Almost
28 million people visited Maryland last year, generating $10 billion
for the state economy. Those numbers are significantly higher than
those previously measured by the Travel Industry Association, because
the association is now using an Internet survey rather than mail
responses. About 15 million people visited the state on day-trips,
and another 12.7 million stayed at least one night in a hotel. Two-thirds
of the tourists came from close by, about a third from inside the
state, and another third from Pennsylvania and Virginia. Business
travelers represented 22 percent of the numbers. Younger executives
are using the Internet, teleconferencing and other technologies
to reduce company travel. But leisure travelers are continuing to
fill up airline seats and hotels.
 By the numbers:
- Total
tourists: 27.8 million
- People
per trip: 1.8
- Average
stay: 1.7 days
- Average
spending per trip: $353
- States
of origin:
- MD - 31%
- VA
- 16%
- PA -16%
- NJ
- 7%
- NY- 5%
- WV,
NC, DE - ~2% each
- Source: Travel
Industry Association
State
of Maryland Teams Up With Travelocity
 Potential
visitors to the state of Maryland can now book Travelocity
deals for hotels, flights and other attractions through its Web site,
part of an arrangement that the Maryland Department of Tourism hopes
will help boost tourism and increase hotel bookings in the state.
The tourism department and the online travel company have agreed that
users will be able to make travel plans through a Travelocity tool
on the tourism agency's Web site, www.visitmaryland.org.
Travelocity will pay the state a commission for all travel plans made
through the Maryland Web site. Maryland is one of three states to
have this agreement with Travelocity. Travelocity has announced similar
deals with Louisiana and Kentucky in recent months. As part of the
Maryland deal, the state will also advertise on the Travelocity Web
site, where consumers will be able to click through to visitmaryland.org
from ads on Travelocity.com.
That side of the agreement is funded in part by $50,000 from local
tourism offices and $50,000 from the state, according to state officials.
The state's commission on travel arrangements made through visitmaryland.org
is 4 percent to 50 percent of Travelocity's booking fee, depending
on whether the consumer is making airline, hotel or activity reservations,
according to the state. Last summer, the state took part in a trial
where Travelocity promoted visitmaryland.org on its Web site. During
that time frame, customers booked more than 3,000 hotel room reservations
- a 300 percent increase over the comparable period a year earlier.
Hagerstown Aviation Museum Brings C-82 Home
 The
Hagerstown Aviation Museum now has a Fairchild C-82 "Flying
Boxcar" built in the city in 1945. Museum planners bid $127,500
for the 75-foot aircraft at an auction in Greybull, Wyoming. A 10
percent buyer's premium brought the purchase price to $140,250. The
museum brought the twin-engine, propeller-driven cargo plane back
to Hagerstown, where Fairchild Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. operated
for 55 years until 1984. The plane, formally known as the C-82 Packet,
is in better condition than the two or three others known to exist,
and the only one in flyable condition. The C-82 was used for U.S.
military cargo and troop transport, and one was featured in the 1966
James Stewart film "The Flight of the Phoenix." The museum's
new C-82 arrived back in Hagerstown on October 15 and will be stored
at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The museum planners own several
other old airplanes, but the C-82 is the planned centerpiece of the
museum, which will be dedicated to Hagerstown's aviation history.
Hagerstown
Aircraft Workers Heritage Project Announced
 The
Hagerstown Aviation Museum is collecting the names and stories of
everyone who worked in the aviation industry in Hagerstown and Washington
County, and they will create a memorial honoring the contributions
of those men and women. The memorial will honor the tens of thousands
of people in the Western Maryland region who, for over 90 years, have
toiled in aircraft factories and related facilities throughout the
region to preserve freedom and advance aviation. The Hagerstown Aviation
Museum's initiative, called the Hagerstown Aircraft Workers Heritage
Project, will compile a list of names, record the stories of the workers,
and create a searchable database available to historians and descendants.
Good
Hiking and Biking Destinations are Less than an Hour's Drive From
Hagerstown
 According
to Trails.com,
a Seattle-based company that ranks more than 30,000 trails, half of
the top 10 most popular trails in Maryland are in or near Washington
County. Also, trails in Maryland and other locations throughout the
Tri-State area are among the top 20 on the Web site's National Top
100 list. Trails.com bases the rankings on reader votes, page views
and the number of times a trail's map gets downloaded. The site averages
about 2 million unique visitors per month. Western Maryland makes
for good biking and hiking because there are so many options. Maryland
has 266,000 acres of state parks and recreational areas, according
to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 Statistical Abstract of the United
States. There are also national parks such as the C&O Canal National
Historic Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. The Appalachian National
Scenic Trail winds through parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania and West
Virginia.
