All year, I feel like I have been digging for gold in my basement, closets and cabinets. Clearing out the clutter seems to be an endless chore.

The worst areas in my house are the cabinets that are right under the counter-top where we stash all our mail, knick-knacks and receipts. Now this stashing system on the counter works pretty well on a daily basis until we have guests.

During the day of preparations, all the stashes on the counter and kitchen table get thrown into the cabinets below the counter. This system works great, too, until heaven forbid, during the party I need to retrieve a dish buried under the piles of clutter, and then the avalanche happens, and the finger pointing and family fighting begins (i.e. Christmas at my place).

So, as I write, I am in the process of de-cluttering the under-the-counter cabinets. And lo and behold, I have found buried treasures such as my husband's long lost CT scan reports and a check for $1,450 from an insurance claim.

I am now ecstatic about cleaning out all my cluttered cabinets and closets. Who knows, I might even find a pot of gold.

Perhaps you have treasures buried in your basement and closets that could be useful to others. Perhaps between yourself and a couple of neighbors, you may have enough stuff to sell. The next step would be to haul it all down to the Glenwood Community Center for the Fall Flea Market Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and reservations are required. Cost: $20 for space and $5 for a 6-foot table. (This golden opportunity is calling my name!)

Speaking of gold, I have to congratulate Michael Phelps on being the most golden Olympian in history. Having watched him and some of the other Olympians in competition recently, I find myself asking the question, "At what age did these athletes begin their training?" From reading and listening to their bios in the media, most of them began before they could even walk. Which in turn makes me believe the sports and activities that a parent invests in during a child's life will pay off, soon enough.

Perhaps not everyone is destined to reach the Olympic podium, but there is much to applaud in a child's first home run or first ballet recital and all the ones to come between now and when they become stars. The Department of Recreation & Parks can provide the foundations for these activities with classes to suit each youngster's golden dreams.

At the Glenwood Community Center, 3-year olds can begin their ballet careers with the Angelina pre-ballet class. The class is designed so that little ballerinas can have fun with ballet skills and creative movement. First class begins Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. Classes run for 10 weeks; cost: $65. Ballet shoes and leotard are required.

For youngsters ages 4 and 5, Pop-Hop Jazz could be the class you are looking for. Students will continue to learn basic jazz steps and combinations while working on rhythm and choreography. They will have an opportunity to participate in a recital entitled "Pre-School Musical II" on the last day of class. First class begins on Monday, Sept. 8 at 11:45 a.m. Classes run for 10 weeks; cost: $65.

For preschoolers ages 3 and 4 interested in sports, Tiny Tykes Tee Ball will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 15 at the Western Regional Park. In this parent-child program, children get an introduction to catching, base running, and hitting. Classes run for six weeks; cost: $75.

Is soccer more your preschooler's type? Then he or she may be interested in the U.K. Elite Petite Soccer, for ages 3-5, that begins Sept. 10 at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Emphasis is on having fun with a soccer ball. Parent involvement is encouraged. Classes run for six weeks; cost: $95. Please note that classes fill up quickly.

For many more sports and recreational classes, please pick up an Activities and Programs Guide at the center or call 410-313-4840 or go to the Web site www.howardcountymd.gov/rap.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at www.shyami1@comcast.net.

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