About Olney's olney mill

Angie Houtz was born in Charles County, MD in 1974. She spent her entire life in Southern Maryland and graduated as the salutatorian from McDonough High School in Waldorf, MD. Angie attended UMBC on a full scholarship and graduated with a degree in english in 1996. Angie began working for the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, MD as an intern and then eventually graduated to a full-time job as a navy analyst. She was evenutally placed at the Pentagon. Angie was killed instantly in a conference room in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

I met Angie during orientation for college in 1992. She was my room-mate for all four years of college and forever my best friend. We shared many special times. The month before she died we had actually gone to Jamaica together to celebrate my father's 50th birthday. We had debated whether to make the trip because it was very expensive and my husband had just been laid off from his job. I will forever be grateful that I made the trip because the memories I have of those few weeks helped keep me sane in the months following her death.

(The picture below shows my housewarming in July 2001 where she showed up wearing the same thing I had on even though we had not planned it)

To honor her memory we (my husband and I, her sisters, and 2 other friends from college) started the Angie M. Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund. Angie had dedicated her life to serving other people, so it was decided that the scholarship would honor college students who also value community service.

All students attending a Maryland public tertiary institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a dedication to community service are eligible.

The fund is supported by three main sources:

1. Tax deductible donations which can be made via paypal on the website www.angiehoutzfund.com or by mail to:

• Angie Houtz Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 634, Olney, MD 20830-0634

2. Family Fun Day Fundraiser

• Held on the weekend before the memorial day weekend
• Charles County Fairgrounds

3. Angie Houtz Memorial Golf Tournament

• Held every September
• Oak Creek Golf Club
• Upper Marlboro, MD

Since its inception the fund has been awarded to the following students

• Karissa Pavelka (2008) - Towson University $3000
• Margaret Williamson (2008) - UMBC $3000
• Michael Atlas (2007) - Univ of MD - College Park $2000
• Jaclyn Nutt (2007) - Univ of MD - College Park $2000
• Kelly Slentz (2007) - UMBC $2000
• Ashley Brown (2006) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Sarah Reardon (2005) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Amanda Wilson-Ely (2005) - Salisbury Univ $2000, (2004) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Kelly Subramainian (2004) - UMBC $3000
• Janice Green (2004) - UMBC $1000
• Antonio Burton (2003) - Univ of MD - Eastern Shore $1000
• Stacey Edwards (2003) - Cecil Community College $500
• Katie Bassler (2003) - UMBC $500

There is still time to support the Angie Houtz Memorial Fund for 2009. Registrations are currently being accepted for players and sponsors for the 2009 tournament which will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009. www.golfdigestplanner.com/12017-angie

I can think of no better way to honor her memory than to be able to help well deserving students in their quest for a college education.

I you would like more information about this wonderful charity visit the website or give me a call. www.angiehoutzfund.com

There are many wonderful places in Montgomery County Maryland to watch July 4th fireworks. At most of these, festivites get under way at 7 or 7:30pm.

• Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg
• Montgomery College Campus - Rockville
• Soccer Plex Germantown Regional Park
• Albert Einstein Park - Wheaton/Kensington
• Poolesville Polo Ground
• Takoma Park Middle School

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!

That feeling of "love at first sight" is becoming more and more important in today's real estate market. Currently, over 80% of all home purchasers will get their first look at a home from internet photos. If they don't like what they see in the photos, they will cross the home off their list. Small changes will enhance a home's curb appeal without spending a huge sum of money. We often recommend to home sellers that they start their sale preparation by photographing the exterior of their home. The photos will show areas that need attention and give a clear picture of what a purchaser will see in their online search for a new home. Some cost-effective curb appeal ideas include:

Clean the driveway and sidewalk with a pressure washer.

Look at your front door and entryway. Does your door need a fresh coat of paint? How about the trim? Check for burned-out lightbulbs.

Add some new mulch and spring plants. Use plants of the same color to add more visual impact.

Create a focal point. Add an interesting, welcoming element such as a garden bench or large urn to invite visitors into the home.

Trim the bushes surrounding the house. Trim hanging tree limbs.

Patch and seal any cracks or holes in the driveway.

Don't forget the rear view. Is the patio clean and organized? Can a purchaser imagine having a barbeque?