Fall 2007



In This Issue


In The News

Heritage Area Announces Mini-Grant Program for FY08 Grants

The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA), a state heritage area encompassing parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties, has announced its FY08 "mini-grant" program. HCWHA is offering competitive mini-grants of between $500 and $2,500 to heritage sites and organizations within the heritage area to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events, and other heritage tourism-related initiatives that are consistent with the goals and priorities stated in the HCWHA management plan. There are three mini-grant deadlines in FY08: September 30, 2007, December 31, 2007 and March 30, 2008. Mini-grant guidelines and applications are available on-line at www.heartofthecivilwar.org.

Four Mid-Maryland National Parks Centennial Proposals Eligible for Matching Funds

A proposal jointly submitted by four local National Park sites-Monocacy National Battlefield, Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park-to create a web site and educational programs focusing on the Civil War in this region is one of 201 selected by National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne as eligible for Centennial Challenge funding in Fiscal Year 2008. This announcement was made recently at a press conference held in Yosemite National Park to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the NPS.

The selected local project, titled "Crossroads of War: Civil War and the Homefront in the Mid-Atlantic Border Region," represents a partnership between the National Park Service, the Catoctin Center for Regional Studies at Frederick Community College, the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, the Maryland Office of Tourism and schools in the mid-Maryland region to create a web site, a series of public programs, and educational projects to place the local story of the Civil War in a broader regional perspective. In anticipation of the upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial, the project will link the local NPS units to tell the complex story of the Civil War in this border region, exploring military and home front issues, and using park-specific resources and stories to highlight the era's complex interweaving of race, politics, sectional division, and conflict. The total cost of the "Crossroads of War" project is $144,000, with half of that amount pledged by Frederick Community College through grants that it has received.

In addition to the "Crossroads of War" project, three of the four parks-Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park, and Monocacy National Battlefield-are included as part of another multi-park project selected by Secretary Kempthorne and Director Bomar as eligible for funding in Fiscal year 2008. This proposal calls for expanding the highly successful Bridging the Watershed educational program in ten participating national park sites in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. In partnership with the Alice Ferguson Foundation, which has pledged to provide up to $400,000 in additional funding over the next two years, this program provides curriculum-based education modules for high school students to study water quality and watershed issues within the parks.

The list of proposals - at 116 parks in 40 states and the District of Columbia - touches parks nationwide with a centennial effort to inventory every living thing in the national park system. To be certified, proposals had to be imaginative and innovative, addressed critical Service needs, had a philanthropic partner, required little or no additional recurring operating funds to be sustainable, improved the efficiency of park management, operations and employees and produced measurable results. The full list of centennial challenge-eligible projects and programs is available on-line at the National Park Service centennial web site, www.nps.gov/2016.

C&O Canal National Historical Park To Offer Bilingual Pod casts

The National Park Service is helping to fund production of bilingual pod casts, giving English and Spanish speakers a new way of learning about a park along the Potomac River. The audio and video pod casts will describe sites in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The park service will contribute $45,000, to be matched by the American Recreational Coalition and the National Tour Association. The C&O Canal stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland on the Maryland side of the river. The park is headquartered in Washington County, Maryland in Hagerstown.

Two National Parks Headquartered in Washington County Win Top Honors

The Department of the Interior recently recognized the 2007 "Take Pride in America National Award" recipients. Individuals and groups were recognized and picked up their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The awards acknowledge outstanding contributions to conservation, preservation and education for local, state and federal public lands.

The annual Take Pride in America National Awards recognizes specific volunteer projects and efforts in a variety of categories, including youth organization, corporation, public/ private partnership and individual, among others. These awards recognize events, projects and programs targeted at maintaining or enhancing public lands such as parks, rivers, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas.

