As you may remember, the youth group at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulton sponsored a "cow kissing election" fundraising event to benefit World Vision, an international organization whose mission is to overcome hunger throughout the world.
More than $1,200 was raised for hunger relief and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans pledged a matching contribution. The "cow kiss" took place in front on the church Feb. 12. The star of the hour was a cute calf nicknamed "C.C." from the Iager farm across the street. John Murphy, a parish council member, helped C.C. prepare for the smooch. Jerry Frankenfield, the president of the Parish Council, was elected for the honor. Pastor Rod Ronneberg stood by Jerry for support and really seems to be enjoying himself.
Associate Pastor Cathy Ammlung decided to pucker up, too. Kudos to the youth ministry for putting it together, to the candidates for being good sports and to all who contributed; your donations will go a long way in the fight against hunger.
Cindy Dupski, the related arts team leader at Lime Kiln Middle School, had some nice things to say about some of her students who attended the Howard County Chamber of Commerce State of the County address and luncheon Feb. 2 at the Turf Valley Resort, in Ellicott City.
The students, all members of Junior Achievement, demonstrated the JA Finance Park simulation activity to business leaders and community members before the luncheon. Cindy wrote, "they did an amazing job talking with anyone that stopped by to ask them questions about the Financial Literacy curriculum'. Let's hear it for Austin Adamczyk, Luke Cadenhead, Tristan Gantz, Ciande Kiragu, Lauren Maghak, Claire Napoli and Jordan Sweeney.
The results are in from the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition and several Reservoir High School students from Greg English's advanced art and photography class made it to the finals.
Slightly more than 400 works from Maryland students were selected for regional-level awards and Reservoir students had 41 one of them — more than 10 percent. Here are award-winners and their categories:
Melanie Barksdale: Photography — silver; Photography Portfolio — silver; Kamal Browne: Photography — gold and silver; Ellie Budzinski: Painting — two gold, two silver, one honorable mention; Jackie Dubin: Digital Art — honorable mention; Nayab Khan: Photography — gold, silver, honorable mention, Drawing — silver; Chris Knocke: Photography — silver, honorable mention;
Laura Migasiuk: Painting — honorable mention; Drawing — honorable mention; Sculpture — honorable mention; Bailey Parater: Photography — two gold and honorable mention. Michael Ponton: Painting — silver and honorable mention; Korey Rosenbaum: Photography Portfolio — gold; Photography — honorable mention. Jena Rutten: Fashion — gold;
Alex Shaw: Photography — three gold, one silver, three honorable mention; Cassie Tucker: Photography — one gold, two silver, one honorable mention; Photography Portfolio — silver; Digital Art — honorable mention; Allie Warrick: Photography — honorable mention.
Congratulations! The gold medalists — Kamal, Ellie, Nayab, Bailey, Korey, Jena, Alex and Cassie — will be moving up to the nationals. Good Luck!
And, thanks go out to the teachers: English, Vivica Williams and Jennifer Moon.
Matty Valvano was chosen as Reservoir High School Class of 2012 Teacher of the Year by the senior class. Matt will be honored at a county wide celebration event in March. Shari Meyer was recognized as Reservoir High's nominee for the 2011-12 Howard County Public Schools Distinguished Assistant of the Year award.
Question: Should you allow your graduating senior to travel to Ocean City this year for Senior Week? How do you decide? Find out the facts when you and your graduate-to-be attend an informative session with Officer Howard Caplan of the Ocean City Police Department Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in the River Hill High School auditorium. It's a chance to talk to someone that has had first-hand experience. Pick his brain. Ask him hard questions. Then, make an informed decision.
For you gardeners and would-be gardeners, the University of Maryland Extension – Howard County, will be holding a series of one-hour veggie gardening classes Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the UM Extension office, 3300 North Ridge Road, Suite 240, in Ellicott City.
Topics include demonstrations, veggie gardening for beginners and pest management. For more information or to register, contact the office at 410-313-2707.
Keep some time open on the afternoon of March 11. That's when the 31st annual Italian dinner, sponsored by the Youth Ministry at St. Louis Catholic Church, in Clarksville, takes place. More information will follow as we get closer to the day.
Well, that's all for this week. Commit a random act of kindness. Look in on your neighbors. Say a prayer for our troops who remain in harm's way and remember their families, too.