IT'S ALWAYS a nice thing when those who usually do for others are recognized.
ESCAPE Ministries Inc. (Enabling Social and Church Advocacy for People Enrichment) presented its annual Volunteer of the Year Award yesterday evening at its yearly membership meeting.
The Rev. John A. Morrill, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sykesville, was honored for his dedication to ESCAPE. He has been the group's board chairman for five years and has been involved in its outreach ministry since its inception in 1988.
Morrill also has been chairman of the group's annual CROP walk and traditionally is master of ceremonies for ESCAPE's Ecumenical Sing each spring.
ESCAPE works with other church-sponsored groups and county-assisted organizations to aid Carroll County's low-income residents in meeting their housing, utility and nutritional needs.
During the past year, ESCAPE served 321 families in the county and spent nearly $24,000. More than 1,900 free lunches were distributed through a bagged-lunch program, held at 11 a.m. each Wednesday at St. Paul's Church in Sykesville.
ESCAPE is supported by 17 churches in the southern Carroll County and community organizations.
New volunteers are always welcome. Volunteers staff ESCAPE's office, 5600 Old Washington Road, several hours each week.
Information: 549-7230.
Annual CROP Walk
One of ESCAPE Ministries Inc.'s annual events is just around the corner.
The annual CROP Walk to help fight hunger is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Main Street in Sykesville.
Registration will begin at 1: 30 p.m.
One-fourth of the proceeds will be returned to ESCAPE to aid Carroll residents.
The route for the stroll winds along the Patapsco River on River Road to Route 32. The road is sparsely traveled and the fall scenery is beautiful. The 10-kilometer walk generally takes about two hours to complete.
Walkers of all ages may participate.
Pledge sheets are available at Sykesville Middle School, Liberty High School and at many local churches.
Students will receive four hours of community service credit for completing the walk and turning in pledge sheets and funds. An additional hour of credit is available to those who turn in the sheets and money on the day of the walk.
Information: 549-7230.
Fall Fishing Tourney
Get your fishing gear packed and head out to Piney Run Park for the annual Fall Fishing Tourney from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Park gates will open at 4: 30 a.m. for those eager to get a choice spot, but fishing will not begin until 6 a.m.
Prizes of $300 will be awarded for the largest striped bass, the largest large-mouth bass and the largest crappie.
Second place in each category will receive $100.
Maryland fishing regulations apply, and anglers are encouraged to catch and release.
The first 150 registered boats will be accepted. An unlimited number of shoreline anglers may participate.
Information and registration: 795-3274.
Enjoy coffee, music and talk
Coffee, dessert, music and conversation will be the focus of the Christian Coffee House at Wesley-Freedom United Methodist Church from 8 p.m. to 10: 30 p.m. Saturday in the Fellowship Hall.
Admission is $4 per person. Baby-sitting is available for $3 for one child and $2 for each additional child per family.
The Coffee House is sponsored by the church's Outreach Committee.
Information: 795-2777.
Pub Date: 10/08/96