Two National Parks located in Washington County, Maryland and their volunteers were recognized. The C&O Canal National Historical Park's Superintendent Kevin Brandt received the award for Federal Land Manager. Also the C&O Canal NHP's volunteers at the Riley's Lockhouse in Montgomery County were also awarded recognition. Antietam National Battlefield's volunteers were recognized for best Federal/Event Program. The award lauded the volunteers who contributed more than 23,000 hours of service to Antietam National Battlefield.

The Riley's Lockhouse Docents were awarded the Youth/Youth group award. For over 30 years the volunteer docents have trained Girl Scouts USA troops who then served as volunteer interpreters at Riley's Lockhouse near Seneca on the C&O Canal. The Girl Scouts dress in hand-sewn period clothing and use canal-era props and toys to tell the story of life along the C&O Canal. They lead tours and present demonstrations of activities of the time, such as laundry, butter churning, cross stitching, and quilting.

C&O Canal Superintendent Kevin Brandt was awarded the Federal Land Manager award for the National Park Service. Superintendent Brandt has consistently promoted volunteerism as a way for the park to build stewardship and to further the park's mission. Under Brandt's guidance, 2,461 volunteers contributed 53,228 hours in 2006 alone. The value of this time is estimated at $960,233. Volunteers serve as Bike Patrollers, staff visitor centers, perform trail repairs, remove exotic and invasive plants, paint, remove trash, install wayside exhibits, and landscape heavily visited areas.

Rare Historical Aircraft Donated to Hagerstown Aviation Museum

A PT-19, manufactured by the Fairchild Company in 1943, recently returned to Hagerstown. Ward Wilkins donated it to the Hagerstown Aviation Museum and flew it to Hagerstown from Indiana. The airplane is one of an ever-decreasing number of flying PT-19's still in existence. The surprise donation came about because of the international news surrounding the return to Hagerstown of the last flying C-82 to its home with the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. Wilkins also received a copy of the "New Pegasus" magazine and was inspired by the achievements of the Museum over the past year. The PT-19 is the fourth plane donated to the museum in less than a year. Wilkins' father, Clint Wilkins, was trained in a PT-19 during World War II. He went on to fly B-24 bombers in the 5th Air Force, but was able to buy a PT-19 when they were made available for civilian purchase.

New "Images of Aviation - Fairchild Aircraft" Book for Sale at Downtown Hagerstown Visitor Welcome Center

A new book about Fairchild Aircraft is available for purchase at the Downtown Hagerstown Visitor Welcome Center. "Images of Aviation-Fairchild Aircraft," was published by Frank and Suzanne Woodring who are widely known as the publishers of Maryland Cracker Barrel magazine. The book is loaded with 232 pictures and countless recollections drawn from former Fairchild workers and their families. Two years ago, the Woodrings published their first book, which was a similar look back at Pen Mar Park. That 128-page book combined nearly 200 vintage pictures with reflections by people who shared memories of the park's earlier days as well as its rebirth. The Pen Mar book now is in its fifth printing.

National Audubon Magazine Features Washington County

The September/October issue of Audubon Magazine features Washington County in a special Maryland section:

Washington County As you explore further west, Washington County's rural countryside and vast tracts of forest host a myriad of nesting songbirds. Washington County shares the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal with Frederick County, providing excellent destinations such as Big Pool and Fort Frederick State Park. Gathland, Greenbrier and South Mountain State Parks also top the long list of choices for great hiking and birding.

In spring and summer, you can track down a tremendous variety of breeding birds here, including ruffed grouse, northern bobwhite, blue-winged, cerulean and Kentucky warblers, warbling vireo, scarlet tanager and Baltimore oriole. During migration, these western Maryland ridges are a corridor for great numbers of migrants. Lucky observers can track down such prized species as Cape May and bay-breasted warblers, Philadelphia vireo and Lincoln's sparrow.

For an excellent study, head to Woodmont Road in the western part of the county to study hybrid Carolina x black-capped chickadees at the intersection of the two species' ranges.