 Washington
County Water Trail Receives Recognition
The
American Canoe Association (ACA) has announced the selection of
twelve water trails from around the U.S. as "ACA-Recommended Water
Trails" for 2006. This year's list includes the Potomac River Trail
which runs through Washington County. Each summer, the ACA selects
twelve water trails from the U.S. and Canada as ACA-Recommended
Water Trails. ACA-Recommended Water Trails meet a set of basic criteria
and stand out as particularly good destinations for paddlers. These
trails earn the right to use a special ACA logo in maps, signs and
other printed material related to the trail. They also receive special
recognition in the ACA's Water Trails database. The Upper Potomac
River Water Trail, as described by Maryland Department of Natural
Resources, consists of approximately 115 miles of the Potomac River
corridor located between Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Cumberland, Maryland.
The water trail is widely used for kayaking, canoeing, boating,
and other outdoor activities.
The
2006 ACA-Recommended Water Trails are:
-
Apalachicola
Paddling Trail System - Florida
-
Blackwater
National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails - Maryland
-
Conodoguinet
Creek Water Trail - Pennsylvania
-
Hudson
River Water Trail - New York
-
Lower
Mattaponi and Pamunkey Canoe Trail - Virginia
-
Middle
Allegheny River Water Trail - Pennsylvania
-
Milwaukee
Urban Water Trail - Wisconsin
-
Muskingum
River Water Trail - Ohio
-
Ohio
River Water Trail - Markland Pool Section - Ohio and Kentucky
-
Ohio
listing
-
Kentucky
listing
-
Potomac
River Water Trail - West Virginia, Maryland
and Virginia.
-
West
Virginia listing - Upper Section
-
Maryland
listing - Upper Section
-
Maryland
listing
-
Lower Section
-
Virginia
listing -
Lower Section
-
Tilghman
Island Water
Trail -
Maryland
-
Willamette
River Water
Trail - Oregon
Area
Near Antietam Battlefield Gets $1.8 Million, State Preservation
Effort to Help Protect from Development Around Site of Single
Bloodiest Day in American History
 A
$1.8 million state grant has been awarded to Washington County to
preserve land around Antietam National Battlefield from development.
The grant money will be used to preserve the land through the Rural
Legacy Program. The county's rural legacy area is around the battlefield.
The program helps local governments preserve top natural, agricultural
and cultural areas, according to a written statement from the county.
The county's goal is to have about 12-thousand rural legacy acres
near the battlefield preserved. There now are about 33-hundred acres
preserved through that program.
3rd
Annual Chili Cook-Off and Music Festival A Big Success
 The
third annual Hagerstown Suns Chili Cook-Off & Music Festival drew
hundreds of chili aficionados and music fans to test the recipes of
27 teams vying for the $1,000 top prize. There was Voodoo Chili, Pirates
of the Chili-bbean and Whistling Butt Chili cooked up by teams such
as Pumpkin and Honeybun, Big Bob and Gary C, and Just Chili-N. Pots
steamed with beef, pork, chicken and even seafood chili. Both the
chili and the booths were judged by a panel that included Hagerstown
Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II, state Del. Christopher B. Shank, Washington
County Commissioners President Gregory I. Snook and Brandon Younger
of Younger Toyota, the presenting sponsor for the festival. The CVB's
Tom Riford served as Master of Ceremonies. Best Overall Chili went
to the Shock & Awe Crew led by Staff Sgt. Amy Fasulo of the Maryland
Army National Guard. Best Booth went to the Hagerstown Magazine Chili
Cheerleaders. Hagerstown Magazine was a repeat winner, having captured
the prize in 2005. Antietam Cafe & Wine Bar was the People's Choice
winner by a vote of those attending the festival. Proceeds from the
festival benefit the Walnut Street Community Health Center and the
Community Free Clinic, Smith said.
History
Channel Production Filming in Hagerstown and Washington County
 A
History Channel television network production company recently
filmed in Hagerstown and Washington County. The CVB helped with
lodging needs, filming site locations, permit processing, and
a multitude of other details. The television movie will be a
special Civil War episode scheduled to air sometime during February
of 2007. Various locations around the county were utilized,
including parts of Hagerstown and Boonsboro. The crew also visited
Fort Frederick, and other sites. Washington County has been
the location for a number of television and movie projects during
the past two years - with a more proactive marketing approach
to production companies. There have been seven network television
episodes filmed here since 2004, and three movie projects (including
two IMAX-style movies, including "Fields of Freedom" filmed
in 2005).
