Hagerstown-Washington County 2007-2008 Visitor Guide Now Available
 The
official destination guide of the Hagerstown & Washington County
Convention and Visitors Bureau has arrived and is free for both travelers
and residents. The cover features a photo collage of popular tourist
destinations including Fort Frederick State Park, The Jonathan Hager
House, Discovery Station, and the Washington County Museum of Fine
Arts.
The 2007-2008 Visitor Guide is filled with useful information about
Washington County. Readers will find 56 pages with beautiful colors
and innovative design by Hagerstown Magazine. There are maps of Hagerstown
and Washington County, directories of accommodations including resorts,
hotels, and campgrounds, restaurant listings, histories of the towns,
and details about annual special events. There is also a Points of
Interest section, a guide to outdoor activities, a listing of CVB
members and many colorful photographs that help give the guide its
magazine look.
The Visitor Guide is a major project for the CVB staff each year.
It is the culmination of many months' work and involves a variety
of people. CVB staff members research, write, and edit articles, sign
up advertisers, collect graphics, hire photographers and graphic designers,
assist with layout and map design, and continually work with the guide's
designers and printers. The Hagerstown Magazine staff also spent countless
hours on the new guide.
The 2007-2008 Visitor Guide is available at the downtown Hagerstown
Visitor Welcome Center. Residents and visitors are welcome to stop
in and pick up a copy. The Visitor Guide may also be requested online
at http://www.marylandmemories.org/visitors-guide.html.
2006 - Revenue for Maryland's Hotel Rooms Up, 2-Percent Increase in Room Supply, Jobs in Tourism Growing: 1-Million Openings Within Six Years
 With
Maryland's tourism and hospitality industry expecting more than 1
million job openings in the next six years, state officials plan to
roll out a wide marketing campaign and pursue more partnerships with
schools to polish the industry's image as a career choice.
Meanwhile, hotel occupancy in Maryland declined in 2006 from 2005,
although average room rates and revenue per room increased, according
to Smith Travel Research, a Hendersonville, Tenn., market research
company that tracks the industry. The almost 2 percentage-point decline
in occupancy to 63.9 percent was offset by a 2 percent increase in
hotel room supply last year across Maryland, as the number of total
rooms sold was virtually unchanged. Revenue per available room - a
key barometer in the industry - rose by 4.4 percent to $69.95. Numerous
states, including Virginia, Florida, Hawaii and Rhode Island, joined
Maryland with occupancy declines, as the national rate was little
changed. Among states seeing greater occupancy were West Virginia,
New York,Massachusetts and New Mexico. Nationally, revenue per room
increased by 7.5 percent to $61.69.
Restaurants
and other food services have been responsible for most of the job
openings in Maryland's hospitality industry in recent years, according
to a report by the Governor's Workforce Investment Board, a public-private
advisory body. About 18,000 of the 20,000 jobs created in the industry
from 2001 to 2005 were in food services. That segment saw the lowest
average weekly wages in 2005 - $280 - compared with $660 in lodging
and $659 in travel, according to the state Department of Labor, Licensing
and Regulation. With the turnover rate for the industry almost double
that of all other Maryland industries, getting employees to remain
in a food service job is challenging, officials said.
By the numbers
About 27 million visitors to Maryland spent $10.7 billion in 2005,
a 6 percent increase over 2004, according to state figures. The biggest
expense was food, at $2.6 billion.
Some 116,000 people are employed in Maryland's hospitality and tourism
industry in 2005, mainly in food service, public transportation and
lodging.
Montgomery County has the largest portion of Maryland's hospitality
workforce at 17.1 percent, followed by Baltimore County, 13.7 percent;
Baltimore City, 11.9 percent; and Prince George's County, 11.2 percent.
CVB's Riford Testifies to Delegation, Bond Bill Approved to Help C&O Canal
The
C&O Canal National Historical Park might get state money to help fix
its only broken link - a 2.7-mile impassable gap south of Williamsport.
Washington County's delegation to the General Assembly voted unanimously
to seek a $200,000 bond bill to pay for enough engineering work to
figure out a solution. The park would contribute another $140,000
and has three other sources committed to give $60,000. The total of
public and private money would be $400,000. The Hagerstown-Washington
County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Washington County would contribute
$15,000 to the study. The nonprofit C&O Canal Association also would
give $15,000. A National Park Service grant would provide $30,000.
Flooding from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 demolished the towpath above Dam 4. The National Park Service repaired and reopened the park at Big Slackwater in 1995, but it was flooded again and was shut down. Fixing the park at Big Slackwater has been estimated to cost $15.5 million but could cost less. The $400,000, anchored by the bond bill, would pay for enough engineering work to figure out what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Safety is a big concern. A detour of five to six miles has stretches with no shoulders. More than 30 people have been injured and taken to the hospital in incidents connected to the detour. The full legislature ended up approving the bond bill request, for $100,000.
"Washington County On The Road" Helps Train Front Line Staff
 The
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
recently hosted its annual training session for front-line tourism
staffers. The purpose of "Washington County OnThe Road"
is to familiarize local management and employees with the parks and
attractions in Hagerstown-Washington County. The free tour is sponsored
by the CVB, and is open to CVB members.
More than 45 people attended this year's "Washington County on
the Road". CVB President and CEO Tom Riford was the tour guide.