A visit to Antietam Battlefield allows you to soak in the county's Civil War history while enjoying some excellent field birding. Interestingly, the site of the bloodiest day of the Civil War is also an outstanding birding destination. As you slowly tour the expansive fields, look and listen for vesper and grasshopper sparrows, horned lark, willow flycatcher and dickcissel.

2007 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack Available FREE Through the CVB


The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is being distributed at local visitor and welcome centers, courtesy of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Gruber Almanack Company headquartered in Hagerstown. The CVB also distributes the Almanack to convention attendees coming to Washington County throughout the remainder of the year. The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is an annual publication serving as a source for regional weather predictions, useful household and farm information, and insights into everyday living. It is home to the famous "woolly bear caterpillar contest," and has been called "uniquely Hagerstown," but is well-known throughout the world.

The Almanack has a long history, and is known as the second oldest almanac in the United States, and the longest published family-owned almanac. At 211 years old, it's one of the most talked about almanacs in the nation. Published by The Gruber Almanack Company, The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanac remains family owned and operated by the heirs of John Gruber.

Commissioners Grant $20,000 from County's Share of Lodging Tax to Help Light Softball Field at Hagerstown's Fairgrounds Park

The County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to give Hagerstown Fairgrounds Softball Association $20,000 to light one of its fields. The money will come out of taxes collected on local hotel and motel rooms. Thomas B. Riford, president and CEO of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke in favor of using lodging-tax revenue for the project. He said softball tournaments often draw large groups of players and their families, who stay at local hotels and motels. In July, teams from the East Coast rented 155 rooms for a tournament held in Washington County. Visitors spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in the community while here for the tournament. Lights will allow a local tournament to be bigger and attract more teams. The softball association raised $40,000 on its own and received $36,000 in state Program Open Space money from the city of Hagerstown.

Washington County Arts Council Names New Officers and Directors

The Board of Directors of the Washington County Arts Council has elected new officers for 2008, and also appointed two new directors. The new officers are Donna Newcomer, president; Kathy Harple, vice president; Carl Disque, second vice president; Joan Bontempo, secretary; and Michael Murray, treasurer. Joining the board as new directors are Toni Rinehart Sullivan and Tom Riford.

The Washington County Arts Council was founded 40 years ago to enrich the cultural, educational, economic and social life of the community through nurturing the arts. Working from its gallery and offices in downtown Hagerstown, the WCAC offers a variety of arts programming, educational programs, community arts development grants and technical assistance to artists and arts organizations throughout Washington County.

Member Notes

Bath & Body Works to Open at Prime Outlets

Prime Retail, Inc. has announced that Bath & Body Works, known for its fragrant, flavorful indulgences, will open a 4,000 square-foot store at Prime Outlets-Hagerstown. With a wide selection of shower gels, moisturizers, lotions, candles, accessories and more, the Bath & Body Works at Prime Outlets- Hagerstown will give customers the opportunity to purchase products at special discounted prices. Bath & Body Works focuses on providing clientele with the ultimate personal care destination. Founded in New Albany, Ohio, in the fall of 1990, the retailer has been able to integrate a variety of popular health, beauty, and well-being products. Bath & Body Works currently has more than 1,600 stores nationwide and has become a popular attraction among consumers to purchase their favorite cosmetic and fragrance products.

Antietam Battlefield Guides Launch New Web site

The Western Maryland Interpretive Association (WMIA) is proud to announce the launch of a new website for the Antietam Battlefield Guides. The website provides details about the guide program, reservation instructions and individual guide pages. Several of the guides currently have personalized pages detailing their interest in the Battle of Antietam, and more will be added. There are currently 10 guides available for tours of Antietam. Tours can take place anytime during regular park hours. They can be scheduled for weeks in advance and in some instances, guides who live close to the park are available for walk-ups. Typical tours last for two hours and cost $50 for up to six people. They cover the Battle of Antietam and the Maryland Campaign of 1862. Customized tours can be scheduled if planned in advance. The Antietam Battlefield Guides website can be viewed online at www.antietambattlefieldguides.com. It was design by Icon Graphics in Hagerstown, Md.