Anne
Hinkle Chosen As Washington County's Most Wonderful Citizen
Anne
Hinkle spends three days a week volunteering at the Western
Maryland Hospital Center, a day at Hagerstown Community College
and a day at the Western Maryland Med Bank. For her efforts,
Hinkle, 89, was chosen Tuesday as Washington County's "Most
Wonderful Citizen" at the 20th annual Maryland You Are Beautiful
luncheon at Venice Inn. Hinkle will join honorees from other
Maryland counties at a Nov. 2 reception with Gov. Robert Ehrlich
in Baltimore. Instead, she knits, crochets and works in the
community. Her volunteer efforts recently led Hinkle to a bartending
class. As a volunteer at The Maryland Theatre, she helps run
the refreshment counter. Because of new state regulations, she
had to get her bartending license because the theater needed
a licensed bartender on the premises. She moved to Washington
County in 1938 and began volunteering at her church. She served
as a deacon, an elder and worked with the Sunday school for
her Presbyterian church. The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention
and Visitors Bureau and the Board of County Commissioners co-sponsor
the annual event. The CVB's Tom Riford is the Washington County
Coordinator for the program, and served as event MC. Anne Hinkle
was nominated by Maryland Theatre Executive Director Brian Sullivan
and Executive Director of the Washington County Arts Council
Kevin Moriarty.
Suns
Cap Season With Another ESPN "Veeckie" Award
 The
Hagerstown Suns, who have created an industry-wide reputation
for their innovative promotions and events, have once again
been honored by ESPN the Magazine, one of the biggest honors
in all of minor league baseball. The magazine awarded the Suns
a "Veeckie" in their September 25 issue for their "They even
gave away the Kitchen Sink" Kitchen Sink Giveaway promotion.
The "Veeckie" Awards, named after famous baseball promoter Bill
Veeck, are given annually by the magazine recognizing the industry's
top promotions each season. The Suns have received a "Veeckie"
three of the past five years. Previous winning promotions included
the Guinness World Record for the Youngest Broadcaster ever
(2002) and the Free Funeral Giveaway (2003), which was also
selected as the Promotion of the Year by ESPN the Magazine and
was named as one of the Top 5 baseball promotions of all time
by Sports Illustrated.
Hagerstown
Suns To Become Washington Nationals Single-A Affiliate
 The
Washington Nationals and the Hagerstown Suns have executed a
two-year Player Development Agreement. The new partnership will
offer fans throughout the entire region an enhanced relationship
with current and future stars as players move through the Nationals
system on their way to RFK Stadium. The Suns will serve as the
South Atlantic League affiliate of the Nationals through the
2008 season. The Suns were an affiliate of the New York Mets
for the past two seasons. The Nationals were previously affiliated
with the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. Other
local Nationals affiliates include the Double-A Harrisburg (PA)
Senators and the Single-A Potomac (VA) Cannons. The Suns are
owned by Mandalay Baseball Properties of Los Angeles, California.
Ticket plans and sponsorships are available by contacting the
Suns at 301.791.6266.
Arts
Council Announces its First Podcast
 The
Washington County Arts Council is the newest feature on antPod,
the new source of podcasts and streaming video programs brought
to you by Antietam Cable Television in cooperation with the
Herald-Mail newspapers. WCAC's "Genuine Article" will be a regular
contribution to the site with observations on arts and culture
in Washington County. Other regular features include: daily
news headlines from the Herald-Mail; high school gridiron; a
sports roundup; commentary by Herald-Mail columnist Tim Rowland;
and "Alan's Yak, reflections on life by a fifteen-year-old's
perspective. Visit antPod at http://www.antpod.com/
or go directly to listen to "Genuine
Article" at this link.
Water
Slides Added As Part of New Water Zone at Jellystone
 Yogi
Bear's Jellystone Park and Resorts has two new 400-foot-long
water slides, part of a new water zone and splash pool. The
slides were christened Rangers Revenge and Picnic Plunge - names
chosen among thousands suggested during a yearlong contest.
The park said its nearly five-year development plan also includes
new cabins and RV sites. The water zone and dual water slides
are Washington County's first, and are unique for campgrounds
in the Mid-Atlantic states. The park has added more than a dozen
staffers because of the multimillion-dollar project. The park,
along Lappans Road, offers other attractions, include hiking,
biking, an 18-hole mini-golf course, volleyball and basketball
courts, and horseshoe pits.
Mort
Kunstler Painting Pays Homage to Local Civil War heritage
 New
York-area artist Mort Kunstler recently unveiled his latest
painting, giving a nod to Washington County's Civil War heritage.
The painting, entitled "Maryland, My Maryland," shares the name
of the state song. The painting depicts Confederate soldiers
crossing the Potomac River into Washington County in 1863, as
the 26th North Carolina regimental band sings "Maryland, My
Maryland." The Benjamin
Art Gallery recently purchased the original painting, which
will be on permanent display beginning in November.
