MOMS Club of Ellicott City donates to the Domestic Violence Center

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: July 11, 2008

Back row, From left, Julie McClure, Jodi Finkelstein, Carol Bianchini, Kim Lennon and Frank Choi were on hand with, front row, from left, Rebecca Bianchini, Ryan McClure, Evan McClure and Julia Bianchini during a June 25 check presentation for $1,500 by the MOMS Club of Ellicott City-Central, Maryland to Domestic Violence Center of Howard County.

MOMS Club of Ellicott City-Central, Maryland members Julie McClure and Carol Bianchini presented a $1,500 donation on behalf of the club chapter to the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County June 25. Attending the check presentation from the Domestic Violence Center were Executive Director Jodi Finkelstein, Outreach Coordinator Kim Lennon and Assistant Director Frank Choi.

The MOMS Club is a local chapter of an international, nonprofit organization of moms giving other moms support. The group of more than 50 at-home mothers provided the funds following a year-long fundraising campaign that included raffles and a bake sale.

“Supporting the Domestic Violence Center complements our own organization’s mission of supporting other moms,” said Deborah Donovan, president of The MOMS Club of Ellicott City-Central. “Our chapter has consistently supported the Domestic Violence Center over the past several years and is thrilled to make this contribution and supplement Domestic Violence Center’s efforts in our local community.”

In addition to supporting a local charity each year, the MOMS Club participates in toy and school supply drives, honors our local fire and police staffs on Sept. 11 with baskets of baked goods, and provides a network of support for area moms and their families.

Group members meet monthly, enjoying guest speakers from the community and meet more frequently through smaller playgroups and social outings. Learn more by visiting www.geocities.com/momsclubofec_central/ECMC.html.

The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is a comprehensive nonprofit agency, which provides assistance to all family members impacted by domestic violence. Go to www.dvcenter.org or call 410-997-0304 for more information about the center.

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New PTA officers at Waterloo Elementary School

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: July 9, 2008

The Waterloo Elementary School PTA looks forward to a great 2008-2009 school year thanks to the efforts of the newly elected volunteer officers and committee chairpersons.

Executive Board members include: Kim McCauley, president; Lori Kelly, first vice president; Lori Carr, second vice president; Richard Ryans, treasurer; Margaret Sybert, recording secretary; Kym Nwosu, corresponding secretary; and Laura Homassel and Ann Kearney, PTAC delegates.

Committee chairpeople include Tami McClatchey, volunteer coordination; Kim McCauley, welcome back lunch; Margie Sybert, fall/spring conference dinners; Ann Russo and Sharon Foell, staff appreciation week; Julie Fisher, staff birthday celebration; Erin Erle and Laura Homassel, welcome back Italian dinner; Cherie Hromek and Jill Dunagan, Web site; Denise Hannagan, membership; Joellen Fusco and Tina Hinzman, fall fundraiser; Sabra Conley and Joellen Fusco, cultural arts; Nancy Black and Gina Garcia, yearbook; Susan and Daniel Wilt, directory; Vicki Tong, box tops; and Rachael Shapiro, school spiritwear.

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Hair salon holds Basket Bingo fundraiser to fight cancer

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: July 8, 2008

Impressions Hair Studio is sponsoring a Basket Bingo to raise funds for the American Cancer Society Aug. 16 at the Kiwanis Wallas Recreation Center.

They hope to make a difference to those who suffer now, or in the future, with this disease. “We at Impressions have seen clients, family members, and friends struggle to fight cancer,” said Sarah Cullison, manager of Impressions Hair Studio.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and games begin at 7:30 p.m. Food will be available to purchase. Impressions is behind the shopping center at the intersection of Montgomery Road and Waterloo Road. Call 410-465-8995 for tickets, to donate, or for more information.

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Volunteers clean up Patapsco River streams

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: July 7, 2008

The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway volunteers battled extreme heat last month to clean up the streams along the Patapsco River in historic Oella/Ellicott City along Frederick Road. Volunteers included (from left to right) John Will, Caitlin Weigand, Diane Sweeney, sign holder Jennifer Will, Samantha Lester, Abby Will, Ben Will, Teddy Betts and Bob Kyler.

The Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway volunteers battled extreme heat last month to clean up the streams along the Patapsco River in historic Oella/Ellicott City along Frederick Road. Thanks to them, 620 pounds trash were removed between the Wilkins Rogers Flour Mill and the B&O Railroad.

There are always lots of debris washed down nearby storm drains that end up in our streams and rivers. In addition to discarded glass and plastic bottles, plastic bags and fast-food wrappers, the team removed two bicycles, a plastic sign, a plastic hose, a dish drainer, part of a cash register and a bunch of scrap metal.

“We also discovered a lot of pieces from the old concrete bridge that was swept down the river from the 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood which was way too heavy to remove,” said Betsy McMillion, Stream Watch coordinator and captain of the clean up.

Volunteers were asked to wear comfortable, waterproof shoes and clothes, wear sunscreen and insect repellant; and bring their own work gloves and shovels in case large embedded items near the water needed to be removed. Bottled water and snacks were provided for the thirsty and hungry helpers.

Special thanks go out to McMillion and volunteers Bob Kyler, Kit Valentine, Diane Sweeney, Caitlin Weigand, Samantha Lester and the Will family – John, Jennifer, Ben and Abby — for braving the near 100-degree weather to keep our town clean and healthy.

To get an idea of what happens during these cleanup events, go to the group’s Web site at http://patapscofriend.myphotoalbum.com where you can see pictures of the volunteers in action.

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Northfield Elementary School announces new PTA board

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: July 2, 2008

Northfield Elementary School is pleased to announce its PTA Executive Board for the 2008-09 school year: Deby Sweren, President; Jackie Crispell, Vice President I; Cheryle Pathade, Vice President II; Mary Swentzel, Treasurer; Carolyn Cleary, Secretary; Kim Lyles and Brian McAllister,  PTA Council of Howard County Representatives; and Diane Demes, Citizens Advisory Committee Representative.

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