Baltimore might have Michael Phelps, but Glenwood has their own gold-medal winners! On Sept. 13, the nine members of the Glenwood Vipers men's basketball team rose early and prepared for a day of heavy competition at the Maryland Senior Olympic Basketball tournament at the Marilyn Praisner Recreation Center in Burtonsville.

The Vipers, who have been practicing together for almost a year, took very seriously their responsibility of being the first team to represent the Glenwood Senior Center (and possibly all of Howard County).

As the day started out, they questioned such things as "did they practice hard enough to insure endurance?" and "were they ready and good enough to face the competition?"

Several of the nine players walked into the Praisner Center wearing Ace bandages and knee supports. The Glenwood Vipers started off the tournament by playing their first game at 9 a.m. Good fortune prevailed and four hours later, the team walked out of the tournament, each carrying a gold medal as age 55-59 division champions

The team members are: coach Johnny Weisenborn, Colin McGraw, Herbert Parover, Robert Sharp, Marty Mundy, John Bagileo, Sonny Melcher, Frank Kitzmiller and Robert Connolly.

The Senior Olympics activities continue through October. Stay tuned to learn how other Glenwood seniors fared in other events.

Do you have someone in your house who enjoys history, particularly about the Civil War? They may be interested in the Civil War Series offered at the Glenwood Senior Center. On Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. there will be a discussion led by Jim Johnston on "General John McCausland: The Man Who (Almost) Conquered Washington."

Confederate Gen. John McCausland bragged to Ulysses Grant that McCausland had come closer to taking the city than any other Confederate general. Was he right, or was he just telling another tall soldier's tale?

And then there's that "Chambersburg thing." His grandson didn't want to talk about it. McCausland had the city burned down.

Johnston is a writer and lawyer in Washington whose articles on history, books, law, and technology have appeared in The Washington Post and Washington Post Magazine and the Montgomery County Historical Society Story. His history writings encompass such diverse topics as Yarrow Mamout, who is the subject of one of the best, early, portraits of blacks, and McCausland, who claimed that he could have captured Washington in July 1864 if he only had more men. The discussion is free, but registration is requested by calling 410-313-5440.

Do your kids enjoy playing video games? Would they like a little fun competition? The Glenwood Branch Library Youth will be hosting an evening of Wii play Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for youth ages 7-11. Come out and play your favorite Wii game or another game favorite. Registration is requested by calling 410-313-5577.

The Golden Sneakers Walking Program has returned to Dayton Oaks Elementary School. Last year, students learned how to walk for their health through this program, which encouraged voluntary student participation. The six week program allows students to walk during their recess period around the track adjacent to the school.

Incidentally, if you spend your days walking this track, you may wonder about the distance -- it is approximately 1/2 mile. Monitors track student progress and at the end of the program, the class with the highest number of participants will receive the coveted Golden Sneaker Award.

At the end of the school year, top distance walkers will be rewarded with special recognition.

Looking for something a little different for your holiday gift giving? The Glenelg High School PTSA After Prom Party Committee will be selling Yankee Candles until Oct. 20. All items will be delivered Dec. 4. Ordering information can be obtained by contacting the high school at 410-313-5528. All proceeds go towards the after-prom party.

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