Comedy
Club Opens in Best Western Grand Venice
 The
Comedy Zone Hagerstown, a weekly comedy club, recently opened
at Jay's Lounge at the Best Western's Grand Venice Hotel (www.grandvenicehotel.com/jays-lounge/).
Show times are 8pm and 10pm every Friday. The Comedy Zone is
a national chain of comedy clubs providing "The funniest night
of your life!" Comedic superstars such as Carrot Top, George
Wallace, Brian Regan, Dennis Miller, Jeff Foxworthy, Bobcat
Goldthwait, Rosie O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Ellen Degeneres, Bret
Butler, Rodney Carrington, Pauly Shore, Tommy Davidson, Wendy
Liebman, Bob Saget, Jeff Dunham & Peanut (the ventriloquist
and Dummy) and many more have all toured through the Comedy
Zone chain of clubs. Tickets are $10 per person.
|
 Members Spotlight
|
|
Washington
County Museum of Fine Arts Celebrates 75th
Anniversary
|
The
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating
its 75th Anniversary. In September the Museum held
its “Festival for the Arts” kickoff event
for the year-long anniversary celebration. The Museum
has been planning 75th anniversary events for more
than a year. Thousands of new promotional cards publicizing
the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts' 75th Anniversary
are being distributed throughout the area. The two-sided
design includes all the scheduled events for the special
museum observances. The design, printing, and distribution
costs are being donated by the Hagerstown-Washington
County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For
more information on the Museum or its anniversary,
please call 301-739-5727 or visit www.wcmfa.org.
 Washington
County Museum of Fine Arts
75th
Anniversary List of Events in Celebration of 75 Years
September 16, 1931 – September 16, 2006
-
Our
Fondest Hopes and Dreams - Celebrating the 75th
September 15, 2006 - January 7, 2007
-
Among
Friends: Drawings by Willem Doojewaard and William
H. Singer, Jr.
September 30 - December 12, 2006
-
Loving
Art: The William & Anna Singer Collection
January 27 - April 15, 2007
-
West
and East of Norway: Photographs by Asle Svarverud
April 27 – July 29, 2007
-
Gifts
for the 75th
June 1 – September 2
-
Sunday,
October 22, 2006
MSO Recital Series: DuoDolce, Kimberly Valerio, Flute, Michelle Myers Lundy,
Harp 2:30 p.m.
Reception to follow.
-
Sunday,
November 5, 2006
International violin virtuoso, Midori will perform a benefit concert, 3:00
p.m.
-
Sunday,
December 3, 2006
MSO Recital Series: Duo Classico – Susan Mott/Candice Mowbray
Flute & guitar in a program entitled A Silver and Rosewood at 2:30
p.m.
-
Sunday,
February 18, 2007
MSO Recital Series: Aneta Otreba, violin and Swiatoshw Koznik, cello, 2:30
p.m.
-
Sunday,
May 20, 2007
MSO Recital Series: Mariner String Quartet, 2:30 p.m.
Reception to follow
Welcome
New Members
The
CVB is proud to have more than 250 members!
C&O
Tile, Inc.
Cindy Clipp
10226 Governor Lane Blvd. #4004
Williamsport, MD 21795
301-223-1717
www.candotile.com
1828 Trail
Inn
Bill Smith
10 W. Main Street
Hancock, MD 21750
301-678-7227
www.1828-trail-inn.com
FLO
Lounge
Mike Duffy
43 S. Potomac Street
Hagertown, MD 21740
301-745-5443
43 South
Mike Duffy
43 S. Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Md 21740
301-745-5443
International
Corporate Training & Marketing
Sila Alegret-Bartel
20140 Scholar Drive, Ste. 223
Hagertown, MD 21742
301-526-7468
www.ictmllc.com
Smiling
Creek
Jack Parkins
222 E. Oak Ridge Dr. #1700
South Points Shopping Center
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-797-5737
www.visitsmilingcreek.com
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities
Monday, October 16 - A Komen Make a Difference Mammogram
Clinic will be held at Hancock Assembly of God, 431 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Hancock, MD from Noon until 4 PM. Participants in the BCA-CV Free
Mammogram Program meeting the financial guidelines will receive a
$20 Wal-Mart gift card if the mammogram is performed through December
31, 2006. Call the Marsh Cancer Center at 301-665 4671 to schedule
your appointment.
Tuesday, October 17 - Tune into "Health Matters at
9:30 AM on WJEJ -AM radio Janet Lung, BCA--CV Community Liaison and
breast cancer survivor and Dr. Kerri Hesley, MD Radiologist Diagnostic
Imaging Services will discuss the importance and advances in breast
cancer detection.
