Christopher Bonk receives Eagle Scout rank

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: December 4, 2008

Christopher Bonk, a Boy Scout in Troop 555, built this retaining wall for bleachers at Field No. 8 at Kiwanis-Wallas Park to earn his Eagle Scout rank. Christopher’s Court Of Honor was held last month at St. James United Church.

Congratulations to Christopher Bonk on receiving his Eagle Scout rank during his Court of Honor last month at St. James United Methodist Church where he is a member of Troop 555. His Eagle Scout project was constructing a retaining wall for bleachers on Field 8 at the Kiwanis-Wallas Park.

Playing baseball with the Howard County Youth Program as a young boy Christopher spent many hours at Field 8. Unfortunately, there was no flat area for bleachers or chairs for parents to watch the games. He planned, designed and created the project on his own, receiving help during the construction phase from adult leaders and scouts in his troop.

Christopher, the son of Bill and Michelle Bonk, has been involved in scouting for eight years, starting as a Webelo in Cub Scout Pack 362 where he earned the Arrow of Light Award before advancing to Troop 555 in 2001. He has held various leadership roles in the troop including Chaplain’s Aid, Assistant Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow, Nentico Lodge-12. He is completing his adult training to serve Troop 555 as an adult leader.

Christopher and his sister, Valerie Bonk, were home schooled from kindergarten to twelfth grade by their mom with Christopher graduating in June of this year. He is currently attending Howard Community College in hopes of transferring to Towson University for the physician’s assistant program.

“I am truly proud of him and his accomplishments,” Valerie said. “He is a role model to the younger boys and is always the one to step up and help with volunteer projects around the community whether it be planting bushes or cleaning up overgrown graveyards.”

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Holiday Shopping Event for Ellicott City Neighbors Dec. 13

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: December 4, 2008

Patti Sapp, left, and Susan Lavin, owners of Twins Silver Dream. (Photo by Paul Lavin).

Hillary Stishan is hosting a wonderful holiday shopping event for all Ellicott City residents, friends and families Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 10226 Globe Drive in Ellicott City.  Everyone is invited to socialize, shop with neighbors and support the following Ellicott City vendors - Tastefully Simple foods by Rolanda Brown; Arbonne International make up and skin care by Stishan; Twins Silver Dream silver jewelry by Howard County Times Elkridge columnist Susan Lavin and Patti Sapp; along with hand knitted scarves by Elizabeth du Toit and mosaics, fused glass and functional art by Sarah Pick. There will also be door prizes donated by the vendors throughout the afternoon. For more information call Hillary at 410-418-5249 or e-mail Susan and Patti at info@twinssilverdream.com.

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Bethany Lane Baptist Church Presents “90 Miles”

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: December 3, 2008

Bethany Lane Baptist Church has been preparing for their fifteenth annual Christmas production and invites everyone to attend. Written and directed by their Minister of Music, Sherrie McKay, “90 Miles” portrays the Biblical account of Christ’s birth and Mary and Joseph’s 90-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. “90 Miles” includes a full orchestra, adult choir, children’s choir, dance and drama troupe as well as stunning visual and special effects.

Due to popular demand a fourth performance has been added to this year’s production. Performance dates and times are as follows - Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 4 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. “90 Miles” is open to the public, but since seating is limited the church suggests you secure your free tickets as soon as possible either at www.bethanylanebaptist.org or by calling 410-465-0150.

The production includes original musical selections written by McKay and arranged by Jason Brown, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro.

“We have always presented a concert at Christmas and a musical drama at Easter, but I started writing my own productions in 2004,” McKay said.

The program that chronicles the struggle Mary and Joseph endured that first Christmas is free. When asked why she works so hard and for so long each year Sherrie said “People come through the doors with real life struggles. They don’t need a bunch of fluff. I love being creative and using the arts to bring this message of hope.”

The huge Christmas program takes half a year to plan. Sherrie begins preparations in the summer, listening to Christmas music, creating a story board and selecting or composing music before sharing her ideas with the production team. The choir begins rehearsing in September, the orchestra, drama and dance teams start their rehearsals in October when they all begin to meet weekly.

There are almost 100 volunteers involved in the project. Special thanks go to all with kudos to volunteer leaders Dick and Sherry Popham (Set Design and Construction), Tecla Walton and Paul Rau (Orchestra), Dennis Kleppin (Drama), Jill Kitzman (Theatrical Make Up) and Janis Solomon (Costumes). Church staff also participate including Kip Smith (Pastor), Rachel Williams (Children’s Minister), Dennis Allen (Youth Pastor), Drew Hinkle (Facilities Manager), Martha Johnson (Music Ministry Assistant) and Kate Crummitt (Administrative Assistant).

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Midnight Madness Kicks Off Friday With Tree Lighting

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: December 3, 2008

Howard County Council Chairwoman Courtney Watson along with Gov. Martin O’Malley and County Executive Kenneth Ulman  will kick off Midnight Madness in historic Ellicott City with a tree lighting Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the plaza in front of the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station.

“I invite you, and your friends and family to join me to make it a fun filled evening of dining out, shopping and musical entertainment. Shops and restaurants will remain open until midnight,” Watson said.

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2008 Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum in Historic Ellicott City

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: November 26, 2008

Another must visit this holiday season is to the 2008 Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum in Historic Ellicott City. On display until Jan. 25, you’ll see a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine G-scale model train layout along with a brand new custom-built, multi-level O-scale model train layout.

On Dec. 13 and 20, Santa Claus will greet visitors in the station’s red caboose and children can bring in a letter to Santa and mail it from the Ellicott City Station’s telegraph office. Sponsored by Constellation Energy, CSX Corporation, Homestead Gardens and Bachmann Industries, the all new 2008 Holiday Festival of Trains is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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