Alfred Dunner Opens at Prime Outlets

Alfred Dunner, known for its moderately priced ladies coordinated sportswear, has opened a 2,791 square-foot retail store at Prime Outlets- Hagerstown. Alfred Dunner, a 50-year-old, family-owned and operated business, offers a wide range of sizes including misses (8-20), petites (6P-18P) and womens (16W-26W).

Welcome New Members

The CVB is proud to have more than 250 members!

Battlefield Journal
Kristie Poehler
PO Box 338
Buckeystown, MD 21717
301-401-8600
www.battlefieldjournal.com
Just Lookin' Gallery
Eileen Berger
40 Summit Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-714-2278
www.justlookin.com
Chick-fil-A
Randy Scott
1680 Wesel Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-393-3755
 Laila's Kitchen
4 E. Franklin Street (downtown)
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-797-9494
Imperial Chinese Restaurant
Steve Cheng
13112 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21742
301-797-3388

Member Spotlight

Antietam Guest House Now Open


Washington County's newest option for visitor lodging is Antietam Guest House, located at 111 West Chapline Street in Sharpsburg. It is the birthplace of Raleigh Bender, the Captain Bender of Sharpsburg's Bender's Tavern, next to Rudy's Antietam Café and Wine Bar on East Main Street. Bender was a boat captain on the C&O Canal and was one of nine children born to Benjamin and Elizabeth Bender. Noted on maps of the Battle of Antietam, the 1856 house is a log structure. The historic home sits on a raised stone basement, which incorporates a large limestone rock in the foundation. The logs are covered with German clapboard siding, newly painted gray, and are exposed on one interior wall.

Tim and Vernell Doyle own the property and have spent a year preparing the house for guests. "We wanted to preserve this great little historic house, and we want to share it with others," explains Tim Doyle. "It is a mix of old and new, horsehair plaster walls, wide plank pine floors, modern plumbing, and air conditioning."

The small three-level home sleeps five, has a full kitchen, a bath and a half, a deck on the back, and a porch on the front. Rentals for the smoke-free, fully furnished property are by the day or by the week. There is no minimum stay requirement, and dogs can be accommodated. For additional information, including photographs of Antietam Guest House, visit www.antietamguesthouse.com.

Calendar of Events

Washington County Fall Festivals

  • Smithsburg Steam Engine & Craft Show on Saturday, Sept. 29, and Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company fire hall grounds. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Parade of farm equipment, 5 p.m. Saturday. More than 120 arts, crafts and flea market vendors and large display of antique steam traction engines, gas tractors and gas engines. Food includes "Leopard" Stew, country ham sandwiches, pork barbecue, pork tenderloin, crab cakes, steamers, hot dogs, fresh-cut french fries, bean soup and apple pies. Sponsored by Smithsburg Athletic Booster Club. For more information, call Dan Rishell, 301-824-1009.

  • Harvest Hoedown at Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Activities include making scarecrows, painting pumpkins, horse and wagon rides, children's games, silent auction and purple cow bingo. Some craftspeople, food vendors and gospel music. Event benefits Williamsport Food Bank so everyone is asked to bring a can of food. Call 301-223-7136.

  • Star Community Barnyard Jamboree, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at Star Community Inc., a home for adults with developmental disabilities. Free admission. Craft and flea market, food vendors, equestrian riding demonstrations, children's games, petting zoo, bake sale, silent auction, wagon rides and antique tractors. Fishing derby, Saturday. Haunted hayrides and haunted hay bale maze at dusk Saturday, small fee. Hickory Ridge Bluegrass Band, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday; 4tified gospel group and Rainbow of Bells Hand Bell Choir, 10 a.m. Sunday. 13674 Greencastle Pike, north of Huyetts Crossroads. Call Katie Hoover, 301-791-0011, ext. 113, or go to www.starcommunityinc.org.