Thursday, October 19 -You are invited to attend A
Women's Health Forum "The Value of Humor when Diagnosed with Breast
Cancer". Lilly Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, Administrative Director of Breast
Center- John Hopkins University and author of Conquering Breast Cancer
- A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed will present this humorous talk.
Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 142. Dinner will be served at 5:30
p.m. Registration fee is $15.00 Register by calling 301-790-8907.
BCA-CV will have a special gift for all survivors attending the event!
Sponsored by Breast Cancer Awareness-CV, Bella Salon, Comprehensive
Women's Care, Dimensions Fine Catering, Equipped for Life, Genentech
BioOncology, John R. Marsh Cancer Center, Total Rehab Care, and Women's
Specialty Associates,.
Thursday, October 19 - Mindy Marsden, BCA-CV Vice
President and survivor will talk about breast cancer and early detection
at the Newcomers meeting at 11:30 AM at 43 South Restaurant.
Saturday, October 21 - 2006 BCA--CV COMMUNITY STEP
'N STRIDE AGAINST BREAST CANCER, One of the Biggest Walks in the area!
Join survivors, friends and family at Hagerstown Community College
Athletic Recreation Community Center from 10 AM to Noon and come out
to raise breast cancer awareness! Participants walk and/or do aerobic
type activities! For $75 in pledge donations you receive a t-shirt
and tote bag. If you have a team of five or more you might win a luncheon
pizza party! Banner contest and more! Breast Cancer Survivor's Photo
at 9:30 AM in the ARCC. Then receive your FREE Survivor's Gift! You
will receive a certificate to receive your 5 x 7 photo courtesy FirstLook
Photo. Antietam Cable and Lifetime Network will be on hand with plenty
of prizes, including free copies of the book "Why I Wore Lipstick"
- soon to be a Lifetime TV Movie! While supplies last. No purchase
necessary. Honorary Chairman Jim Pierne, Susquehanna Bank encourages
you to take STEPS "against breast cancer!" Ask your friends, your
family, your co-workers to come and be Pink Ribbon Steppers! Individual
or team participation welcome! For more information or to receive
event brochure call 301-791-5843 or 800-963-0101.
Friday, October 28 - Free Breast Cancer Screening,
A Komen Make a Difference Mammogram Clinic will be held at Marsh Cancer
Center, Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 129, Hagerstown, MD from 8:00
a.m. - 12:00 noon. Participants in the BCA-CV Free Mammogram Program
meeting the financial guidelines will receive a $20 Wal-Mart gift
card if the mammogram is performed through December 31, 2006. Call
the Marsh Cancer Center at 301-665 4671 to schedule your appointment.
Visit THE PINK PLACE at the BCA-CV office! "The Pink
Place" for all your pink ribbon awareness items at the BCA-CV office.
Pins, necklaces, bracelets (breast cancer and all cancer bead), pens,
watches, bears, cards, key chains, and more!
Community
Fundraisers to benefit BCA-CV
 October
Carol
& Company (Hagerstown) "Vera Bradley Raffle" with all proceeds
benefiting BCA-CV. 10 piece luggage set in New Hope pattern. Tickets
at Carol & Co. or BCA-CV office. $2/ticket or 3/$5. Drawing on October
31st.
Camillions (Hagerstown) "Brighton Power of Pink Bracelet" with
$5 from each bracelet benefiting BCA-CV. Sale begins Sept. 30th
while supply lasts.
Beaver Creek Christian Church "Creeky Quilters" king size
log cabin quilt ticket $1 or 6/$5. Drawing October 28th.
Tickets available at the church.
Saturday
October 14th (Rain Date Oct. 21) - Ride for a Cure 10
AM at Penn State Mont Alto Campus - Michaux State Forest. Lunch
will be provided. Designate your donations to go to BCA-CV!
For information
and sponsor sheets contact 717-597-3680 or lgolden@cvn.net. Breast Cancer Awareness-Cumberland
Valley, Inc.
E. J. Fennel Professional Center
322 East Antietam Street, Suite 101
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-791-5843 or 1-800-963-0101
hopeforu.org
This
season's Hagerstown Community Concert Association
schedule announced
-
Thursday, Nov. 30: Bay Street Brassworks. This group from Baltimore
features a trombone, French horn, tuba and two trumpets. They perform
original pieces as well as classical compositions, show tunes, Dixieland
music and more.
- Thursday,
Jan. 25, 2007: award-winning pianist Alpin Hong, who has been performing
since age 10 and has performed at Carnegie Hall.
- Tuesday,
April 17, 2007: The Four Freshmen, a harmony group performing their original
hits and favorites.
Two
current exhibitions of interest at the Washington County Arts Council
Gallery
"COMPANION"
-- an invitational exhibition exploring the question "what do animals
bring to people's lives?" -- a tribute to the staff and volunteers
of the Humane Society of Washington County. Among the featured artists
are Michael O'Brien, Katrina Hoopes, Eleanor Lakin and Beth Beckner-Mills.
