|
Healing Field Honors 9/11 Victims The Exchange Clubs of Washington County hosted a 2004 "Healing Field" at the Antietam National Battlefield from July 1-4. Visitors to the battlefield witnessed 3,412 American flags on display in the Healing Field. Each flag represented those killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. An opening program was held at Antietam on Thursday, July 1st at 4 p.m. The public was invited to attend and participate in the ceremony. Volunteers called the actual name of each victim, posting a flag after each name was called.
Flags were sponsored
or purchased as keepsakes for $30 each and included a 3-foot-by-5-foot
American flag, 8-foot pole, decorative gold ball, and certificate of authenticity.
All proceeds from the sale of the flags will be donated to the Exchange
Club's Parent-Child Center in Hagerstown. The Parent-Child Center is a
regional center dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Miss Maryland Crowned in Hagerstown for 37th Year Miss Maryland 2004 was crowned in Hagerstown on Saturday June 19th. During the week-long activity-filled event, the 24 Miss Maryland contestants, their families, and the staff and judges of the pageant, stayed at The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek in Hagerstown. Several events took place at The Clarion Hotel, and the CVB thanks the staff of The Clarion for helping make the annual state pageant a success. The pageant generated hundreds of hotel "room nights" for Hagerstown-Washington County, and additionally has a significant local economic impact. This is the 37th year that the pageant has been headquartered in Hagerstown. Maryland Symphony Orchestra's 19th Annual Salute to Independence at Antietam
Robert Aubry Davis of WETA returned to Antietam as Master of Ceremonies. Other special guests included Miss Western Maryland, Tiffany Hawbaker, performing the Star Spangled Banner and Sing Out America, and tenor Corey Evan Rotz of the Washington National Opera. The thunder of cannons and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture brought the festive evening to a close, accompanied by Zambelli Internationale's dazzling fireworks display. The Celebration sponsors for the Salute to Independence were F&M Bank and the National Park Service. Sponsorship was also provided by Antietam Cable Television, The Herald-Mail Newspapers and Mack Trucks Powertrain Division. Additional funding for the event came from the American Legion Clopper-Michael Post #10 and the Boonsboro American Legion. South Mountain State Park Trail Added to National Recreation Trails System Department of the
Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton has announced that Maryland's Annapolis
Rock Hiker Campground and Trail is being added to the National
Recreation Trails System. It is one of twenty-seven trails in fifteen
states that are being added to the National Recreation Trails system.
The Annapolis Rock Hiker Campground and Trail is located in South Mountain State Park. The 1-mile backcountry loop trail offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. This camping area used to be known as the worst campground along the Appalachian Trail, but due to efforts of several groups, including the Department of Natural Resources, Appalachian Trail Conference, and Virginia Tech, this area has been rejuvenated. The National Recreation Trails
System
is a network of 920 trails created to provide for outdoor recreation needs,
promote the enjoyment, appreciation and preservation of open-air, outdoor
areas and historic resources and encourage public access and citizen involvement.
The system is administered by the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
Program of the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service with
support from the lead nonprofit partner, American Trails. Approximately
982 miles of trail were added to the trails system. The Annapolis Rock
Hiker Campground and Trail in Washington County was the only Maryland
trail to receive the new designation.
The CVB and Historical Entertainment LLC have announced that Washington County is the chosen location for two upcoming history film projects. The majority of the filming will take place near Boonsboro. Historical Entertainment, headquartered in Washington County, is producing a Civil War film and a World War II Drama, both scheduled to be filmed in July. The two films are "No Retreat From Destiny" and "The Pain Within." "No Retreat From Destiny" will be a top quality Civil War documentary, done in feature film style, similar to "Band of Brothers." The film is about the 1864 Battle of Monocacy. According to the documentary's producers "No Retreat From Destiny" will be much more than a typical Civil War documentary. As well as showing the battle itself, it will show the historical context in which the battle took place - the political conditions in Washington and Richmond, and the impact of the War on the general population -- and provide insights into the characters of the key figures involved. The battle scenes will be shot from July 14-19 in Boonsboro, in tandem with the Battle of Monocacy reenactment being sponsored by the Western Maryland Heritage Foundation. On July 17-18, spectators at the reenactment are also invited to watch the filming. "No Retreat from Destiny" is a self-funding independent film, which will be released to the direct home DVD sales market. The production company will handle distribution to the Civil War and history buff market in the first year. For the following year, a broader general public release has been agreed with a major distribution company. Advance DVD sales will launch when filming begins. For more information, visit the film's website at www.MonocacyMovie.com "The Pain Within" is a drama set during World War II, about the inner conflicts faced by a soldier in the fabled 10th Mountain Division in Italy. It is a fictionalized account based on a number of real individuals.. The film is being produced as a short independent feature for the film festival market, with the planning that it will be picked up by a distributor for expansion into a full-length feature. Donors and investors are still being sought. It is being filmed July 8-12 on a site near Boonsboro. It is a closed set, but according to producers, those who donate $25 or more are invited to watch the filming. For more information, visit the film's website at www.ThePainWithin.com. Historical Entertainment, LLC is a Washington County-based company that provides history-related services to the film and television industries. Past and current clients have included a variety of projects for The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, A&E, National Geographic and PBS, as well as a number of feature films. The company was founded by re-enactors and living historians involved in film work, and covers a wide variety of eras. Historical Entertainment is looking for assistance from the local business community and support in the form of discounts on group hotel bookings, catering, an on-set RV, and other services." Anyone interested in being involved should contact Historical Entertainment through the company's website at www.HistoricalEntertainment.com. Hagerstown rated Top 5 City by Money Magazine A new Money Magazine report lists Hagerstown as a Top 5 City, rating it alongside places such as Napa, Calif., Saginaw, Mich., and Salem, Ore., as one of the nation's 18 "Up and Coming Cities." In its June edition headlined, "What Makes a Place Hot," a special real estate section of the magazine ranked Hagerstown just behind Bremerton, Wash., as one of five cities with populations less than 250,000 that can attract members of the "creative class" over the next 10 years. Kevin Stolarick, who teaches information systems at Carnegie Mellon University, examined jobs of the future, growth in high-wage jobs of the future, sprawl, per capita income growth and other measures in 331 cities. The creative class, according to Stolarick, includes conservationists, psychologists, media jobs, doctors and lawyers, entertainment and leisure and recreational jobs. Hagerstown was praised
by the magazine writers for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore,
a comparatively low cost of living and an area rich in history.