  • Harvest Hoedown at Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown on Saturday, Oct. 13, 1 to 4 p.m. First 500 children ages 12 and younger get an apple and a pumpkin to paint. Children's activities. Country Showcase of America Jamboree performance. City farmers market vendors. Skate Park will be $2. Community yard sale at Fairgrounds Park stables, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15 per space. Bring your own table. Call 301-739-8577, ext. 190, to reserve a space.

New Photography Exhibit at WCMFA Through Nov. 4

The exhibition Americana Roads: Photographs by Robert M. Kurtz, Jr. will be on view in the Museum's Bowman and Kerstein Galleries between August 4 and November 4, 2007. Photographer Rob Kurtz began his love affair with documentary photography in the mid-1980s. Through photography he preserves a visual record of both historic and commonplace landscapes and architecture, aspiring to convey an understanding of a moment in history to future generations.

Kurtz graduated in 1952 from the nearby Mercersburg Academy, where he later served on the Board of Regents. He went on to study at the University of Redlands and Penn State University and, after serving in the U.S. Army, spent his professional career in Clearfield, Pennsylvania managing the printing and school supply firm started by his grandfather in 1895. Kurtz describes his photo-historic approach as seeking "to explore and highlight icons of a diminishing past that have made America and its people the nation we are today." His search to document the character of the nation has led Kurtz and his wife Marilyn to travel to many remote areas of the United States, always with camera in hand.

Kurtz's photographs have been widely exhibited and have won many Best of Show and First Place awards in regional competitions and nature photography exhibitions. He has received acclaim for his two photographic books, Americana Roads: Wondering the Roads and Heritage of America and Future Passage: Historic Regional Photographs of Central Pennsylvania. Many of the photographs that appear in this exhibition are reproduced in Americana Roads, along with text Kurtz has written to compliment them. Americana Roads will be available for purchase at the Museum Store.


Upcoming Events at The Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery

Exhibits and classes being held at and organized by The Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery Inc.

Upcoming Exhibits:

Oct 2007
Matthew Prince
Black & White Photography - Solo Exhibit
Opening reception Oct 1st 12-3pm

Nov 17 2007
Juried Black & White photography exhibit.
Entries will be judged by Sterling "Rip" Smith and Bruce Wilder.
Deadline for submission: 3pm Nov 16, 2007.
Instructions: 3 pieces per artist, framed, Fee: $25 per artist.
The winner of this show will receive a solo show at the gallery in 2008.

Upcoming Classes:

Mon Sep 10 - Acrylics for children (10 and up)
4:30-5:30pm
Collaborative painting experience with Louisiana "Lou". Learn to reproduce photographs from the Appalachian Trail in acrylics.
Classes are free - donations welcome - please register in advance. Classes are held at the CSAGI gallery.

Mondays & Fridays starting in September
Padma Yoga
4:30-5:30pm
Classes will be held at our community outreach centers (see below). Please contact the gallery for details on when each center will host classes.

Also in September - Black History Presentations
by Dwight Williams & Althea Michael
Classes will be held at our community outreach centers (see below). Please contact the gallery for details on when each center will host classes.

Also in September - Caricature drawing classes
by David Ross
Classes will be held at our community outreach centers (see below). Please contact the gallery for details on when each center will host classes.


"Paws for Art" artists' challenge to benefit Humane Society

The 2nd Annual "Paws for Art" artists' challenge has been announced by co-sponsors Howard's Art Supplies & Frames and the Washington County Arts Council. Last year's Paws for Art challenge produced more than 100 jewel-like landscapes, still lifes, abstracts and figure studies. Participants included professional painters, hobbyists, and students. Again this year, one hundred percent of the cash from a silent auction of the paintings went to the Humane Society of Washington County. Any and all visual artists are invited to participate in this artists' challenge. Simply buy as many 5x7 canvasses from Howard's Art Supplies as you wish for $1 apiece, which is a donation to the HSWC. Return completed paintings to Howard's, where the paintings will be framed at no charge.