Sponsored by the Washington County Arts Council and Howard's Art,
with the support of the Hagerstown Washington County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, and Bones & Cones Dessertery. Exhibit closes November
4.
"PAWS
FOR ART" - small paintings created especially for a silent
auction to benefit the work of the Humane Society of Washington County.
Dozens of jewel-like landscapes, still lifes, and figure studies.
Bidding takes place until October 28 at the WCAC Gallery in downtown
Hagerstown. The paintings remain on exhibition until November 4.
Downtown
Live! Music Festival Planned For October 21
 Downtown
Live!, an outdoor music festival, is planned for October 21 from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. It will be held in the first block of South Potomac
Street in downtown Hagerstown and will feature 10 bands as well as
food and drink specials from local restaurants. Downtown restaurants
participating in the festival are 43 South, Roccoco, and Michelle's.
Bud Light and FM radio station 106.9 EAGLE are sponsoring the event.
New restaurants will be opening soon on the first block of South Potomac
Street, including Duffy's and Ava's. The bands scheduled to perform
at Downtown Live! are Jimmies Chicken Shack, Lloyd Dobler Effect,
Jah Works, Kelly Bell Band, Jar Flys, Ledbetter Heights, The JiMiller
Band, DC and the Continentals, StackoBlues, and Monsters from the
Surf. Tickets for Downtown Live! are $10 in advance or $15 at the
gate. Proceeds will benefit the Maryland Theatre and the Washington
County Library Building Fund.
Taste
Of Washington County Fundraiser Set For Nov. 5
 The
fourth annual Taste of Washington County is scheduled for November
5 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the ballroom of The Plaza Hotel.
The event is a fundraiser for the Miss Washington County-Miss Western
Maryland Scholarship Foundation, associated with the Miss America
Organization, the largest source of scholarship money for women
ages 18 to 24. Taste of Washington County will feature door prizes
throughout the afternoon and a silent auction. Auction items include
several getaway packages, as well as gift items and books. Miss
Maryland Brittany Lietz will be on hand to greet guests. Local titleholders
Miss Washington County Carrie Shank and Miss Western Maryland Autumn
Smith will also be in attendance, as will Miss Teen Washington County
Karly Logsdon and Miss Teen Western Maryland Lindsay Hanna. The
CVB's Tom Riford will serve as the event's MC. Organizers emphasize
that Taste of Washington County is a tasting event, not a full buffet.
A sampling of food will be made available to those attending and
will be served by each participating restaurant at its own table.
Among participating restaurants are Fireside, Tastefully Simple,
Leiter's Catering, Washington County Technical High School, Hub
City General Store and 43 South. Tickets cost $20 and may be obtained
by calling Barbara Carson at 301-733-6340 or Jan Dorsey at 301-733-8278.
Annual
CVB Membership Meeting Scheduled for December 7
The
Convention and Visitors Bureau's Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled
for December 7, 2006. A $500 gift certificate to the Valley Mall
will be given away at the meeting. Please call Jolene Thomas at
301-791-3246, ext. 13, to register your attendance.
Around
Washington County Tourism |
CVB Attends Maryland Association of Counties Conference
 Hundreds
of officials from 23 counties attended the Maryland Association of
Counties Conference at the Convention Center in Ocean City. Besides
being an educational and networking event, the MACO Conference helps
participants learn about the important issues facing government officials
such as growth, corrections and open meetings. The Washington County
display this year was organized and manned by Tom Riford and Betsy
De Vore of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors
Bureau. Many of the scheduled study sessions addressed growth issues.
Also, wetland protection, parks, water concerns, and development were
also discussed by the state-wide organization. In attendance were
Washington County Commissioners who Greg Snook, Bill Wivell, Dori
Nipps, and Jim Kercheval; Washington County School Superintendent
Betty Morgan; Governor and Mrs. Ehrlich; US Senators Mikulski and
Sarbanes; several Maryland cabinet secretaries and members of DBED’s
top management, and many other county and state officials.
 Bones
& Cones Ribbon Cutting
Bones
& Cones Dessertery had an Official Ribbon Cutting ceremony and
received a citation from Mayor Robert Bruchey on September 14. The
ice cream and dessert shop is located at 2 South Potomac Street and
opened its doors in June. Bones and Cones features handmade waffle
cones filled with homemade hand dipped ice cream and frozen canine
treats. They also offer chocolates, pastries, cookies, ice cream drinks,
seasonal delights, and much more. Pictured are co-owners Valerie Minteer
and Charles R. "Chip" Stewart and Mayor Robert Bruchey.