Maryland Board of Public Works' Funds For Washington County The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved more than $8.1 million in funding to acquire and conserve land in 15 counties. The Board also approved $596,202 in Federal Transportation and Recreation funds for the Western Maryland Rail Trail in Washington County and a total of $753,053 in Program Open Space funds for parks and recreation facilities in Talbot, Worcester, Montgomery, Frederick and Washington counties. The board approved funding from the state's Rural Legacy Program to purchase easements aimed at preserving farmlands, forests, wildlife habitats, wetlands, views of historic sites, Civil War sites and watershed lands. These include: $300,000 to acquire easements in the Mid-Maryland Washington County Rural Legacy Area to protect farmland, forests, the South Mountain Civil War battlefield, a view of Antietam Battlefield and a greenbelt around Sharpsburg. $77,770 to acquire a conservation easement on the Robert E. and Naia H. Bonnet property off Sharpsburg Pike to preserve land near Sharpsburg and Antietam Battlefield, protect forested and agricultural land and to preserve stream buffers on a tributary of the Potomac River. Approved Program Open Space projects include: $31,500 for new lighting, electric upgrades and a new water system at the Washington County Agricultural and Education Center. $109,398 to renovate tennis courts at Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park, Washington County Regional Park, Clear Spring Park, Woodland Way County Park, Doubs Woods County Park and Hancock High School.
Volunteers Sought for Maryland Welcome Center Program The Maryland Office of Tourism is asking for help at local state facilities. According to Nancy Wilson, the Manager of Maryland's Welcome Centers, "We want to provide visitors to Washington County Welcome Centers with knowledgeable and current information. Volunteers help us assist visitors in having the best possible experience." Wilson said that volunteers are needed to assist the Sideling Hill Welcome Center near Hancock, and also the nearby I-70 East and West Welcome Centers outside of Myersville. Volunteer opportunities include Information Specialist. "This person greets visitors, assist with directions, hotel accommodations, itineraries, greet motor coaches and work with the tourism industry and private sector representatives," Wilson said. "We are interested in keeping good visitor counts, and keeping brochure racks appropriately stocked. Training will cover the history of Maryland, its people, heritage, government, economy, geography recreation, attractions, and more." Nancy Wilson noted that, "This position has additional perks such as going on familiarization tours, attending special events, Maryland logo apparel, plus more and is very suitable for adults who have a true fondness for helping people, and a real love for Washington County and Maryland." People interested
in volunteering should call: 410-767-6296. Retired individuals and seniors
are encouraged to participate. Dairying Exhibit at Rural Heritage Museum Enthusiastic visitors have praised the Rural Heritage Museum's display relating to "Dairying, Past and Present, in Washington County." Organizers say that the response has been overwhelming, and also say that the popular exhibit will continue through the summer.
