I have truly enjoyed the last few weeks, traveling around our neighborhood, taking in the sights and sounds of summer. There have been those hot afternoons at Hillcrest Pool, the shopping trips to catch the best sales at the local stores, and the long walks around Calvert Hall's track. While I enjoy these moments, I always wonder whom I might run into.

Rarely do I know many of the people that I see. I see folks walking their dogs and children. I see gardeners and bike riders. I see many friendly people who always say "Hi," even though they probably have no idea who I am.

As I walk, I often wonder what these neighbors like most about the neighborhood. Maybe if you get a moment, e-mail me your thoughts about our little neighborhood. Or if you see me out and about, and you recognize me from my photo above, say "Hi. Are you that columnist lady?" It is always nice to make new friends in the neighborhood.

>Volunteers make the world go 'round. At the very least, they certainly make things happen. The Greater Loch Raven Recreation Council recently honored their volunteers at a Bull Roast/Shrimp Feast on Friday, June 22.

More than 260 guests were treated to great food and music. Volunteers received special recognition for their tireless work with the recreation council: Pat Kohlbauer and Diane Schmidt (Baseball), Susan Nolder (Tiny Tots), Matt Fraling (Boys Basketball), Anne Marie Holt (Aerobics), Victor Lengrand and Virginia Thurman (Square Dance), Emily Meoli (Mommy and Me), Tom Holland (Boys Lacrosse), John Monaghan (Boys Soccer), Greg Durkin (Girls Softball), Thea Wiser and Henry Lindeman (Jr./Sr. Football), Miriam Jennings (Football/Cheerleading).

If you are interested in learning more about the rec. council, attend the general meeting on the third Wednesday of each month, from September to June, at 8 p.m. The meetings take place in the old Loch Raven Elementary School, located at 1801 Glen Keith Blvd.

>One young "lass" in Knettishall is quite a celebrity. Molly McShalley, age 7, displayed her Irish dancing skills in front of an audience of 1,300 at Wolf Trap Farm Park in Vienna Virginia, on June 28.

Molly has been dancing for three years, and is involved with the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance. Molly's parents, Frank and Joanne, and little brother Brian, are extremely proud of her.