Greater Loch Raven: Celebrating an 'English' Christmas at Active Day

Dot English, 89 years young, helped assemble eight Christmas trees which were delivered to Active Day Adult Day Care, 3321 E. Joppa Road.

The trees were used as centerpieces in the dining room. Each tree was made using 15 foil-covered paper rolls, stacked in a tree shape, filled with garland and topped with a red, sparkling star.

The centerpieces brighten the dining room of the center, which is attended by up to 50 adults daily, and who enjoy many of the activities the center offers.

Highlights this month at the center include a concert by the Oakettes Choir from Seven Oaks Senior Center, a trip to Golden Corral and a holiday party with the kids from the Celebree Learning Center — and, of course, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The center serves adults who are in need of assistance or supervision, and also hosts an Alzheimer's support group facilitated by the Alzheimer's Association, for family members of clients.

Yolanda Locklear, the center director said, "Medical adult day (care) is a great alternative to assist those who are trying to keep their loved ones home. ... The holidays can be a stressful time even in the best of circumstances, so it is important that our active day staff brings holiday cheer to the lives of our members."

Santa and Mrs. Claus took a break from their hectic schedule to attend Hiss United Methodist Church's breakfast with Santa earlier this month.

During their morning visit, they took time to hear each child's wish list and to pose for pictures with guests.

Members of the youth group prepared a breakfast of fruit, pancakes with toppings, sausages and mini-muffins, and kids also participated in a Christmas craft project.

Pastor Mark Smiley served as "Pastor Elf" to welcome guests.

If you missed this special event, don't worry — it was so successful, they plan to make it an annual event.

Congratulations to Chuck Stembler, Calvert Hall College High School's assistant principal for student affairs, who was named the school's Distinguished Lasallian Educator for 2011-12. He is a 1983 graduate of Calvert Hall himself, has worked at the school for 25 years and, in addition to his administrative role, teaches advanced placement government.

Stembler was honored at the school's Christmas party on Dec. 10.

Also recognized for 25 years of service was Mark Amatucci, Class of 1970, who is a member of the school's guidance department and is a former varsity basketball head coach.

Congratulations also to the 165 students at Pleasant Pains Elementary School who raised more than $2,000 for the Children's Cancer Foundation. Their fundraising efforts were carried out over the last month and ended with a bowling party to recognize their efforts.

Principal Maureen Partilla said Steve Ey, physical education teacher at the school, helped bring the cause to the attention of students and parents, and "I was very proud of the response that we received."

Arnolia United Methodist Church members send a "thank you" to the community for helping them reach the 4-ton mark of paper recycling. Those who stop to put recyclable paper in the bin on the church's parking lot, 1776 E. Joppa Road, not only help the environment, but also help neighbors in need.

The church uses the money received from the recycled paper to help fund outreach program which help Loch Raven residents who are facing BGE turn offs, eviction or who need food.

To help, drop off any kind of paper except for cardboard and phone books in the bin.

Happy birthday to our oldest — Gary Van Essen — whose birthday is Dec. 27.

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