A reception will open the exhibit at Howard's Art Supplies on October 5 from 7-9pm. Bidding in the silent auction will commence, along with voting for the Popular Choice award. On October 16, the exhibit and silent auction will relocate to the Washington County Arts Council Gallery in downtown Hagerstown. Bidding will conclude November 10. The winner of the Popular Choice award will receive a $50 gift certificate at Howard's.

Howard's Art Supplies is located at 1256 Dual Highway in Hagerstown. Hours are 9:30am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. The WCAC Gallery is in downtown Hagerstown at 14 West Washington Street. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm.

Visit the Humane Society of Washington County Website at, www.hswcmd.org


Harvest Hoe Down Set for October 6 in Williamsport

Williamsport is having its annual "Harvest Hoe Down" fund raiser on Saturday, October 6, 2007, in Byron Memorial Park, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include making scarecrows, painting pumpkins, horse and wagon rides, children's games, silent auction and purple cow bingo. Event includes craftspeople, food vendors and gospel music. The event is conducted by the Williamsport Area Ministerium to benefit the local food bank. All proceeds from food sales, games and scarecrow-making will help the food bank to assist the needy.

In addition, the Williamsport Rotary holds its annual Purple Cow Patty Bingo contest during this festival to help the food bank and to raise funds for playground equipment in Byron Memorial Park. Since 2004, the Williamsport Rotary has purchased equipment for a play area, near the swimming pool. A grid of blocks is painted on the grass in a fenced area where 3 cows are placed for the Cow Patty Bingo. The first cow patty pays $250 the second pays $750 and the 3rd patty pays $1,000. Winners need not be present to win, and tickets are $5.00 each.


Native American Pow-Wow Agricultural Center October 6-7, 2007

Pow-Wow, an American Indian owned and operated company, will sponsor the Boonsboro, Maryland American Indian Pow-Wow and Show at the Washington County Agricultural Center (Sharpsburg Pike) on October 6-7, 2007. The Pow-Wow is an opportunity for the public to interact with American Indian dancers, singers, drummers, artists and craftspersons. This event is an attempt by Pow-Wow to educate the public about American Indians, past and present, through the arts.

The Pow-Wow will kick off with a parade of nations (grand entry) at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 6th. The public will be able to visit with craft demonstrators and a large contingent of Native American Dancers. An American Indian Flutist will be at the Pow-Wow daily. Face painting will be available for children and others. Also, a tipi will be set up for the public. The Aztec Dancers of Mexico City, Mexico will perform on Saturday and Sunday. Members of the Haliwa-Saponi, Coharie, Chickahominy, Cherokee, Sioux, Iroquois, Lumbee, and Navajo are a few of the Tribes that will participate in this year's event.

The public will have the opportunity to purchase some of the finest Native American crafts available. Items for sale include turquoise jewelry, moccasins, beadwork, rugs, books, paintings and dream catchers. Buffalo stew, fried bread, Indian corn soup and buffalo burgers are just a few of the Native American food items that will be on sale at the event.

Admission to the Pow-Wow is as follows: Saturday –Sunday: Ages 3-12: $5:00 Ages 13-up: $7.00. This is a rain or shine event. For more information, please call the show promoter at (252) 257-5383 or send e-mail to: powwow@vance.net.

Showtimes are: Saturday-11:00AM-6:00PM.
Sunday-11:00AM-6PM


Hagerstown Aviation Museum Hangar Dance Oct. 6th and Auction October 20th

WJEJ Radio and the CVB are teaming up to host a 1940's style Hangar Dance on Oct. 6th at 7pm at the Hagerstown Regional Airport's terminal. The dance will feature the Ray Birely Orchestra. For tickets, contact the CVB at 301-791-3246. See: www.hagerstownaviationmuseum.org.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is holding its "Flying Horse Charity Auction" on Saturday October 20. Those interested can help preserve the community's rich aviation heritage by providing goods and services for the auction which will benefit the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. All the money raised at the October 20th auction will go toward the acquisition and preservation of the museum collection of eleven historical airplanes, and the museum's collection of Hagerstown aviation artifacts and memorabilia.

