Among local teachers bidding farewell to the schools where they have served over the years is Brenda Smith. Brenda has been a proud fixture at Montpelier Elementary School for more than 25 years. She also taught at Oaklands Elementary and was the first black teacher on the faculty of the former Margaret A. Edmonston Elementary. She claims a total of 40 dedicated years in the Prince George's County school system.
Brenda said she remembers "teaching, nurturing, guiding and counseling over 1,000 students who brighten my life and have made this world of teaching so rewarding." Also important to her career is the support provided by her loving husband, family and friends, as well as the parents and staff at Montpelier Elementary.
Part of Brenda's approach to teaching has always been encouraging her students to do their very best. As she leaves her teaching career, Brenda acknowledges the encouragement she herself has received, and thanks everyone for being a part of her life and "for enabling me to be the best that I can be."
As the summer season gets under way, the Montpelier Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the South Laurel Recreation Council, begins Friday, June 24, and features a performance by the Oracle Band and classic hits from the '40s to today. On July 8, Appaloosa will fill the air with a combination of classic and pop rock.
Concerts are on the grounds of Montpelier Mansion and start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. These events provide opportunities to have a picnic outside, get to know other community residents and enjoy a wonderful evening of top-notch musical entertainment.
On Sunday, June 26 and Monday, June 27 at 7:45 p.m., you may also take in a performance of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," by the Tent Troupe, a travelling summer tent theater company. On Monday, June 27, at 1:45 p.m., take the kiddies to see the same troupe offer "Once Upon A Time." Admission is free.
I recently came across a quote attributed to Will Rogers: "If dogs don't go to heaven, I want to go where they go." This saying means a lot to my family just now, as our beloved yellow Lab, Pancho Villa, left us a few weeks ago. For just over 13 years, Pancho was a companion, comforter and general pain in the neck!
We miss seeing him at the window when we come home, his big kisses when we were sad, even his habit of opening our refrigerator door with his nose to see what type of forbidden food he could help himself to. Our neighbors got to know Pancho very well and often, helped us track him down when he made a break for it. We have found some comfort at the website http://www.RainbowBridge.com dedicated to the "special little creatures who filled our lives with joy, happiness and love."
Perhaps the thoughts contained there may comfort others in similar circumstances.