Elkridge Elementary School will end this school year with a few final goodbyes to some fine folks that have been touching little lives for many years. Here are snapshots of three people that have made wonderful contributions to the education system and are now retiring, or rather evolving, into another phase of life.
Sandy Lee Byerly, para educator. After a few gentle prods, Sandy shares a little bit of herself as she embarks on her new journey.
"Elkridge is my real, honest-to-goodness 'hometown.' I grew up here and attended the old Elkridge Elementary School, Waterloo Junior High and Howard High. My husband Ken, comes from a big extended family that also have strong roots in Elkridge. Our three children — David, Nicole and Kenny — were raised here and also attended Elkridge Elementary.
"I have been in education for 30 years, first spending time with exuberant 4-year-olds at Grace Episcopal Preschool (for 12 years). I then joined the Howard County Public School System and have been enjoying myself for the past 18 years as a para education for special education, first-grade and the reading team. Although I have truly loved my job and met many wonderful people (especially the children), retirement has me very excited about spending more time with my family (especially my grandson, Colin) and will allow me time for travel."
Robyn Gold, special education teacher, is also retiring. According to Robyn, "This year will be my 30th year as a special educator in the state of Maryland. I have taught in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, but spent the past 12 years as a Howard County Public School System employee with nine of those years at Elkridge Elementary.
"It has been my pleasure to teach these students and get to know their families. They will surely be missed! As I enter the next phase of life, I am hoping to explore alternative career opportunities. In the meantime, I will spend my time doing what I love best: traveling (especially to New York City to visit my daughter, the theater major), reading (the Elkridge staff book club I began nine years ago still meets), listening to music (especially my son's musical endeavors) and taking time to stop and "smell the roses." I truly believe in the old adage: 'It's not the destination, it's the journey.'"
David Appleby, guidance counselor, has been at Elkridge Elementary for 25 years and in the county school system for 31, with three years, eight months granted for service in the Navy. Dave has also coached varsity boys basketball at Oakland Mills High School, in Columbia, for the past 21 years and varsity baseball at a variety of places for the past 16.
"I have truly enjoyed my time at Elkridge and especially remember when we were still on Old Washington Road and walking over here to view the construction and progress on the "new" school. It has been my pleasure to serve the Elkridge community and my privilege to work with so many talented professionals," he said.
This is an impressive number of years in service to the education and guidance of our future generation. And, on behalf of Elkridge Elementary School, here's wishing tremendous health, happiness, and fun to Sandy, Robyn and Dave as they embark on the joys of retirement!
Whether you use "yard, garage, moving, estate, downsizing, clutter" or any other descriptive word to convey, it's still a sale! It's great to find cool stuff and even better when "the price is right!" So, don't miss this!! Everyone loves a bargain and you'll find plenty at the community "other people's treasures" sale Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Mt. Augustine neighborhood, behind St. Augustine Church and School (off Old Washington Road in Elkridge).
Head up Augustine Avenue (next to the school), and down Virlona Avenue and to the bottom of Leaf Lane, you'll find all kinds of treasures from participating families! Item you could see at the sale include furniture and household items to outdoor toys, Longaberger brand and other useful baskets, toys, books, movies, furniture, sports equipment and other fun stuff that's just too good to give away.
So mark your calendar and plan to shop the OP Treasures Sale. Hey, even savvy men like to find treasures for a great price, and you might even find something perfect for Father's Day!
A great evening of music and fun is scheduled with Elkridge's own O.R.B. at Daniel's June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. These young musicians have played this venue a few times now and they always rock the house! O.R.B. features local residents Owen Gerus (lead vocals and drums), Bo Oliver (bass), and Cooper Gerus (guitar and some vocals). You can follow O.R.B. on Facebook at O.R.B. (just make sure you include the periods).
Daniel's is a great place to hang out with friends, take the family for dinner, and kick back with the neighbors. So plan on spending your Friday evening on the 24th at Daniel's Restaurant, on Washington Boulevard.
