I recently attended the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the beautiful mosaic artwork, "Underwater Treasures," at the Elkridge Branch Library. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon with a large crowd of supportive community members, teachers, parents, elected officials, students, library staff, and representatives of the school board.

"The project represents the Route 1 revitalization and cooperation between community and students," County Executive Kenneth Ulman said. "The $4,000 was an incredibly well-spent investment."

The artist, Mary Deacon Opasik, spoke during the ceremony and said, "This was a special year of my life! I loved working with the great children at Elkridge Landing Middle School, they showed enthusiasm while working on this project."

"It not only brightens up the Route 1 corridor, but it will also remind the Elkridge community of the talents and dedication of one of the best art teachers in the HCPSS, Patti Battalia," Carol Jones said.

Battalia, the art instructor at the school who was instrumental in getting this project off the ground, said, "I love driving down the Route 1 corridor now. During the past year, Mary Deacon Opasik worked very closely with individual students to train and develop their interest and talents."

Battalia held up the original sketch next to the completed work of art, and said, "It didn't happen overnight, lots of time and effort went into this project." She is extremely pleased with the completed masterpiece.

The middle school children were very excited to be a part of this art project. "I worked on the top fin and on the treasure chest," student Skylar Waye said proudly.

If you haven't seen it yet, stop by the Elkridge Branch Library soon! It's even more amazing close up, where you can see the details.

Tonight, Thursday, Sept. 25, there will be a Greater Elkridge Community Association meeting at the Norbel School, 6135 Old Washington Road, at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Quartermania will also take place this evening at the Elkridge Firehouse on Washington Road. The doors open at 6 p.m., with the bidding starting at 7 p.m.

The Ladies Auxiliary at the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department is also sponsoring a Purse Bingo Sunday, Sept 28. Admission is $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Seating is limited, so call 410-761-6633 to get your tickets right away. Children are welcome when paying admission. The kitchen will be open starting at 12:30 p.m., with the games beginning at 2 p.m.

Emily Neubauer just celebrated her 7th birthday Sept. 2 and she sure seems wise beyond her years. She heard a few friends at school talking and found out how they helped sick children feel better through Locks of Love. Since she had very long hair, which she said "felt really heavy," she made the decision to also help those children.

"We went to Cartoon Cuts in the Columbia mall. The haircut is free and they send the hair to Locks of Love for you," said Marla Neubauer, Emily's mother.

Emily told me that she thinks the sick children just feel better when they have new hair to wear and she wanted to make them happy by giving her long hair for a wig.

Cartoon Cuts also provided a certificate from Locks of Love so she could remember this special occasion. For additional information, call Cartoon Cuts at 410-740-6665.

Emily and her family are very proud to have the opportunity to assist Locks of Love. Happy belated birthday to Emily, and thanks so much for your generous contribution!

By the way, Emily, you look adorable with your new hairdo!

You know that adults can also donate to Locks of Love. Christina Cirucci came to work at Elkridge Elementary School last week with a fashionable new haircut. She had very pretty dark brown hair that she also proudly donated to help children with cancer through Locks of Love. Way to go, Chrissy!

Congratulations to Katie and Nick Reedy who just welcomed their new baby girl, Hannah, into the world July 13. She was recently baptized in Kent Island, where the couple now resides.

You may remember Katie as Katie Smith who grew up in Elkridge. The family relocated to Kent Island a few years ago, but still have strong ties to family and friends in Elkridge.

Hannah's grandparents are Mary and Allen Smith, along with Margie and Gary Reedy, all now living on the Eastern Shore. The proud great-grandparents are Mae and Roy Grabowski and Mary and Jim Smith.

"When Hannah's eyes are open, she is the most beautiful baby you've ever seen," Great-aunt Ann Barnhouse said.

Best wishes to the happy Reedy family!

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