McCullough Field had been, for most of my formative years, the site of many Fourth of July celebrations. Not unlike other small towns off the beaten path, it seemed as though the entire population squeezed inside the perimeters of the field to enjoy the annual fireworks. Among the bursts of color in the darkened night sky and the continuous gasps of the crowd, it was always a memorable show, and a great time to renew old friendships and family ties. For a few hours we gathered as one to celebrate all things American.
Its tennis and basketball courts have seen countless games, played with the vigor and determination of champions.Football games, soccer matches and baseball and softball duels were all settled within its confines, with athletes, as it were, spending every ounce of energy, leaving everything they had on the field of play.
Normally the scene of athletic contests, the oft-played-upon sports complex will host an event like no other, when the American Cancer Society holds its Relay for Life on Saturday, June 13. The purpose of the movement is to unite communities around the globe to celebrate the lives of those who have survived the dreaded disease, and to honor those who, despite a valiant effort, lost their battle against the illness.
Each year more than 4 million people in 5,200 towns, small and large, across the country take part in the day to raise funds and to heighten awareness of the effort to finish the fight against cancer.
Laurel has outgrown its one-time reputation of a tiny hamlet. At McCullough Field numerous participants will take turns walking a path around the clock to raise awareness of the disease and collect funds to keep the battle going, because cancer never sleeps.
If you would like to learn more or want to participate in the day, go toRelayForLife.org/LaurelMD .
The city of Laurel's Employee Relations Committee will hold its annual yard sale on Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Municipal Center parking lot, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. The deadline to reserve a space is Wednesday, May 13. The cost per space is $15; $20 if you would like the use of a table. Payment must be made in cash and is non-refundable. Spaces with tables are extremely limited. To reserve a spot, visit the Municipal Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Tuesday night till 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Employee Relations Committee.
Longtime city resident James M. "Jimmy" Wilson Sr. passed away Feb. 26, 2015 after a brief illness. A veteran of the Korean War, he and his wife, Betty, who predeceased him, lived in the family abode on White Way for over 50 years.
Owner and operator of Gunpowder Garage, Jimmy Wilson had turned over the business, now located within the city limits, to his eldest son. The soft-spoken gentleman was a gifted musician, father of three, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of 12.