Waugh Chapel

The Waugh Chapel PTA will be working with Little Caesars to help the elementary school's students earn pizzas. From now through May 31, the Little Caesars in Crofton and Odenton will be handing out receipts when you pick up your food. Teachers will collect the receipts in their classrooms. Classes will get a free pizza for every $100 in receipts.*Waugh Chapel Elementary School asks you to keep handing in Giant and Metro receipts. The school is short about $148,000. The last day to turn in Giant receipts is March 17. The last day to turn in Metro receipts is March 31.*The West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a business mixer with the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 2 at the Center for Applied Technology-North, 800 Stevenson Road in Severn.

When developer Robert DeStefano of the Sturbridge Development Co. sought a rezoning of 70 acres near Crofton to build a combination shopping center and community center, some residents were skeptical.They asked what would happen if Mr. DeStefano changed his mind about paying for the community center once the rezoning had been approved.And what would happen if the land was sold and the new owner didn't feel bound by Mr. DeStefano's promise to help the community.To reassure residents, Mr. DeStefano proposed changing the county zoning law to create a zoning category called a "community service center growth management district."

The owner of the Village at Waugh Chapel, a proposed complex of stores, restaurants, senior housing and a community center at Waugh Chapel Road and Route 3, is asking Crofton residents for their comments on the project.Robert DeStefano of the Sturbridge Development Co. said at Monday night's Crofton Civic Association meeting that his development would include a community center, a large plaza, restaurants and a small lake, and would function as a gathering place for residents."People are looking for a place to socialize and congregate," said Robert DiAiso, a former community council president who is president of the Tech Group, a land planning firm working on the project.

The Odenton Kiwanis Club has given Waugh Chapel Elementary School the Odenton Kiwanis Beautification Award. The club judged five area schools on neatness and appearance of school grounds. Many thanks go to Todd Combs, chairman of the building and grounds committee, and the parents who put in the hours each weekend at the school. Thanks also go to the Webelo Shark Patrol from Boy Scout Troop 769, Brownie Troop 428, Junior Girl Scout Troop 635, and to the students and parents who helped clean up the school grounds on Beautification Day. The donations of trees, plants and shrubbery from parents and businesses are very much appreciated.

Every month, Waugh Chapel Elementary School chooses a theme for citizenship awards.The theme in December was "Giving Your Best," with citizenship slips awarded to students who were on their best behavior, worked hard on in-class and homework assignments, helped keep their classroom clean and adhered to the rules.The students honored for good citizenship were: Jessica Alexander, Sheila Baily, Walter Boyd, Kayla Broznowicz, Evan Centineo, Carly Cross, Joan Cruz, Amber Cunningham, Catrina Dailey, Diana Dakai, Lauren Davis, Stephanie DeGroat, Danny Drummond, Nicholas Dukes, Scott Gearhart, Michael Gutierrez, Tanya Harrison, Jeffrey Higginbotham, Ashley Hughs and Elizabeth Hughs.

The Waugh Chapel Elementary School PTA is having a skating party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.The party will be held at Skate City II Roller Skating Rink on Route 3 in Crofton.Students, faculty, family and friends of Waugh Chapel Elementary are welcome to attend. Admission is $2.50, and skate rentals are $1.25.*Learn about your local merchants at the West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours Networking Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Jan. 14.The breakfast will be at Perry's Golden Flame, 1210 Annapolis Road in Odenton.

October will be a busy month for the Odenton Volunteer Fire Department.From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Company 28 will hold its annual open house, which coincides with fire prevention week.Highlights include Sparky the Clown, Smokey the Bear, refreshments for the family, tours of the Fire Department, and fire and safety information for children.The fire house is on Route 175, just south of Route 32.*The Faith Community Church Ladies Fall Luncheon is being held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, 1306 Waugh Chapel Road in Gambrills.

Waugh Chapel Elementary School and the Odenton McDonald's at 1502 Annapolis Road (Route 175) present Principal's Day from 5 to 8 tonight. Principal Joyce Fink will be behind the counter serving up the food and drinks.Face painting and balloons will be available for the children.A portion of the evening's proceeds will go directly to Waugh Chapel Elementary.*St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1283 Odenton Road, has scheduled a Flea Market for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 17 in the church hall. Fifty tables are available at $12 each.

In the mind of a 9-year-old it must seem eons ago. Imagine, 1967, a dark age before Nintendo, compact discs and VCRs, when the bulldozers tore into an old farm to make way for an elementary school in Odenton.Rachel Frieder's eyes grew wide at the very thought: 25 years ago. Imagine."THAT'S long," said Rachel, of Odenton, who attends fourth grade at Waugh Chapel Elementary School, which last week celebrated its silver anniversary. "I think they were a lot stricter" in the school in those early days, she guessed.