Free Hotline Imparts Useful Information

By Cassie Felch
Posted: September 9, 2008

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my family’s encounter with a black widow spider. In response, I received a phone call from John Traunfeld, Director of the University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center.

John encourages area residents to submit their plant and pest questions to the center, either via phone at 1-800-342-2507 or via e-mail through its Web site at www.hgic.umd.edu.

Staff experts operate the free telephone hotline between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have a question after hours or wish to submit a photo with your query (or just prefer to use e-mail), the website provides an easy submission form under the “Send a Question” tab. I can state firsthand that the center provided a quick and helpful response when I e-mailed a question about blueberry bushes earlier this summer.

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Home Vet Offers Holistic Approach to Medicine

By Cassie Felch
Posted: September 9, 2008

Dr. Carin Rennings poses with her mixed Pomeranian/Papillion, Lilly, and Simon, one of her two cats. (Photo by Paul Beckwith).

Recently I chatted with Dr. Carin Rennings of Home Veterinary Service. Dr. Rennings, who graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994, sees animals solely on a house-call basis for routine physicals, vaccinations, euthanasia and the like. Six years ago, I began using her services because I felt daunted by the idea of hauling multiple pets to a veterinary office with young children in tow. However, I also enjoy an unexpected perk – the opportunity to converse without feeling rushed.

This year, Dr. Rennings and I spoke about her interest in alternative medicine. After a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgia 12 years ago, Rennings grew discouraged by her lack of progress using conventional treatments. She instead turned to acupuncture, chiropractics, and energy work and noticed improvement. Then, while working with a veterinary technician who was also a certified Reiki practitioner, she observed a positive change in the behavior of “difficult” animals. The idea of combining Eastern and Western approaches intrigued her.

According to the website www.reiki.org, the Japanese word Reiki (pronounced “RAY-key”) loosely translates as “spiritually guided life force energy.” Practitioners use Reiki to reduce stress, encourage relaxation, and promote healing through the laying on of hands. Rennings began learning the technique two years ago and this July received her certification as a Reiki Master from Reiki Master and Teacher, Donna Edwards, of Columbia.

Early on, Rennings exhibited a fascination with animal training – she began this pursuit at age 10 – and her interest evolved into a study of animal communication, particularly the work of Pat Parelli, the “Horse Whisperer.” Rennings sees Reiki as similar and connected to the approaches used by Parelli and the equally well-known Cesar Millan, the “Dog Whisperer.” Although Rennings performs healings if requested, most of her human clients remain unaware that she uses Reiki constantly during her veterinary interactions. She finds the approach particularly helpful in calming owners during in-home euthanasia and once the owners feel at peace, the animals, in turn, tend to relax.

Rennings acknowledges that some people may not be receptive to holistic medicine. However, she feels very enthusiastic about the benefits and successfulness of Reiki and other non-traditional methods of therapy, and she welcomes questions on the subject.

To reach Dr. Rennings, contact Home Veterinary Service at 410-461-9969, or go to her Web site, www.carinrennings.com/homevet for additional information.

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The Youth of St. James are Kids with a Mission

By Cassie Felch
Posted: September 4, 2008

The Youth Mission Team from St. James United Methodist Church asks your support in raising money for its 2009 summer mission trip. What better way to help them out than by shopping? The youth will host a rummage sale in the church social hall fSaturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and would love to see you there.

St. James is  at 12470 Old Frederick Road, near the intersection of routes 99 and 32. Call the church at 410-442-2020 with any questions.

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Enjoy an Evening of Jazz and Art under the Stars

By Cassie Felch
Posted: September 4, 2008

Ruth Gottuk, Director of Communications for Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, invites the community to attend the church’s third annual Night of Jazz and Art on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. (tent opens at 6 p.m., rain or shine).

This outdoor event includes a display of work by local artisans and a free concert featuring The Carl Filipiak Group and The Michael Raitzyk Quartet. Bring the family, bring a picnic dinner (or purchase one for $9 from on-site caterer, Cura Hospitality), bring lawn chairs for seating, and come enjoy the evening!

Chapelgate lies just west of Turf Valley Country Club at 2600 Marriottsville Road. Call 410-442-5800 or go to www.chapelgate.org for more information.

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Explore Your Child’s School during Back-to-School Night

By Cassie Felch
Posted: September 4, 2008

Are you curious what your child experiences in school? Attend Back-to-School night to view his or her classrooms and learn what the teachers have planned for the year.

West Friendship Elementary presents its Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. During the evening, the PTA will recruit new members and volunteers. Join the dedicated group of parents who have already coordinated a Back-to-School Smoothie Break for the teachers and a Back-to-School Breakfast for the parents! Next up: a Back-to-School Dance for WFES families and staff is Friday, Sept. 5, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The WFES PTA will also kick off its Sally Foster fundraiser on Back-to-School Night. If you do not have a child in the school, but still wish to support West Friendship by ordering some superior quality wrapping paper, candy or gift items, e-mail coordinator Sharon Stewart at slstew@comcast.net

Lastly, the WFES PTA seeks businesses or individuals to sponsor Longaberger baskets for this year’s Basket Bingo, which will take place at the Sykesville Fire Hall on Feb. 21, 2009. If interested, call Darline Hettinger at 410-489-7912 or e-mail hettingers@comcast.net.

Waverly Elementary, meanwhile, offers several different Back-to-School presentations based upon grade. Special Education meets Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6:30-7 p.m., and Kindergarten and first grade meet Monday, Sept. 15 following a general PTA meeting at 6:30. Second and third grades meet Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6:30-7:30. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, GT meets from 6:30-7:00, and fourth and fifth grades meet from 7-8 p.m.

Cindi Deckman, the principal’s secretary at Waverly, explains that a PTA Showcase also takes place during the back-to-school period, Sept. 15-17, 5:30-9 p.m. The PTA uses this forum to highlight the various activities and fundraisers it sponsors throughout the year.

The school’s first fundraiser is Market Day, which means an opportunity to stock up on delicious prepared food items for easy meal ideas. Place your order with a WES student by Tuesday, Sept. 9, or go to www.marketday.com to place your order online. Remember to select Waverly Elementary School as the organization receiving your support. All orders will be available for pickup in the school cafeteria on Tuesday, Sept. 16, between 5 and 6 p.m.

In addition to fundraisers, the WES PTA sponsors many fun activities throughout the school year, including a Back-to-School picnic Monday, Sept. 9. Call the school at 410-313-2819 for more details.

At the middle school level, Mt. View presents its Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. Plan to bring your child’s Agenda Book, which should contain his or her schedule. A Family Life Meeting will precede the Back-to-School events at 6 p.m. in the Media Center.

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