On July 9, the Jantzen-McKeever family in the Springdale neighborhood of Cockeysville watched their house burn.

The evening fire spread quickly and engulfed the structure in minutes. We are all so grateful that there weren't any injuries from this event.

This family has four children, ranging in ages from 9 to 17. Few of their possessions have been recovered, and they have been relying on the donations of friends and neighbors to cover the essentials of living during these first weeks of adjustment.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the family may now send (or drop off) funds into a special account. To donate, put Jantzen-McKeever in the "to" line of the check, and mail to: M&T Bank, 10431 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030, Attn.: Ken Otter.

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The Springdale Swim Club is a community club in Cockeysville. The club is open through Labor Day. Membership is open to the Springdale neighborhood and select surrounding communities. The website is www.springdaleswimclub.com.

The club sponsors the Springdale Stars, which is having a spectacular season under the new leadership of coach Ashley Towle and assistant coach Tracy Cogdil.

After a close loss to last year's Division VII champions, the Atholton Barracudas, the Stars went on to defeat the Glen Burnie Cruisers and the Chartwell Chargers. The Waverly Woods Watercats proved to be a formidable foe and defeated the Stars.

However, the Stars continue to put up best times and have had several swimmers qualify for the regional Straehle Meet being held this week. The Stars look forward to their last meet against a new team, Four Seasons, and the Divisional Championship Meet to be held on July 31.

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Recently, Budeke's Paints, in Timonium, held an open house for customers. The evening's festivities were hosted by Bryan Koerber, president of the company. Everything was done to perfection, from the barbecue for dinner to the informative booths set up by a variety of vendors, the entire night was a success.

The evening culminated in a visit from Baltimore Orioles legend Boog Powell, who signed autographs and made everyone feel at ease from the moment they shook his hand. Budeke's has been a family-owned business for more than 142 years -- it's a pleasure to see such longevity.

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Here's a reminder of upcoming travel opportunities from our friends at the Cockeysville Senior Center. The travel office at the center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here are some of the trips being offered by the center. Everyone is welcome. For information, call 410-887-7694.

* Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Sunday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Sept. 2, the trip includes four nights hotel, buffet breakfasts and dinners with guided tours. Departs from the Deerco park and ride. Call for fees.

* IronBirds Baseball at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Sunday, Sept. 5 vs. the Jamestown Jammers, 1:30-8 p.m., includes bus trip and dinner. $52.

* Gettysburg Cyclorama and lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $82.

* And here are two popular holiday events: the American Music Theater Christmas Show, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., $96 for lunch, transportation and show ticket; and the Holiday Festival Concert at Pier 7, with the U.S. Army Concert and Chorale in Washington, Dec. 11, noon to 8 p.m., bus trip, ticket and dinner for $65.

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