Elkridge Elementary School will end this school year with a few final goodbyes to some fine folks that have been touching little lives for many years. Here are snapshots of three people that have made wonderful contributions to the education system and are now retiring, or rather evolving, into another phase of life.
Sandy Lee Byerly, para educator. After a few gentle prods, Sandy shares a little bit of herself as she embarks on her new journey.
"Elkridge is my real, honest-to-goodness 'hometown.' I grew up here and attended the old Elkridge Elementary School, Waterloo Junior High and Howard High. My husband Ken, comes from a big extended family that also have strong roots in Elkridge. Our three children — David, Nicole and Kenny — were raised here and also attended Elkridge Elementary.
"I have been in education for 30 years, first spending time with exuberant 4-year-olds at Grace Episcopal Preschool (for 12 years). I then joined the Howard County Public School System and have been enjoying myself for the past 18 years as a para education for special education, first-grade and the reading team. Although I have truly loved my job and met many wonderful people (especially the children), retirement has me very excited about spending more time with my family (especially my grandson, Colin) and will allow me time for travel."
Robyn Gold, special education teacher, is also retiring. According to Robyn, "This year will be my 30th year as a special educator in the state of Maryland. I have taught in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, but spent the past 12 years as a Howard County Public School System employee with nine of those years at Elkridge Elementary.
"It has been my pleasure to teach these students and get to know their families. They will surely be missed! As I enter the next phase of life, I am hoping to explore alternative career opportunities. In the meantime, I will spend my time doing what I love best: traveling (especially to New York City to visit my daughter, the theater major), reading (the Elkridge staff book club I began nine years ago still meets), listening to music (especially my son's musical endeavors) and taking time to stop and "smell the roses." I truly believe in the old adage: 'It's not the destination, it's the journey.'"
David Appleby, guidance counselor, has been at Elkridge Elementary for 25 years and in the county school system for 31, with three years, eight months granted for service in the Navy. Dave has also coached varsity boys basketball at Oakland Mills High School, in Columbia, for the past 21 years and varsity baseball at a variety of places for the past 16.
"I have truly enjoyed my time at Elkridge and especially remember when we were still on Old Washington Road and walking over here to view the construction and progress on the "new" school. It has been my pleasure to serve the Elkridge community and my privilege to work with so many talented professionals," he said.
This is an impressive number of years in service to the education and guidance of our future generation. And, on behalf of Elkridge Elementary School, here's wishing tremendous health, happiness, and fun to Sandy, Robyn and Dave as they embark on the joys of retirement!
Whether you use "yard, garage, moving, estate, downsizing, clutter" or any other descriptive word to convey, it's still a sale! It's great to find cool stuff and even better when "the price is right!" So, don't miss this!! Everyone loves a bargain and you'll find plenty at the community "other people's treasures" sale Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Mt. Augustine neighborhood, behind St. Augustine Church and School (off Old Washington Road in Elkridge).
Head up Augustine Avenue (next to the school), and down Virlona Avenue and to the bottom of Leaf Lane, you'll find all kinds of treasures from participating families! Item you could see at the sale include furniture and household items to outdoor toys, Longaberger brand and other useful baskets, toys, books, movies, furniture, sports equipment and other fun stuff that's just too good to give away.
So mark your calendar and plan to shop the OP Treasures Sale. Hey, even savvy men like to find treasures for a great price, and you might even find something perfect for Father's Day!
A great evening of music and fun is scheduled with Elkridge's own O.R.B. at Daniel's June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. These young musicians have played this venue a few times now and they always rock the house! O.R.B. features local residents Owen Gerus (lead vocals and drums), Bo Oliver (bass), and Cooper Gerus (guitar and some vocals). You can follow O.R.B. on Facebook at O.R.B. (just make sure you include the periods).
Daniel's is a great place to hang out with friends, take the family for dinner, and kick back with the neighbors. So plan on spending your Friday evening on the 24th at Daniel's Restaurant, on Washington Boulevard.
We celebrate Father's Day Sunday, June 19. In tribute to this admirable vocation, I will share this quote, although its author is unknown:
"You can't plan the kind of deep love that results in children. Fatherhood was not a conscious decision. It was part of the wonderful ride I was on. It was destiny; kismet. All the math finally worked."
My own dad passed away very unexpectedly (and far too young) six years ago. I'd give almost anything to have him back, for he was truly my hero. So, here's to everyone who has lost their dad; may your memories be strong, bright and joyful.
And a big shout out to all the men out there — whether your role is biological, adoptive, stepfather, big brother or mentor — as children of all ages honor the commitment, talents, affection and insight that a dad figure brings to life.
These days, just when you think they just can't jam any more residential development into Elkridge, they sure find a way. However, for those who own more than your basic building plot, you can keep your land in its natural state forever.
By putting your property into a Land Trust, you can retain full and complete ownership and make any improvements compatible with a single-family residence; however, you do give up the right to develop your property for more than one residence. The Rockburn Land Trust was established in 1989 under the direction of the Maryland Environmental Trust at a time when development in the Baltimore-Washington Corridor was grossly accelerating. The RLT is a volunteer-based organization particularly endeavoring to preserve the rural and historic character of eastern Howard County near the Patapsco State Park.
Although three acres is the minimum size usually considered, smaller plots can be preserved by combining lots, or by being adjacent to open space or parks, or adjacent to property already in either MET or RLT or otherwise preserved.
Under a land trust agreement, when a property owner relinquishes their right to sell out to development this causes a devaluation (the development value), which becomes a charitable deduction reported on federal tax form 8283. Besides preserving your homestead in perpetuity, the charitable donation can lower federal income taxes and property taxes.
The cost associated with joining a land trust can also be eligible for reimbursement. Also, members in the trust vow to keep their property in an environmentally responsible manner. RLT is a member of the national Land Trust Alliance; and, with active volunteers and donations to their cause, is continuing its work to make livable neighborhoods.
For more information, call Chris Vale at 410-796-8165.
Peace and blessings to all. Keep in touch. Please let me know what you'd like to share with your neighbors; I'd love to hear about it and pass on your events, birthdays, anniversaries, great news and other achievements. Thanks and have a stellar week!