We are reprinting this article from the Howard County section of the Baltimore Sun for the convenience of our readers.
By Lisa Madera (lisamadera@verizon.net) 410-796-8713
Baltimore Sun Media Group
Last Updated: Jul 22, 2013 at 7:00 am
A lifetime resident of Elkridge, Connie Bauman recently hosted the annual 1949 Elkridge High School Class Reunion.
According to Bauman, “Next year will mark our 65th … you do the math. We’ve been getting together every year since our 50th, which was at Savage Mill and so much fun that we started having it each year. Charlotte Clokey Watts does all the coordinating and I do the luncheon and the trip to our Ocean City beach house.”
There are very few people around here that remember Elkridge High School, where the (now vacant) Norbel School sits on Old Washington Road. Elkridge Elementary School was directly across the street in the long, brown shingle building that was converted into apartments many years ago.
Bauman explained, “When I attended Elkridge Elementary, you graduated from the seventh grade because there was no eighth until the following year, and you simply walked across the street to high school, where you went for four more years. Few went to college in those days. Some of the guys went into the service, but the others … you graduated from high school and went to work.”
Bauman recapped the reunion attendance: “There were 15 of us this year for our luncheon; sadly, we lost five classmates last year. Beverly Carr Sears traveled the longest distance from Boulder, Colorado. Also in attendance were: LaRue Shifflet McMullen, Charles Bosien, Tom Doyle, John Michael, Bruce Harman, Noble Woodall, Charlotte Clokey Watts, RoseMary Clokey Hall (along with friends Francis and Christine), my sister, Judy, and her husband, Norman Peddicord, who helped host our group of 10 at the beach house. Nancy Barnes Mayr is usually with us, but didn’t make it this year because of the bad weather. We resurrected lots of great memories and, once again, renewed those wonderful old friendships. Charles Bosien, LaRue Shifflet and Beverly Carr, and I went to school together from first grade through high school graduation.”
Sounds like the class of ’49 had a grand time. And, it’s always fun to meet new people, but old friends are the best, especially the ones who stick by you through all of life’s challenges.
According to longtime Elkridge resident and a parishioner of Grace Episcopal Church, Rita Chelton, “Grace Church is proud to announce that we have recently hired Fran Handy as the director of Grace Child Care Center. This ministry to the families of Elkridge began 40 years ago and now serves nearly 100 children and their families in a wonderful new facility. The certified programs include infant and toddler day care as well as an outstanding Pre-K program for 3 and 4 year olds.
“Handy has over 25 years of experience, as well as bachelor and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education. The center warmly welcomes all families regardless of ethnic or religious background. The Center staff values each child’s uniqueness, and provides a loving and rich environment for growth and learning during their highly formative years. To arrange a tour, or receive further information, call the center office at 410-796-4561.”
Patapsco Heritage Greenway is dedicated to preserving, protecting, interpreting and restoring the environment, history and culture of the Patapsco River Valley, as noted on their website. PHG will resume its weekly volunteer group events in September. Meanwhile, the members of this restoration initiative encourage everyone to get out and experience the beauty of this local gem — the river; its walking; hiking and biking trails; and wonderful picnic spots!
To contact PHG, it’s always best to email them. As they put it, “We are not in the office very much because we are out in the field making a difference!”
Email them at info@patapscoheritagegreenway.org. They can also be found on Facebook or Twitter or their own website at http://www.patapscoheritagegreenway.org. Their phone number is 410-480-0824.
Check out their calendar of events and find out how you can make a difference with the Patapsco Heritage Greenway.
If you’ve got news or upcoming events, kudos, and any other notables to share, don’t be shy! I’d love to hear about it.
Originally Published: Jul 16, 2013 at 1:20 pm