There's still plenty of time to donate items for the upcoming auction on October 20 and anything of value is accepted. So far many antiques, books and furniture have been collected for the sale. Antiques, collectables, furniture, tools, household items, garage items, cars, and vehicles of any kind everything is being accepted of value. If you have one piece to donate or an entire collection or group, new or old just let the museum know and volunteers will pick it up! Contact Kurtis Meyers, President of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, at 717-377-3030 or 301-733-8717.


Festival of Trees Planned For November 28-December 3

This year's annual Festival of Trees will be held at Robinwood Medical Center from November 28 to December 3. The beneficiary will be the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program at Washington County Hospital. The SAFE program provides nurses at the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who are trained to respond to sexual and child abuse cases. They collect evidence to help identify and prosecute offenders, as well as help victims begin the healing process. There will be new decorating elements such as doors, mantels, windows and trains, trains, trains at this year's Festival of Trees. Organizers are also adding child-friendly events and a holiday decorating event. Don and Jane Bowman are the honorary co-chairs for this year's event. Last year's event raised $20,000 for pediatric asthma. For more information, go to www.festivaloftreesinhagerstown.org or call 301-790-8631.

Around Washington County Tourism

Downtown Visitor Welcome Center Offering Guided Walking Tours

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has partnered with Carrie Capuco of Capuco Consulting Services Inc. to offer walking tours of downtown Hagerstown. The 90-minute tours cover Hagerstown's rich history that is significant to many periods of American history by introducing participants to the colonial, Civil War, and industrial aspects of this unique Maryland city. Tours also cover Hagerstown's architecture. Walking tours are available for the cost of $5 and begin at the downtown Visitor Welcome Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on scheduled tour dates. Upcoming dates include: October 6, 19, and 26 and November 2, 3, 10, and 17. For reservations and tour information call 301-791-3246 ext. 10. Special dates and times can be arranged for groups of more than 12 people.

Carrie Capuco owns Capuco Consulting Services Inc. (CCS), which provides program management and communications services in three major areas – government, non-profit, and private sector clients. CCS values clients whose activities enhance the quality of human life and the environment. CCS has offices in historic downtown Annapolis, Md., and Hagerstown, Md.

Christian Motorcyclists Hold Annual Rally at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) held its Tri-State Rally, September 20-23, 2007, at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, on Lappans Road near Williamsport. Approximately 150-175 people attended. This year's CMA Rally was hosted by the Kingdom Heirs Chapter, based in Hagerstown. Members from Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware joined together for four days of fellowship. During the rally, there were praise and worship services including live music, and the North East Regional Evangelist preached. Attendees enjoyed seminars, bike games, and opportunities for guided as well as self-guided motorcycle rides on local roads, including a visit to Antietam National Battlefield.

The CMA is not a motorcycle club, but an inter-denominational ministry organization. The organization was formed in 1975 when Herbie Shreve, an Evangelist, saw the need for the Gospel message to be presented to motorcyclists at local events and rallies. Since its inception, the CMA has grown to a membership of over 100,000 members. There are over 800 chapters throughout the United States, and the CMA has a presence in 18 countries around the world. The vision of the CMA is "Changing the world, one heart at a time." The CMA partners with three other ministry organizations which have a global impact; Open Doors, The Jesus Film Project, and Missionary Ventures International.

