You may have noticed a sign hanging from the second floor of 118 Hilton Avenue that reads, "Happy 100th Birthday 118 Hilton Avenue."

The house's resident, Betty Ratajczak, displayed it to celebrate the home she's lived in for 45 years.

"I remember how neighbors would gather in the summer to meet Mr. Igler's fruit and vegetable truck. He drove from his farm in Ellicott City with his sons," she said.

According to local historian Dan Rosen, who collected and documented the information, the American Foursquare with its beautiful wraparound porch was originally built for the daughter of Sen. Arthur Gorman, who represented Maryland from 1881-1899 and then 1903-1906.

But she thought it was too plain and the home was purchased by the Hildebrandts who moved to our area from Druid Hill Park.

Mr. Hildebrandt's daughter, Eva, lived in the house until 1959 then sold it to Betty and her husband, Raymond.

Raymond Ratajczak was a producer/director at Channel 2 TV for 32 years and later started Ray Ratajczak Productions, making documentaries and car commercials. He died April 5, 1986.

Their two daughters, Andrea and Teresa, both are married and live in Catonsville. They own PDA Marketing, a firm in Paradise.

John McWilliams of Patapsco Woods came in first place in last week's scrabble championship at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Second place went to Nnameke Onejeme with 316 points.

"I love word games," said McWilliams, 23, who is majoring in psychology and sociology. "It's a positive academically challenging atmosphere here."

He said he will be transferring to UMBC in January.

The second annual tournament was sponsored by the Honors Council Student Life Club to promote the Honors program at CCBC.

It included nine other students, two staff members and an English professor.

"We had a blast playing," said administrative assistant Marsha Simpson.

Mount de Sales sophomore Jodi Schneider loves volleyball.

Last summer, she worked at the Five Oaks Pool concession stand to be near the volleyball sand pit.

She played before and after work and became friends with several of the die-hard volleyball players there, including local resident Tom Anderson.

Anderson not only gave her pointers to help improve her game, he was in the crowded stands Nov. 12 when the undefeated Mt. de Sales team played for the championship of the Maryland/D.C. Private School Tournament.

Though the Sailors suffered their first defeat of the season, Jodi is already making plans for her summer work and next year.

Pat Kingsland has been a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of the Catonsville Library for nine years.

She collects materials for the display cases in the Catonsville Room.

The "Highways and Byways" Exhibit is her most recent work. It highlights the vehicles of yesteryear and also includes photos of inns and motels in the Catonsville past.

She also documents materials for historic preservation for the Catonsville Room.

"I've always loved history and I was looking for something to do after my husband passed away," said Kingsland, the mother of three boys and one girl and grandmother of seven.

She and husband, Harald, were married for 49 years.

"I love to find information for patrons researching their homes or anything else in Catonsville," she said.

She's lived near the No. 9 Trolley trail for more than 50 years.

Pat used to work at Taylor Manor Hospital as a medical records clerk for 15 years.

She said she now keeps busy enjoying her grandkids and volunteering at her church, Christ the King in Ellicott City.

The library has always been one of my favorite places," she said.

Her Highways and Byways exhibit will be on display until the spring.

Stop by the Catonsville Room Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. and say hi to Pat!

The Catonsville Garden Club is preparing for its annual wreath sale.

All the wreaths are made with fresh greens picked straight from member gardens just days before delivery with festive holiday bows and hanger wires attached.

The wreaths range in 12 inches to 16 inches in size and come in either mixed greens or boxwood, with prices ranging from $15-35.

Deadline for orders is November 27.

Deliveries made December 6.

Payment due upon delivery.

To order a Christmas Wreath, call Claire Willey at 410-744-7569 or Joan Bender at 410-744-8639.

The Catonsville Garden Club was founded in 1916 with a mission to promote interest in gardens, and to cultivate in the hearts of all, the love of flowers, nature and the protection of our environment."

A group of Catonsville High School alumna are organizing a holiday pub crawl fundraiser, the "C-Ville Santa Stumble," Friday, Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m., along Frederick Road.

Check in at the Sea Hut Inn, 729 Frederick Road, 4-6 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will to to proposed renovations such as bleachers to accommodate 2,000 fans, a new press box, concession stand, and restroom facilities at Comet Park Stadium.

"You can come in costume or just don your holiday gear, gather friends, and join us as we merrily stumble along spreading holiday cheer to everyone who should appear," said chairwoman Sue Plitt, Catonsville High Class of 1978.

Co-chairwoman Tee Singleton is from the Class of 1975.

Participants receive a red, long-sleeved T-shirt, Santa hat and wristband that guarantees discounts at Frederick Road establishments such as G.L. Shacks, El Nayar, Sea Hut Inn, Jennings Café, Objects Found and Ships Café & Sports Pub.

E-mail Sue for a registration form at plitt@umbc.edu.

A cool program at the Catonsville Library on Thursday, Dec., 3 at 7 p.m. teaches teens how to make a duct tape wallet or clutch purse.

Kayti Didriksen, an artist living in Philadelphia and a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, said she "wanted to share something kids could make in an hour.

"I made a trifold for my brother's birthday. He's very specific about his cash holder," she said. "I've also made business card holders. Next up, a magic wallet."

Call the library at 410-887-0959 for details.

Other fun programs at the library in December include:

Dec. 6: Holiday Concert with the Usual Suspects Brass Quintet. All ages are invited to enjoy traditional holiday music. Sponsored by the Friends of the Catonsville Library. Refreshments provided. 2 p.m.

Dec. 8: Decorating for the holidays presented by the Bent Twig Garden Club. Learn how to use fresh greenery to create holiday wreaths and decorations. Bring your own greens and join in the fun. 7 p.m.

Dec. 9: "Pigs at the Pole" presented by the Blue Sky Puppet Theater. The whole family will enjoy this hilarious puppet show about three not-so-little pigs who try to help Santa make presents, and along the way learn how to cooperate. The Friends of the Catonsville Library sponsor this holiday program with refreshments. 7 p.m.

Catonsville-based Believe In Tomorrow National Children's Foundation is offering five versions of holiday cards, each created by a child who has found comfort and support in the programs they offer families with critically ill children.

You can even customize your cards.

Go to www.believeintomorrow.org.

user comments (0)