Gorman Crossing Elementary School fifth-graders will participate in a Colonial Day Friday, Nov. 21. Students will go on a virtual field trip to Colonial Williamsburg, experience life at the College of William & Mary, slave quarters, learn about colonial attire and play colonial games.

In September, the fifth-grade took their first field trip of the year. They visited the Newseum, in Washington, and saw how news of events gets reported. They also saw sections of the Berlin Wall and newspapers displayed in a walking timeline.

The reading teachers at Gorman Crossing encourage students to read at least twenty minutes a night. That seems like a good idea for almost anyone.

The busy fifth-graders also investigated the effects of Earth's rotations and revolution around the sun. They learned that the sun serves as the main source of energy that powers the water cycle and causes changes in the states of water on Earth and how human activity affects the quality of water on Earth.

Four years ago, Neighbor Ride launched its volunteer-based transportation service with the mission to decrease isolation and improve the quality of life for Howard County's older residents. Today volunteers provide an average of 500 trips per month for medical appointments, shopping, social outings, personal care, business, religious services, volunteer activities and other day-to-day needs.

Additional volunteers are needed to give seniors the gift of independence this holiday season. Drivers may choose to provide rides that are convenient to their homes and daily routines. Parent volunteers are welcome and encouraged to bring their children along for a wonderful intergenerational experience.

Call Rosemary Noble at 410-884-RIDE (7433) or volunteer@neighborride.org for more information or to volunteer.

The Savage Senior Center will be closed Thanksgiving weekend, but bingo will be played Monday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. Expect a large turnout for this game. Also at the center, Agewell Exercise will hold its last class this year on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. Line Dancing continues from 11 a.m to noon.

North Laurel new or experienced gardeners are invited to register for the Master Gardener Training Program offered by the Maryland Cooperative Extension, Howard County Office. Training will cover plant, insect and disease problems, and a variety of other topics related to sustainable and environmental impacts of gardening practices.

Training is scheduled to run Jan. 26-March 30, 2009. Classes will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Maryland Cooperative Extension Office in Ellicott City. Cost of the training is $185. The registration deadline is Dec. 19. Class size is limited.

The fifth annual Howard County Student Film Festival, a product of the HCPSS Gifted and Talented Intern/Mentor Program, is currently seeking original film submissions from high school students. The festival is open to all Howard County high school students from both public and private schools.

All films must be three to 10 minutes in length, original and family friendly. Go to www.hocofilmfestival.com for more information and submission guidelines. The deadline for all submissions is Feb. 25, 2009.

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