St. Francis’ Loss is Austin’s Gain

By Chuck Gait
Posted: August 5, 2008

It’s tough to say good-by to someone who, it seems, was “always there,” but that’s what the parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton have to do.

Kathy Ariel and her husband, Dave, are leaving for Austin, Texas where Dave has taken a new job. They have been members of the parish almost from the its inception — more than 19 years. And, for the past nine, Kathy has been the coordinator of religious education.

The parish religious education experienced dramatic growth during her tenure and outgrew the church, expanding to St. Paul’s, near Maple Lawn Farm. Suffice it to say that her ministry and work has touched every aspect of parish life and the people. She has helped in the formation of countless youth and adults alike.

It’s sad to see Kathy and Dave go, but they know that they will always be welcomed back with open arms. Good luck and God’s speed.

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Local Student has Truck in NASA Car Show

By Chuck Gait
Posted: August 1, 2008

Andrew Leishear of Highland, known as A.J., is a fourth-year student at Stevenson University, (formerly Villa Julie College), in Baltimore. During his summer break, he has been working down at NASA in Beltsville. And it must be a cool place to work because his boss convinced him to enter his truck in the summer car show.

AJ has a 1995 maroon, four-wheel drive, Ford F-150 flare-side short-bed pickup that is cherry. He has a custom paint job on the tail gate, a tribute to his best friend Sam Boswell, a Maryland National Guardsman who, along with three other soldiers, died in Iraq almost two years ago. A.J. said that they were able to take their work with them outside while the car show was going on. There were about 22 entries. When he finds out how he did, he promised to let me know.

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Island Rock Band plays Schooley Mill Park this Saturday

By Chuck Gait
Posted: July 29, 2008

If you like island music, the kind with steel pans (or drums), then you might want to visit Schooley Mill Park, in Highland, this Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. for a free concert featuring The Geckos, an island rock band.

The Geckos are a five-piece band encompassing electric guitar, steel pans (or drums), electric bass and drums with the occasional trumpet. I logged onto their Web site (www.thegeckos.com) and had a listen to their music. I’m not much of a music critic, but I know what I like and I enjoyed what I heard. You might too.

The concert is sponsored by the Howard County Recreation and Parks. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a picnic supper and non-alcoholic beverates and enjoy the music. For more information, you can call 410-313-7275. In the event of inclement weather, call 410-313-4452 after 4 p.m. on Saturday. I’m not sure I’ll be back from Philly, but I may see you there.

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Near-nonagenarian beats cancer - again

By Chuck Gait
Posted: July 23, 2008

Mrs. Jennie Thompson of Highland, is now officially a two-time cancer survivor. Dr. Thomas Jarrett of the George Washington University Medical Center performed the surgery July 22. After the surgery, he came out to speak with her family and told them the surgery was successful and they were able to remove the diseased kidney.

The relief in the room was almost audible. Dr. Jarrett also told the family it did not appear that the cancer had spread, pending lab results.

Jennie will be staying in the hospital for a few days and may be home by the weekend.

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Pary joins U.S. National Fencing Team

By Chuck Gait
Posted: July 9, 2008

Theo Pary did it! He took third in his division and made the U.S. National Fencing team. We found out about his triumph when his wife, Mira Picou, called to us from their yard to give us the news. He and his family will be traveling to Limoges, France where he will represent the United States at the World Championships. The irony of this is that Theo was born in Germany and was raised in Paris where his parents lived up until their deaths a few years back. Pary became a naturalized U.S. citizen several years ago. Congratulations, Theo! Woo-hoo!

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