The Washington
County Rural Heritage Museum is located at the Washington
County Agricultural Education Center, on State Route 65, just two
miles north of the main entrance to the Antietam Battlefield. It is open
Saturdays and Sundays from 1p.m.-4 p.m. from April through October - other
times as announced or by appointment (call 240-313-2839.) African Delegation Visits Hagerstown, Washington County - Discusses Peace Building Initiatives and Conflict Resolution More than 21 Burundians concluded a three-week visit to Hagerstown, where they took part in a peace building and reconciliation training session, and discussed ways to address conflict in their East African nation. The CVB provided assistance to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to help facilitate the group's visit. The Burundi delegation consisted of the nation's former Prime Minister, four bishops, various religious and lay community leaders, as well as representatives of women's, youth and rural organizations. While in Hagerstown, the group participated in training and dialogue regarding techniques of reconciliation, trauma and healing of memories; parish building; strategies for building partnerships with ecumenical and civil societies as well as practical techniques for peace building in the context of Burundi. The African nation is about the size of the State of Maryland, and has endured a ten-year civil war, leading to nearly 300,000 deaths. It has also forced more than a million people from their homes. The CVB's Betsy De Vore said that the group utilized the Shiloh Center, a local meeting and retreat facility where the group received a warm welcome, and felt most at home. Mason Dixon Auto Club Hosts AACA's National
Spring Meet at Ag Center The Mason Dixon Antique
Auto Club hosted the AACA's National
Spring Meet at the Washington County Agricultural/Education Center on
June 18-20, 2004. Nearly 700 cars were on display in the "Car Corral"
and were brought in from across the US and Canada. The most infamous car
at the show was the 1925 Astor taxi cab, which was originally built in
Hagerstown, MD. The Clarion was the host hotel, with other overflow hotels
used throughout the county. Williamsport's Gateway Church to Host Shenaniah International Worship Conference Gateway Church in
Williamsport, MD, has announced that their church will host the Shenaniah
International Worship Conference on August 18-21, 2004. The conference
is expected to bring in 2,000 attendees and will be staying at hotels
throughout Washington County. If you have a special offer that you would
like to promote to attendees (such as discount coupons from restaurants,
attractions, stores), please contact Betsy DeVore at 301-791-3246. Shenandoah Campaign of 1864 Seminar Planned Chambersburg Civil War Seminars will hold the Shenandoah Campaign of 1864 seminar at the Plaza Hotel on July 21-25, 2004. Approximately 100-150 civil war buffs are expected to attend, coming from Australia, the U.K. as well as from across the U.S. While here they will attend panels and hear lectures given by top civil war experts. Comanche Society Fly-In in Hagerstown The Comanche Society will be
hosting a Fly-In that is being hosted by Hagerstown Aircraft Services,
Inc. Approximately 40 Piper Comanche planes are expected. While here,
the pilots will attend seminars. CVB Member Named Finalist for State-Wide
Award DH WEB, Inc. (http://www.dhwebsites.com) has been named as a Top-Three Finalist in the Maryland 2004 Incubator Companies of the Year Awards. The Hagerstown-based company was a nominee in the Technology Service Company category. Incubator companies are located in office or research complex facilities, which help new or emerging businesses grow. DH Web, Inc. is a resident tenant in the Technical Innovation Center located at the Hagerstown Community College. The TIC operates as an economic development program, to attract high-technology companies to Hagerstown, and also to help high-tech businesses grow. The 2004 Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Awards ceremony will be held at the Center Club in Baltimore on June 16, 2004. The purpose of the awards is to publicly recognize achievements by current clients and graduates of Maryland incubators and to provide a forum for the nominees to increase their visibility in the business, technology and investment communities. DH Web, Inc. provides web site design, hosting, and support for the CVB and several other businesses in Washington County. Additionally, DH Web provides web support for clients around the world. CVB Hosts Local Elementary School More than 50 students from the Mount Aetna Adventist Elementary School spent part of their day at the Visitors Welcome Center in Downtown Hagerstown. Convention and Visitors Bureau staff members played host to students from grades three through six, their teachers, and chaperones. The students learned about the importance of tourism for Washington County's economy, and they also were educated about the efforts and activities of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The students participated in a trivia contest about Washington County tourism, as they also gained insights about Washington County parks, museums, attractions, events, and historical sites. The CVB tour was only part of the students' day, as they also visited the historic Maryland Theatre, and attended the play: "Anne of Green Gables." The CVB-organized event took place on Friday May 21st. CVB President Tom Riford said, "We welcome school groups to the CVB, and we encourage students to learn more about what Washington County has to offer to visitors and residents alike. It is terrific that educators encourage students to learn about the importance of tourism." Welcome New Members
Calendar of Events Visit the CVB's online Calendar or Events for a complete list of events being held in Washington County. If you would like to receive a supply of the brochure-version, contact Lisa Carle at 301-791-3246. Click Here For the Calendar.
CVB Staff On the Road
Want to see your
business or organization featured in the next newsletter? Do you have
news to share, special events, staff changes or promotions? Contact Charissa
Stanton, Newsletter Editor at charissa@marylandmemories.org
or fax to 301-791-2601 to be included in the next edition!
Hagerstown/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau
 To Unsubscribe From This Mailing List Please - Click Here |
||||||||||||||||||||||
The 19th Annual Salute to Independence at Antietam National
Battlefield was held on July 3, 2004. About 35,000 people were in attendance.
Named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association,
this free evening of light classical and patriotic music kicked off the
Maryland Symphony Orchestra's 23rd season and Music Director Elizabeth
Schulze's sixth season as conductor.
Movie Industry Returns
to Washington County: Two Historical Features To Be Filmed In July
Until October, in celebration of the milk producers' contribution
to the well being of Washington County, The Rural Heritage Museum will
offer each visitor a free ice cream treat. Fascinating exhibits, free
admission, a warm welcome and complimentary ice cream - what more could
you ask for?
Extra! Extra!