Macy’s
Opens at Valley Mall
 The
Valley Mall’s new Macy’s store was officially unveiled
on Saturday, September 9. Federated Department Store acquired May
Company stores last year. The former Hecht’s store is stocked
with national brands such as Calvin Klein, Puma, and Champion, in
addition to Macy’s many private labels, including INC and
Charter Club. The juniors sections now features 7 for All Mankind
and Lucky Brand Jeans. The mall expects an increase in people visiting
the mall because of the new inventory carried by Macy’s.
BCBG
Max Azria Store Top Open At Prime Outlets - Hagerstown
 Prime
Outlets-Hagerstown has announced that BCBG Max Azria Group, known
for its upscale, stylish and modern women’s ready-to-wear
and accessory collections, will open a 2,531-square-foot store this
fall. BCBG Max Azria will offer trend setting, yet wearable looks
that take today's modern woman from day to night and work to weekend.
BCBG Max Azria will feature suits, jeans, outerwear, dresses, eveningwear,
swimsuits, handbags, footwear, eyewear and accessories. Prime Outlets-Hagerstown
is located at 495 Prime Outlets Boulevard in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The 485,796-square-foot outlet center offers everyday savings of
30 to 70 percent off full retail prices and features an exciting
collection of brand name retailers including Coach, Guess?, Anne
Klein Factory Store, Under Armour Factory House, Calvin Klein, Polo
Ralph Lauren Factory Store and others.
Suns
GM Landes Stepping Down, Will Smith Named Suns GM
 Veteran
front office executive Will Smith has been promoted within the
Hagerstown
Suns to General Manager by team owner Mandalay Baseball Properties.
Previously the team's Assistant General Manager, Smith will
now
be responsible for leading the Suns and all day-to-day activities
of the club. Smith takes over from Suns President & General
Manager Kurt Landes, who has enjoyed a very successful five-plus
year run at the helm. Landes has, in baseball terminology, been
"called up" and has accepted a new significant position
within the Minor League Baseball industry. Smith, first hired
by
the Suns as their Director of Ticket Sales in 2003, has been the
team's Assistant General Manager for the past three seasons. The
2007 season will be his 7th in Minor League Baseball.
Landes,
whose first day with the Suns was on September 11th, 2001, leaves
the
Suns with thirteen years of baseball experience. Under
Kurt's guidance, the team increased attendance just over 50%
and the Suns have received significant amounts of national, regional
and local media attention for Suns promotions and events.
Landes
was the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce "Business
Person of the Year" in 2004 and the Suns recently
received the Chamber's prestigious "At Your Service" Award
this past Spring. Landes orchestrated Willie Mays' return to
Hagerstown
in August, 2004, and initiated the team's successful annual Chili
Cookoff & Music Festival among other accomplishments. Just
recently, Landes was responsible for the team's affiliation
switch to the
Washington Nationals.
Hampton
Inn Maugansville Celebrates International Housekeeping Week
 The
Hampton Inn Maugansville celebrated International Housekeeping
Week
in a big way. The week began on Monday, September 11 with housekeepers
receiving tee shirts and a breakfast. On Tuesday their carts
were
decorated by owner Michele Morral complete with snack bags and
balloons. The housekeepers were given makeovers by Mary Kay
Director Denise
Silas. Before and after pictures were taken and displayed in the
Housekeeping Break Room. All had a great time including the
hotel
maintenance engineer who got a surprise makeover. Wednesday was
a day of games including soap stacking contests, towel folding,
towel stacking, hula hoop and limbo contests. The winners received
prizes donated from area businesses including Prime Outlets,
Pamper
Chef, Mary Kay, the CVB, Beijo Handbags, Garfield’s Restaurant,
The Waffle House and the Valley Mall. Thursday there was a cook
out for lunch and the week’s festivities ended Friday with
a covered dish luncheon. There were 3 grand prize drawings, including
a $75.00 Gift Certificate to the Valley Mall, an overnight stay
at the Country Inn & Suites in Annapolis, Md., and an overnight
stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Frederick, Md., along with
dinner coupons to the Golden Corral in Frederick (also owned by
Randy and Michele Morral). The Hampton Inn Maugansville appreciates
all the hard work their employees demonstrate and this was just
one of the many ways they honor this special group of dedicated
employees.
