Homecoming Turns Kids into Classman.

We have survived another successful Homecoming Week at Catonsville High. From the outside it may seem a trivial event, but this is the ritual that transforms 8th graders into freshman, and freshman into upper classman. It begins the year long Farewell to the seniors.

Class color day unites kids from a variety of schools into one unit. The "2014" label finally makes sense. The pep rally rituals are a safe hazing of the under classman and a rite of passage for the upper classman as they progress from the grassy hillside seats to the grand bleachers looking down on the minions. The freshman are either very good sports or clueless, as the relay game rules are stacked against them, yet they are so happy to be at the party, they don't seem to mind. Even the taunts and shouts of the seniors, can't dampen their spirits for they remember just a few months ago in middle school none of this kayos would be possible.

School Color Day/Blue and Gold Day, emphasises the unity of one school. "No matter what we are one." When they arrive at the Homecoming Game, the red, green, and purple face paint has been washed away, replaced by a sea of Catonsville blue. The Catonsville blue also unites our community. We can all wear a C-ville T, to show our Catonsville pride.

Homecoming is a week long distraction, which may disrupt the daily routine of school lessons. There is drama over outfits, and hallways, and time lost to the pep rally. But Homecoming is truly about school spirit as it forms a bond to class and school and community that connects the generations of Catonsville graduates to this community.

It's Fall in Catonsville

It's Fall in Catonsville. The fields are in full use from the "Turf" at the high school to the grassy fields of Westown to the well worn grass of CMS', there are games all weekend long. The Trolly Trail is starting to cover with colorful leaves, and Opies and the Tasty Zone are reducing supplies in preparation for their "long winter's nap." The elementary school kids are breaking out their coats on chilly mornings. The middle schoolers are still wearing hoodies and shorts.

The best place to be on a Friday night is a CHS football game. This weekend is Homeoming Night which looks like any other Friday night, as most of the parents in the stands are alumni. Win or lose, it's an entertaining evening spent with friends from the community. This is definately the place to be if you are a teen. Loud and happy kids having a great time in a safe environment, makes any parent smile.

As you race around town, dropping of and picking up kids, take a look at all the colorful trees which line our roads. It will pass quickly into winter. Reflect on the poor fellows who live in other parts of the county, who never see the changing colors of leaves. How fortunate we are.

Get a Warm Feeling Donating Winter Coats

23 Years of Coats for Kids- It's a Good Warm Feeling for Everyone

Cold weather is on the way. As you break out the winter gear, chances are there will be one or two usable coats that no longer fit your family. Make this a Win-Win by donating them to "Coats for Kids." "Coats for Kids," sponsored by WBAL radio, has been collecting and donating coats to needy children for 23 years. Coats are be dropped off at specified cleaners or Hamilton Federal Bank locations around the area. The cleaners will clean the coats and then they are distributed to children in need.

I drop our coats off at Regency Dry Cleaner 8901 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City 21043, in the "Golden Triangle." It is on the way to my real estate office, so it is an easy stop. There are 40 locations, chances are one is near where you travel.

Kids come in all sizes, (think of some of the teenagers you know) so adult size coats are also welcome.

Think about donating, "it's a good warm feeling for everyone."

Here is the link to all of the locations.

The Wine Bin Makes Wining Community Fun.

How quickly can a business become a community tradition? Just ask The Wine Bin in historic Ellicott City. The Wine Bin has invested a great deal of time, talent and energy into not only selling wine, but to also becoming a welcoming center for fun community events. There is always something going on. from the obvious wine and chocolate tastings to the less traditional wine shop events.

My personal favorites are the classic films they show under the stars in their parking lot each Saturday evening throughout the summer. It is reminiscent of the Drive-In movies I remember from childhood. There is something special about watching a movie like Monty Python, Indiana Jones or Hitchcock's North By Northwest on a big screen, with a crowd, on a warm summer night. Seeing the first row of people diving and screaming when the Jaws shark jumps towards the boat, was bonus entertainment. Each evening has a wine pairing selected especially for the film. I am only required to bring my chair. The Wine Bin loans me their lovely wine glasses (yes real glasses). It's free, it's entertaining, children and dogs are welcome, and the popcorn proceeds benefit charity. Of course this is my favorite event!

My dog Bindi enjoys the "Yappy Hours." On the 3rd Friday of the month, well behaved dogs and their wine loving owners are invited to the Wine Bin. The Wine Bin's mascot Cloe, a muscular brown and white bull dog, acts as hostess for this event benefiting BARCS of Baltimore. The tourists in town always stop to ask, "Whats going on?" and are fascinated to hear about this unique happy hour. FYI, you do not need a dog to attend.

I enjoyed their "I Love Lucy" float in the Catonsville 4th of July Parade as much as I enjoyed the weekly videos of their float build, wine drinking carpenter Matt. The owners invite wine makers, chefs and ghost tour guides into their shop, weaving their enthusiasm and lovely wine into each activity. Dave and Giuli, the proprietors, their staff and Cloe the dog, have the doors to the shop propped open on most days, which I see as a symbol of the welcoming spirit of their shop.

It's not too late to catch the last movie of the season on September 25, Princess Bride 8pm. There are more events, tons of wine and so many charities. You will need to stop by the shop and check out the website to learn more. I suddenly have a craving for a white Bordeaux.
http://winebinec.com/

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