller describes as "dedicated, loyal and beloved leaders," beamed with pride at the announcement of the 2015 roster of officers.
Congratulations to president Emily Buckley, vice president Jennifer Brigante, treasurer Illana Hernandez, secretary Matthew Hulett, historian Audrey Bower, reporter Danielle Hurd, pledge leaders Evan Jacob and Eoin Wilson and host Erik Jacob. A special thanks goes out to parent volunteer Karen Jacob who organized the festive party.