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Bond Mill Elementary's kindergarten students held their own mock presidential election on Nov. 7. The four kindergarten classes of Marlee Shadman, Stephanie Scepura, Kathy Heike and Christie Hyder got to experience the election process.
With the help of retired teacher and volunteer Donna Henry, the young students discussed the issues – at least the kindergarten issues. Voting booths were set up in the hallway to resemble voting sites in Maryland. Dividers on a table would keep their votes private. Pencils and paper ballots were at each site so the kids could choose the person they thought would be the best president. A ballot with a picture of each candidate was provided and the "voters" circled their choice.
They folded their ballots and placed them in the ballot box that was made with red, white and blue construction paper and a shoe box. Once they voted, they received an "I voted" sticker. Jace said that if he were president that he would be bossy and Ellie said that if she were president that she would put a splash park in every single school. It is hoped that this activity will spur the little ones to be active participants in making good choices every day and be good citizens.
Bond Mill's 34th annual Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bond Mill Elementary on Sherwood Avenue. There will be knitting, crocheting, woodworking, homemade lovely soaps, bows and ties, candles, fresh homemade cookies, breads, candies and so much more. This year there will be a photo booth. Dress up with feathery boas, crazy hats, glittery glasses and take your picture with all your friends.
Tom's 15th annual 5k Reindeer Run will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. at the West Laurel Community Building on Brooklyn Bridge Road. The race is in memory of Tommy Linsenmeyer and benefits Sarah's House, a supportive housing program for families near Fort Meade. To register for the race, go to tomsreindeerrun.org. Race check in or registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Race shirts will be limited the day of the run. Prizes and refreshments will follow the race and Santa will make his first holiday appearance in West Laurel.
The annual West Laurel Recreation Council Holiday Party is all set for Friday, Dec. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the West Laurel Community Building. There will be music and neighborly fellowship along with an appearance of Santa and Frosty the Snowman. Dessert will be served. Volunteers are needed; contact Melissa Daston at mdaston@verizon.net or 301-776-2314.
Breakfast with Santa is right around the corner. It's time to make your reservations now. The Woman's Club of Laurel, 384 Main St. (between PNC Bank and BB&T Bank, with parking in rear) is the best Breakfast with Santa for miles around. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews for a delicious homemade pancake and sausage breakfast served with coffee, tea, milk or orange juice in a quaint comfortable setting with holiday music. Santa visits with the children providing lots of photo opportunities for the family. The price is still only $6 for adults and $3 for children (under 12). Seats are available for shifts at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Call Linda Hammil at 410 796-2205 to make your reservation. Proceeds from this event are used to support local community projects, including the WCL Tummy Tamers.