Civil War Journey with Ed Bearss Visits Local Civil War Sites

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's "A Civil War Journey with Ed Bearss" made its way through Washington County August 31 through September 6 and included an in-depth study of the Maryland Campaign of 1862. The tour began on Friday in Washington, D.C., and traveled northward, following the footsteps of Union forces as they marched into Maryland in September of 1862. Bearss interpreted the Battle of South Mountain and the capture of Harpers Ferry. On Sunday, after touring Harpers Ferry, the tour of Antietam began with a look at the opening attack and the first phase of the battle. Tom Clemens joined the group to discuss uniforms, equipment, and weapons of the average infantryman from both the North and the South. The tour of Antietam continued on Monday with a stop at the Pry House, which was commanding Union General George B. McClellan's headquarters during the battle. Other tour stops for the day included prominent parts of the Antietam Battlefield. Tour participants joined Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Brien Poffenberger and his wife Chase for refreshments and a special tour of their 18th century Sharpsburg home.

Professional Speakers Gather in Hagerstown for Annual Retreat

A group of 65 professional speakers and their spouses gathered at the Four Points Sheraton August 23-26 for the 20th annual Veteran Speakers Retreat (VSR). This "by invitation only" event brings together veteran and senior professional speakers from throughout the United States and Canada. It was the second year in a row they came to Hagerstown for the retreat. Retreat attendees consist of men and women, retired and semi-retired individuals, and those who still practice their speaking profession full time, as well as their spouses. 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.


Washington County Well Represented at MACo Conference

Photo Caption: Washington County Administrator Greg Murray joined Board of County Commissioners President John Barr, CVB President Tom Riford, and Economic Development Commission Director Tim Troxell at the Washington County booth at the Maryland Association of Counties annual meeting at Ocean City, Maryland.


This year's Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) conference was held in Ocean City, Md., August 15-17. The conference had a circus theme and all three exhibit halls were filled with more than 500 booths decorated with balloons and stripes to fit the circus atmosphere. The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau booth gave out red clown noses with notes that read, "Everyone 'nose' that Washington County is a circus of excitement!" The booth, designed by Icon Graphics, was created to look like a circus tent. It read: "Hagerstown-Washington County: The Greatest Place on Earth!"


1,000 Prince Hall Masons Attend Hagerstown Convention

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) held its 160th Annual Maryland State Conference in Hagerstown, August 3-6. Approximately 1,000 people were in Hagerstown during the four-day event. Lodges from across the country and delegates from Europe and beyond were represented. The Masons come together to discuss and continue their longtime work in the community. Washington County Commissioner James Kercheval, Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Tom Riford, and Hagerstown City Councilwoman Alesia Parson-McBean officially welcomed the MWPHGL on Saturday, August 4. The Best Western Grand Venice Hotel and the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek hosted the convention activities, including meetings, sessions, a luncheon, and cocktails. The MWPHGL will have a cookout Friday evening. Many hotels in the area benefited by providing lodging for convention attendees.

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.


100 Mercury Marauder Enthusiasts Gather In Hagerstown August 2-5


The MercuryMarauder.net International Auto Club held its annual meet, Marauderville 5 (MVV), in Hagerstown, August 2-5, 2007. Approximately 60 car and 100 automotive enthusiasts attended the meet, organized by the Capital Area Marauders (CAM). The club celebrates the 2003-2004 Limited Edition Mercury Marauder and also includes some classic Mercury's. Members of the CAM are from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware and Maryland. Several members are serving overseas and the club honored them and two deceased members with a charitable contribution to the United Service Organizations (USO).

The meet was based at Hagerstown's Sheraton Four Points, where attendees booked 50 rooms for the event. The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) provided convention assistance. During the meet, Marauder enthusiasts enjoyed a group breakfast, a family picnic, and a Potomac boat cruise and awards banquet in Washington, D.C., a Mercury Marauder Car Show at Washington County Regional Park, and quarter mile racing at the Mason-Dixon Dragway. Other events included regional tours and visits to local attractions such as local museums, shopping at Prime Outlets, and touring Antietam National Battlefield.


On The Road With Betsy DeVore

MD State Teachers Association (CVB's Kathy Reed attending), October 18-20, 2007
Ocean City, MD

National Tour Association, Nov. 2-4, 2007
Kansas City, MO

Meetings Quest, Nov. 20, 2007
Washington, DC

Extra! Extra!

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