 Advertise
In the 2007 Visitor Guide
Are
you interested in advertising in the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s
2007 Visitor Guide? Information will be mailed out soon with all
the details! If you haven't received anything yet and would like
to reserve an ad space, please call Jolene Thomas at 301-791-3246,
ext. 13
Meeting
and Convention News |
Professional Speakers Gather in Hagerstown for Annual Retreat
 A
group of 45 professional speakers gathered at the Four Points Sheraton
October 5-8 for the 19th annual Veteran Speakers Retreat. This “by
invitation only” event brought together veteran and senior professional
speakers from across the United States. Retreat attendees were male
and female, retired and semi-retired individuals, and those who still
practice their speaking profession full time. They have spoken to
groups ranging from 20 or 30 to amassed audiences in excess of 10,000
people in huge coliseums. They have addressed every Fortune 1000 corporation,
the smallest to the largest associations, and every level of government,
in the United States and abroad. This particular gathering of veteran
speakers has always been small and informal, and loosely structured.
A volunteer planning committee of about nine people headed up by two
coordinators plan each year’s yearly retreat. During the four-day
retreat participants had several informal gatherings to discuss various
life issues. They will also have free time to visit with each other
and explore Washington County. The group typically enjoys fun evening
activities ranging from an old fashioned movie night complete with
a popcorn machine to karaoke. The CVB’s Tom Riford addressed
the group, at the opening reception and dinner.
USS
Hector Reunion at The Clarion Hotel
 Nearly
230 people attended the USS Hector reunion September 27 through
October 1 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center at Antietam
Creek. Approximately 130 were former sailors; the rest were spouses.
The reunion is a biennial event.
The
USS Hector was built in California and was commissioned February
7, 1944. It was involved in repair
jobs during World War II, then participated in the Inchon Invasion
during the Korean War. In late 1964 the television series "Convoy"
was filmed aboard the ship. In 1980 the USS Hector received a major
overhaul and became one of the first ships in the Pacific Fleet
to have women officers report aboard. In 1987, after 43 years of
service to the fleet from the entire West Coast to numerous ports
of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, the USS Hector was decommissioned.
A
variety of events took place at the reunion, including a social,
a board meeting, a memorial service, and an evening out at the
Washington
County Playhouse dinner theater. Several trips were available
for attendees, such as a trip to Gettysburg National Military
Park and
Boyd’s Bear County. There were also trips to Fort McHenry
and the Baltimore Inner Harbor, as well as to the memorials
in Washington
D.C. Outside of official reunion events, the organizers encouraged
attendees to visit Antietam National Battlefield, the Hagerstown
Roundhouse Museum, and Hagerstown’s City Park. The
CVB held a reception in the Visitor Welcome Center and Roger
Keller led a walking tour of downtown Hagerstown.
Hundreds
Of Prince Hall Masons Gather In Hagerstown For Annual Conference
 The
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) held its 159th
Annual Maryland State Conference in Hagerstown, August 5-7. More
than 700 Masons attended the convention and more than 2,000 people
came to Hagerstown for the three-day event. They discussed the continuation
of their longtime work in the community. Hagerstown Mayor Robert
Bruchey and Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors
Bureau CEO and President Tom Riford officially welcomed the group.
The MWPHGL has existed in Maryland for more than 150 years. There
are 102 constituent lodges in Maryland and its jurisdictions. Seventy
are within the state of Maryland, 22 are in Germany, six are in
England, three are in Italy, and one is in Belgium. Maryland Lodges
and Prince Hall Lodges of other states evolved from Massachusetts
and Prince Hall. There are Prince Hall lodges throughout the United
States. The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek was
the host hotel for the large convention. Several other hotels in
the area benefitted by providing lodging for convention attendees.
Knights
of Pythias Statewide Convention at Four Points Sheraton
 The
Knights of Pythias held their annual state-wide Grand Lodge Convention
September 8-10 at the Four Points Sheraton. They had a total of
136 room nights over 3 nights. The Order of Knights of Pythias
is an international, non-sectarian fraternal order, established
in 1864 in Washington, DC, by Justus T. Rathbone and was the first
fraternal order to be chartered by an Act of Congress. The primary
object of fraternal organizations is to promote friendship among
men and to relieve suffering. Each organization adopts some outstanding
principle as its objective. The individuality of an order is determined
by its ideal sentiment. The distinguishing principles of the Order
of Knights of Pythias are "FRIENDSHIP, CHARITY and BENEVOLENCE".
The Grand Lodge’s Charity for 2006/2007 is Alex's Lemonade
Stand to fight childhood cancer. The Knights of Pythias will return
to the Four Points next September for their 2007 Convention.
 CVB
on the Road
The
CVB’s Betsy DeVore will be attending
these following:
-
Reunion
Network, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 12-13, 2006
-
National
Tour Association in Salt Lake City, UT, Nov. 3-5,
2006
-
Ontario
Motor Coach Association in Toronto, CA, Nov 10-12, 2006
-
Meetings
Quest in Washington,
DC, Nov. 21, 2006
 Extra! Extra!
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 charissas@marylandmemories.com
or fax to 301-791-2601 to be included in the next edition!
|