It looks like the children at the St. John's Nursery School of Linthicum out-hopped the Easter Bunny last month.
They did such an outstanding job on "Hopathon Day" that they raised $10,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Laurie Brady, president of the Parent Council, said this is the third year the school has participated in the program. Each year the 3- and 4-year-old children solicit pledges and money is collected and sent to the MDA, but this year Brady said the children out-did themselves.
They are to date the largest fund-raisers at any school in Maryland. They were recognized last Friday at the school by MDA officials.
Certificates and individual awards were presented to all 116 children who participated. The "top hoppers" gave a demonstration -- hopping on two feet just like a bunny -- to the sound of some lively music.
The top hopper in the 4-year-old class was Amanda Mende, who raised an amazing amount $524.84.
Josh Sockriter was the top hopper in the 3-year-old class, coming up with the large sum of $406.70.
Sisters Alissa and Audrey Nagle raised $508.98.
Other outstanding hoppers were: Andrew Brady, Armand Citroni, Phil Erickson, Justin Kennedy, Becky Dixon, Ryan Dupaya, Christopher and Lauryn Wise, Lyndsay Stauffer, Charlie Perry, Chase Hardesty and Elyse Lombardie.
Jane Soverns, director of the nursery school for 23 years, said that when she first heard about this program she thought it would be a goodeducational experience for the children.
They learned about fund-raising, and it changed their outlook toward the handicapped.
"I liked the material the MDA sent," she said. "This was a charity event that helped the children understand the handicapped better. It wasn'tlike we knew anyone but did it just to be nice."
Soverns thinks that the children's enthusiasm and achievement should be recognized. She said she was thrilled when they counted up the money in and came up with $9,996.48.
"But, I couldn't stand it. I quickly ran for my checkbook and wrote out a check for $3.52 to make it an even $10,000," she added.
It is a policy of the MDA that 90 percent of the money collected goes toward the cause and 10 percent is given back to thestudents and the school in the form of certificates and prizes. The school receives a television and VCR as part of the prize.
St. John's Nursery School is at St. John's Lutheran Church, 300 W. Maple Road in Linthicum.
Classes for 3-year-olds meet two times a week on Tuesday's and Thursday's for two hours and 15 minutes. The 4-year-oldsmeet Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 2 1/2 hours. If interested in the co-op nursery please call 859-1812.
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Greg Ugiansky, an Eagle Scout with Troop 55, will be working on a project to earn the Hornaday Award for conservation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. He is looking for help in planting 600 white pine seedlings at Overlook Park. The seedlings were donated by the Department of Natural Resources.
The trees will be planted to provide a sound barrier for Baltimore Beltway traffic noise. Volunteers are asked to bring a shovel andjugs of water. Planting will be postponed to next Saturday only if there is a downpour of rain.
Directions to the park are: Take B & A Boulevard to Nursery Road, left on Colonial Avenue, right on Linda Avenue, left on Milton Avenue and follow to the Overlook Park.
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A magician illusionist is coming to Ferndale.
Bring the whole family to the George Cromwell Elementary School at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a special treat. John Dodge will put on a magic show that is sure to baffle all. Tickets are sold at the door, $2.50 adults and $2 for children.
The Airport Coordinating Team is sponsoring this fund-raiser, one of a series the group has to raise money for its legal fund.
For further information, please call 859-3509 or 396-8686.
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How convenient: Two flea markets planned for Saturday, April 27, and both in the same neighborhood.
The first one is sponsored by the United Methodist Women at Ferndale United Methodist Church, Hollins Ferry and Ferndale Roads. Selling begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. No early birds, please.
Children's clothing, one of the most popular tables from past flea markets will be available again. Alsolook for the bake table, with lots of homemade goodies, hot dogs, beverages and pit beef available at 10:30 a.m.
You will find the second flea market not far away at George Cromwell Elementary School, 525 Wellham Ave. It is sponsored by Cromwell's Parent Teacher Association from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tables will be set up in the multipurposeroom and will feature the usual flea market items, along with a baketable. Hot dogs and drinks will be sold.
Some table space is still available for rent $10 for one, or $15 for two. For reservations call Lou Ann Trader at 760-4134. All money go toward paying for the school's instructional needs.
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Approximately 75 students from three area schools participated in the Youth Art Awards Program sponsored by the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights. At their recent monthly meeting six of these students received checks and ribbons for their art work.
Barbara Walter, chairman of the Youth Art Committee for the Woman's Club said, the following students from Lindale/Brooklyn Park Middle School were among the Class I, grades six to eight. Winners for 1991 are: First place -- Mariah Peregoy, "Cubist drawing", color pencil. Her art teacher is William Klug.
Second place -- Michele Clark, Linoprint. Her art teacher is LouAnn Heene.
Third place -- Jeff Colley, "The Parrot", tempera. Her art teacher is Kathy Taylor.
Honorable mentions: Russell White -- "Portrait", and Sara Sullivan -- "Classmates".
Class II, grades nine to 12: First place -- ScottGoergens, "Canoe Trip" in watercolor, pen and ink. His art teacher is Olin Yoder at Meade High School.
Second place: Charles Roe -- pencil drawing. His art teacher is Walt Roebuck of North County High School.
Third place: Antonio D. Paterniti, "Latern" in oil. His art teacher is Olin Yoder at Meade High School.
Honorable mentions: Chuck Guthrie -- "Covered Bridges Snow Scene" and Tae Jun Kim -- "Old Shoe", both from Meade High School; David Brown -- "Tennis Player" andWilly Scott " 1/2 coffee cups" from North County High School.
Local judges were Margie Boschert, Carol Muccino and Treeva Pippen.
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Cancer patients, their families and friends are invited to attenda free weekly support group meeting. The meetings are sponsored by the American Cancer Society and are conducted from 7 to 9 p.m. every Monday at the Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church, 200 School Lane.
For more information or directions call 793-3989 or 721-4304.
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The American Cancer Society is also having a series of classes, "I Can Cope: Learning to Live with Cancer" for patients and familymembers.
Six sessions on consecutive Thursdays will be at the Pyramid Building Complex, North Arundel Professional Center, 1406 S. Crain Highway, from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 18.
All classes are free of charge. Topics discussed include: cancer and its treatment, living with daily health problems, expressing feelings and concerns, and making use of community resources.
To register please call the American Cancer Society at 793-3989 (Baltimore), 721-4304 (Annapolis).
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Would you like to be a guest reader this week at the George Cromwell Elementary School?
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and retired seniors who like to read out loud are invited tothe school for Guest Reader Week. Books will be provided or you may bring your favorite one to share.
Parents, would you like to learnhow to help your child do his or her school work better?
A Study Skills Workshop will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, atthe George Cromwell School.
Debbie Morgan, guidance counselor, will tell parents how they can help their children study better.
Formore information on either of these events, call 761-8520.