It's certainly no secret that the Reisterstown Festival will again be held at Hannah More Park. This marks the festival's 23rd consecutive year. It takes place on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13.

One of the festival's founders, Henry Lewis, sadly, will not be with us. But he will be with us in spirit as his collection of antique automobiles is once again on loan to the parade committee through the generosity of his widow Janet, who will be participating in the parade.

Last year, the festival shared the occasion with the 250th anniversary of the founding of our town by John Reister. This year, the festival acknowledges the 60th anniversary of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks by selecting its director, Robert Barrett, to be the grand marshall.

"I've arrived," said Barrett about being grand marshall. "It's such an honor, especially as I was a part of the committee that incepted the event."

Originally from Dundalk, Barrett moved to the northwest area with his wife, who has been a real estate agent for 25 years. As she continued to find "that perfect home," they bounced from Owings Mills to Glyndon, where they lived in the "Wells house." It was there the couple raised their two daughters.

Barrett said he finds it amusing that the house you own in Glyndon isn't referred to as "your house," that is, by your name, until you sell it to someone else.

The Barretts currently reside in Upperco in a house on the Piney Branch Golf Course. Their two daughters are grown.

Barrett has a long and impressive civic career. He worked for former County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger. He became director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks in 2002, with an operating budget of $11.3 million. The department has grown under his leadership. He now operates with a budget of $22.6 million for 43 recreational councils that draw 70,000 volunteers.

Among the accomplishments of which he is most proud is Hannah More Park, Barrett said. The park "offers the community everything but a swimming pool."

During his tenure, the park has experienced tremendous growth by adding a skate park, a dog park and, most recently, a concert shell. He has also overseen the development of the Reisterstown Regional Park, the Reisterstown Sportsplex, and is presently involved in the purchase of additional land for future development.

On Oct. 3, department staff and volunteers from the 43 recreational councils will gather at the Lodge at Oregon Ridge Park to mark the 60th anniversary of the Department of Recreation & Parks with a bull and oyster roast. A yearbook, chronicling the organization's history beginning in 1949 to the present, will be on hand.

The Glyndon Volunteer Fire Department is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new Seagrave Engine. Chief Scott Warner tells me that he will soon head to the Seagrave factory in Clintonville, Wisc., for an inspection and "tweaking" of their new addition. Delivery will then take place about two weeks following his inspection.

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, begins at sundown Sept. 18. Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars, an open gathering and service, sponsored by Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, will again be held this year at Oregon Ridge Park.

The park opens at 4:30 p.m., with a family service at 6 p.m. Participants should bring a picnic dinner, lawn chairs and blankets. This is a ticketless event, but you must make a reservation at rhus07@yahoo.com.

A very special anniversary wish goes out to Ed and Ema Kemberling.

A very special birthday wish to Miriam Black (85), Robert Mayers (80), Mary Shofer (101).

Congratulations on your milestone wedding anniversary, Celia and Stanley Levinson (54), Howard and Karen Solheim (50).

Mazel tov on the bar mitzvah of Andrew Kadish, Zachary Atran, Ethan Copeland and Todd Michaelson.

Mazel tov on the bat mitzvah of Rachel Pollak, Alyson Chason, Kendal Baklor, Esther Fuzayl, Amanda Charlow, Rachel Schwartz, Sarah Eisner and Daniela Frankel.

Best wishes for wedded bliss on the marriage of Chanpen Teeranon to Byron Levy, Melissa Rubenstein to Casey Gendason and Julie Bernstein to Steve Weinstein.

Here's to stars in your eyes on the engagement of Jennifer Stenhardt to Craig Hollander and Randi Ziman to Dennis Reisher.

Look for my next column Oct. 15.

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