AS SOON AS Suzanne Hartwig began her first lift in this year's Women's National Power Lifting Championships, she knew it was going to be a good day.
Her training sessions had been going well, and she felt strong. And when she started her lifting, everything came together. By the end of the day Jan. 20, the Crofton resident had earned her medal as national champion in the 114-pound weight class.
This wasn't Hartwig's first experience as a power-lifting champion. Since she started lifting weights in 1991, she has earned six national championships - four in the 105-pound category and two in the 114-pound class. In May, she competed in the World Power Lifting Championships in Argentina, where she ranked fifth in her weight class.
But this year's national competition, held in Fort Wayne, Ind., was special. For one thing, Hartwig's parents were present. Since they can't often travel to the major competitions, this made her success sweeter, she says.
For another, she had personal-best performances in her three events, lifting 330 pounds in the squat, 187 pounds in the bench press and 347 pounds in the dead lift.
Whether she had won or not, Hartwig says she would have felt good about her performance in the competition. But her first-place medal is one she will cherish as a reminder of a day when her hard work paid off in strong, polished lifts.
Hartwig became interested in power lifting when she was a college student. She moved to Crofton to work with a group of lifters who train in this area. When she is not busy in the gym, she is also a bookkeeper and a professional massage therapist.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Hartwig is hard at work training for her next big competition - the world championships being held in May in the Czech Republic.
Young musicians honored
Three Arundel High School music students have been honored by being named All-State musicians. Violist Lindsey Elgie and violinist Emily Chimiak earned places in the All-State Orchestra, and Mike Lawless will play trombone in the All-State Jazz Band.
Three other Arundel High students qualified for the All-County Band. Tenor saxophonist Ben Britton, flutist Meg Williamson and tuba player Robert McDonald achieved this honor.
Community CPR class
The Crofton Civic Association is offering instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to residents.
Bonnie Russell, a physical education teacher at Crofton Woods Elementary School, will teach the classes. The first session, scheduled for Feb. 10, is full. Registration is under way for a second session, with the date to be announced.
The cost for the class is $15. The Crofton Civic Association will refund the tuition for residents of the tax district. Information: 410-721-2301.
Kiwanis blood drive
The Crofton Kiwanis Club will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Crofton Woods Elementary School. Jim Alford, one of the blood drive organizers, said donor appointments can be made by calling 410-721-7264 or by e-mail at gemalf@aol.com.