It's hard to believe that in just a matter of days, the nation will mark the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11.
To honor and remember those individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, a public 9/11 remembrance ceremony will be held Sunday, Sept. 11 at Centennial Park South. Led by County Executive Ken Ulman and Howard County police, fire and rescue personnel, the event will be in the park's Garden of Hope from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
The community is invited to join Ulman, public safety personnel and elected officials to pay tribute to the many heroes who perished on 9/11. For more information, call the County's Office of Public Information at (410) 313-2022.
Immediately following the event, the 20th annual Howard County Police Pace 5K and 1-mile fun walk will commence.
Sponsored by the Howard County Police Foundation, proceeds from the race and fun run will benefit several foundation programs including a college scholarship for the children of Howard County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty protecting the citizens of our county.
Note that runners will be using a portion of the road between Centennial Lane and Woodland Road for the race. In contrast, the 1-mile fun walk and run will take place on paths and roads within the park.
For registration information, go to the event website at http://www.policepace.com or call event coordinator Sgt. James Capone at 410-880-3304.
Mark your calendars for Historic Ellicott City's annual Fall Festival Saturday, Sept. 24 from noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine.
Join in the fun with an entire day of activities including three stages of musical entertainment, eats and treats, beer and wine gardens, sidewalk sales, kids activities, poetry readings and, of course, the charm of walking around historic Ellicott City.
As part of the Fall Festival, Cacao Lane restaurant will host its second annual Chili Contest from noon to 6 p.m. Customers can taste chili entries and cast their ballot for the best chili. Voting closes at 6 p.m. and the winners are announced at 7 p.m. Grand prize is $150 cash while second prize is a $50 Cacao Lane certificate and third prize is a $25 Cacao Lane certificate.
Throughout the chili competition, Cacao Lane will offer drink specials at the bar and live music from several bands. If you would like to enter the contest (limited to a maximum of 15 entries), pick up an entry form at the restaurant. Cost is $10 for each entry. For more information, call Cacao Lane at 410-461-1378.
And don't forget to take the kids to the Forget-Me-Not-Factory on Main Street where Barry will be working his magic with a giant bubble maker.
Welcome Rose M. Goeres! She is the new principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, in Ellicott City. Goeres replaced long time principal Nancy Malloy, who retired.
Another friendly reminder for all motorists traveling on Centennial Lane. Many students in the neighborhoods directly across from the schools are new walkers to school because of the installation of the new traffic light in front of Burleigh Manor Middle and Centennial High schools. Use caution at this new traffic light and in the neighborhoods as the students get used to walking to school.