North Laurel: Three plans put North Laurel in the middle of redistricting discussion

Most of us do not pay much attention or know why they change our elected representatives. Well, this is the year for the county council, state representatives and Congress to go through a redistricitng process. Right now they are looking at the county council areas and North Laurel is mentioned in each plan proposed.

There are three proposed redistricting plans developed by the Howard County Redistricting Commission. Map 100 creates a Route 1 district which would include North Laurel, east of Interstate 95. It has North Laurel up to Elkridge in one district and is the only plan that leaves the Hammond area in District 5. Map 200 would move the Hammond area to District 4. This area is on the other side of Route 29 and contains downtown Columbia and Fulton. Map 300 would move the Hammond area to District 3, which includes the other part of North Laurel and east Columbia. The maps should be on their site, as well as a link to submit comments. If you have a preference, go to .

Do not forget that this weekend the Southeast Horizon Council will hold its eighth annual Family Health Expo at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a shuttle from the Dollar Store in the Whiskey Bottom Shopping Center. The event is free and will have free health screenings as well as a mobile food pantry.

Tai Sophia Institute, the private, nonprofit educational institute of health and wellness studies in North Laurel, is offering free lectures at lunch on Thursdays until December. Go to tai.edu and see the lecture schedule and register or call 410¿888¿9048 ext. 6616.

Terrapin Adventures is having a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Training Oct. 2. The four-hour session costs $75 with 10 percent of the proceeds going to Family and Children Services, in the Multi-Services Center on Route 1 and in Columbia.

The North Laurel Civic Association will be holding a family picnic Oct. 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the High Ridge Park Pavilion, 10100 Superior Ave. There will be food, games and even a disc jockey. Donations will be collected that will go to next year's picnic.

The Reservoir High School golf team has joined with Rachel Quade, a Soles4Souls representative and are collecting footwear that is gently used, but still in good shape. The footwear will be given to those in need. Reservoir has two collection bins; one is in student services and the other is in the atrium. They are collecting all types of footwear — shoes, sandals, boots and even cleats. The goal is to collect 50,000 pairs of shoes by Nov. 1.