Laurel Woods Elementary School has started the year on the go. The school welcomed in new Principal Susan Brown, who came from Harper's Choice Middle School, in Columbia. The school also welcomed in new PTA President Felicia Battle. They seem to have a lot planned that will be exciting for the students, staff and parents.
They are very happy that Laurel Woods received a grant from the Horizon Foundation for health and wellness. Past President Gay Williams helped secure this grant to make Laurel Woods a very healthy school. They started a Girls on the Run program that helps girls start a running program. They also have a boys program called Bound for Speed.
This program will help boys learn not only speed, but strength, endurance, and flexibility. Their training in being monitored by Laurel Woods parent Tyrell Taitt, a six-time Atlantic Coast Conference champion in track and field at North Carolina State Universirty. He is also offering some mentoring to the boys about some serious issues today such as cyber bullying and self-esteem.
The school is also introducing a program called C.A.T.C.H. (Coordinated Approach to Child Health). All of these programs are free and are still looking for parents who would like to assist with them. The school recently held a Help the Homeless mini-walk. All proceeds raised from this walk went to Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services.
For more information on any of these programs or how you can get involved, go to the PTA's website at http://www.lwespta.org.
Donna Meoli, the director of spiritual formation and youth ministry at Emmanuel United Methodist Church let me know it will be holding its annual Fall Fun Day Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be lots of activities including a moon bounce, food and crafts and even a story-telling tent. The church is at 10755 Scaggsville Roadf. For more information, call the church at 301-725-5200.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is looking for crafters for its annual Christmas Bazaar. The Bazaar is scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12. Spaces cost $65 each and include a table. If you are interested, call Martie Nagle at 301-490-9446 in the evenings or at MCLNagle01@verizon.net.
The Savage Historical Society is having a meeting Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. The topic will be "The Santa Heim Years in Savage: A Closer Look". Anyone that has an ornament that was made at the Savage Factory is encouraged to bring it to the meeting. The meeting will be held at Faith and Ministry Center, 9032 Baltimore St. For more information call society secretary Helen Rushing at 301-725-1241.
Do not forget the 100-year celebration at the Laurel Park Race Track Saturday, Oct. 15. There will be a full day of fun starting at noon and running till 5 p.m. Entrance fee is $3 and children 12 and younger are free.
For more information about the day's events, go to http://www.laurelpark.com.
I hope everyone has a very good week.