I am totally convinced that Alyssa Shouse will, some day, grace the stage during "American Idol," and we can all say, "I knew her when..." I wrote this statement in my column more than two years ago, when she performed "Jesus Take the Wheel" at an Elkridge Elementary School talent show. I was blown away by the depth and power of her voice when she was just itty-bitty.

Alyssa is making headway toward that "American Idol" stage, and has recently won the title of "Howard County Library Teen Idol."

The competition was held at the Baneker Room, in Ellicott City, earlier this summer. Alyssa, an eighth-grader at Elkridge Landing Middle School, performed "Broken Wing," by Martina McBride. In addition to the coveted title of Howard County Library Teen Idol, Alyssa won $200 and the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Bowie Baysox game.

Hooray also to Katie Rasmussen, who is a home school student in the area, and was named first runner-up and received $100 for her performance of "Be By My Side," from "Godspell." Second runner-up was Marissa Zechinato, a Mayfield Woods Middle School student, who received $75. Way to go, Marissa!

The competition has grown in popularity each year. This year's competition featured about 50 middle and high school students who auditioned at Miller Branch Library in late June.

After two nights of auditions, 10 students were selected as finalists, where they faced judges Amy Fadool of Fox's WBFF-TV, channel 45; Carmen Albuerne, Howard County Library teen time specialist; and Justin Custer, of Squaaks. JoJo Girard of Mix 106.5 returned as celebrity emcee, according to a press release.

Howard County Library Teen Idol competition is a component of the A+ Partners in Education initiative. Each year it has expanded to include more participants. Being involved in Teen Idol enables students develop musical talents, build self-confidence and self-esteem and to learn communication and performance skills.

For more details about Howard County Library, go to www.hclibrary.org.

The last couple of weeks have been great for Elkridge Youth Organization baseball and softball.

EYO recently hosted the 9U and 8U Cal Ripken state championship baseball games. The two 8U teams made EYO history by both advancing to the final rounds.

The Green team played in the semifinal round, but was defeated by Severna Park. The Orange team advanced to the championship game, but was beaten by CCYL. They came in second in the state! Hooray for all the players coaches and parents!

The 12U Lightning softball travel team had its Central Maryland League tournament last week. They won their first six games only giving up 13 runs to make it to the championship. Unfortunately, they lost the championship game to Germantown in a game cut short by rain.

The Lightning team had a great season with a record of 15-2 in the CML. Everyone should be proud of such a successful season.

Head coach Chris Green led the Cal Ripken 8U Green team. The players are: Gavin Courtright, Matt Flynn, Dmitri Jukas, Matthew McKinney, Zach Putnam, Colin West, Kevin Whipple, Zian Young, Cameron Robinson, John Merson, Connor McKay and Matthew McCusker.

Marc Crumback served as head coach for the Cal Ripken 8U Orange Team. The players include: Colby Johnson, Don Place, Hayden Crumbak, Ohren Hunter, Nicholas Deamer, Nicholas Claud, Ben Stephanos, Duncan Poler, Xavier Thomas, Brian Jakubek, Luke Hess and Aiden O'Connor.

The EYO Lightning Team consists of head coach Barney Barnhouse and players Julie Barnhouse, Jodi Bahrijczuk, Danielle Yarrish, Courtney Merson, Lori Sena, Christina Doshim, Sarah Johns, Kayli Paugh, Ayla Montague, Abbey Walsh and Eryn Fields.

EYO Lightning softball is planning a free softball clinic Aug. 23 at Rockburn Park at noon. Mark your calendars now, and check the Elkridge blog at www.explorehoward.com for additional details.

Speaking of the Elkridge blog...this newest media venue is a wonderful way to get your events and news out to the community quickly.

I update the blog almost on a daily basis, so please check it often. It is meant to be interactive, so you have the opportunity to comment on my posts, and elaborate or send words of encouragement concerning accomplishments of your community.

Send me pictures and news from your house and Elkridge neighborhood so they may also be included.

The Greater Elkridge Community Association has been active in the Elkridge community for more than 40 years and continues to provide a voice for residents in the 1st election district.

The association is pleased to announce the newly elected officers for the 2008-09 year. Howard Johnson, president; Ed Van Sickle, first vice president; Val McGuire, second vice president; Carol Bateman, treasurer; Sandy Grabowski, second vice president; and Laura Bauman, corresponding secretary.

Congratulations to these Elkridge neighbors who will serve as officers of GECA and look out for our communities best interests.

All are welcome to attend and discover what is happening in the area or present a topic that they feel would interest or help the community.

The meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of September, November, January, March and May at the Norbel School, on Old Washington Road, in Elkridge. This organization also invites local State and County representatives to participate in the open meetings.

"Another way to get involved is to visit our Web site www.geca-elkridge.org. Here you will find a list of the current neighborhood directors that are willing to listen and bring your ideas back to GECA," Johnson said. "You can also can print a membership form and join GECA or become a sponsor for the organization. We are always searching for new members and ideas to help maintain the quality of life we have come to appreciate in the greater Elkridge area."

I am declaring these new officers as friendliest neighbors of Elkridge this week! They are devoted to our town and persevere toward any goal they deem worthy to make Elkridge such a great place to call home.

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