After viewing an introductory short film, tour stops included popular
tourist destinations such as Antietam National Battlefield, the Washington
County Museum of Fine Arts, Fort Frederick, the Washington County
Rural Heritage Museum, and the Jonathan Hager House and Museum. Several
CVB members participated or helped arrange stops during the day-long
event. Lunch was at Weaver's Restaurant in Hancock, and the motorcoach
was provided by Atlantic Coast Trailways.
Hagerstown
Suns To Give Out Nora Roberts Bobbleheads
The
Hagerstown Suns, along with the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention
and Visitors Bureau and Turn The Page Bookstore, will be giving away
1,000 Nora Roberts Bobbleheads. The highlight of the bobblehead promotion
will occur on July 6th as Washington County's own Nora Roberts will
be in attendance for a third consecutive year as the Suns and the
CVB honor the world-famous best-selling author with her very own bobblehead.
The Washington County Commissioners will be declaring July 6th as
Nora Roberts Day, and Washington County's own world-renown celebrity
will be throwing out the first pitch, before the Suns game against
Delmarva.
Local
Artists' Work Selected for Western Maryland Blues Fest
 The
artist has been selected for this year's Blues Fest poster! Hagerstown
native Mike O'Brien is a freelance illustrator. O'Brien graduated
from South Hagerstown High School, attended Hagerstown Community
College, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Savannah
College of Art & Design.
Mike's work is inspired by such artists as Peter De Seve, Greg Capullo,
Norman Rockwell and Francis Bacon. His work combines a level of
social relevance with dreamlike imagery, and he prides himself on
creating one-of-a-kind pictures. He works primarily in acrylic and
colored pencil.
O'Brien's work will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Washington
County Arts Council, opening Friday, June 1. The original blues
fest art will be raffled off on Sunday, June 3 at Hagerstown's City
Park, the last day of Blues Fest. The exhibition will remain on
display through June 30.
Light Pole Banners Celebrate 100 Years of Music and Art in Hagerstown
There are several colorful new banners around the square in Downtown Hagerstown. New banners "Celebrating 100 Years of Music and Art" have been installed by the City of Hagerstown. The banners note the 25th Anniversary of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the 75th Anniversary of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
The banners were financially sponsored by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Creative design was approved by the MSO and WCMFA, and fabricated by Hagerstown's GS Images. The City of Hagerstown approved the banner's design, and work crews installed the banners as soon as the weather allowed. Visitors to Downtown Hagerstown can spot the banners, hung high on light poles, along South Potomac Street - near the Maryland Theatre (the home of the Maryland Symphony).
CVB Offers New Map-Brochure of Bicycle Tours in Washington County
 The
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
recently released a new Bicycle Tours map and brochure for Washington
County, Maryland. The hundreds of miles of low-traffic rural roads
in Washington County, almost all excellent for bicycling, have always
attracted cyclists. The C&O Canal Towpath and the Western Maryland
Rail Trail are also popular destinations, as well as Antietam Battlefield.
Several local state parks also have excellent mountain biking, including
Greenbrier State Park. The colorful new glossy map, designed by Icon
Graphics, folds out to include eight different bicycle loop tours
throughout Washington County, including one through Hagerstown. Each
tour varies in length, from 10 to 34 miles, and explores a variety
of terrain. The inside of the map shows Washington County with all
eight loop tours and the routes for seven of the tours. The back side
of the map shows the city of Hagerstown and the route for the "Hub
City Tour," which utilizes the newly constructed Hamilton Run
bike path and the new North Prospect Street bike lane. In addition
to bicycle maps and routes, the new map includes a welcome to Washington
County, pertinent safety information, a listing of local bike shops,
points of interest, and a brief history of the county. The tour routes
were supplied by the Cumberland Valley Cycling Club (CVCC), which
provided a great deal of support and guidance to the CVB throughout
the entire process of creating the brochure. The CVCC is a recreational
and racing bicycle club that has been based in Hagerstown since 1983.
The organization's web site is: www.bikecvcc.com. The project was
a joint effort between the Washington County Planning Department,
the City of Hagerstown's Engineering Department, the Cumberland Valley
Cycling Club, and Icon Graphics. The CVB's Charissa Stanton managed
the Bicycle Tours in Washington County project. Ten thousand new Bicycle
Tours maps were printed by Copyquick in the first run. The new map-brochures
are currently available at the CVB Visitor Welcome Center in downtown
Hagerstown and will be available from many CVB member businesses,
especially hotels and bike shops, throughout the area. The map-brochure
will be periodically updated, as well. The Bicycle Tours maps are
also available on line at http://www.marylandmemories.org/biketours/.
Team Hagerstown-Washington County Racing Uniform Spreads the Word about Washington County
 The
racing component of the Cumberland Valley Cycling Club is being
sponsored by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and
Visitors Bureau (CVB). The Antietam Velo Club races at events
throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and also many of the riders qualify
for large regional and national events. The team's official
name is: Antietam Velo Club/Team Hagerstown-Washington County.
The team can now be seen wearing new uniforms, sporting the
official Team Hagerstown-Washington County CVB logo.
The Antietam Velo Club/Team Hagerstown-Washington County races
throughout the seven month cycling season, and also hosts several
events in Washington County. The club is officially recognized
by MABRA (Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association). MABRA sanctions
scores of events throughout the region. Other sponsors of the
team include: River City Cycles, Cliff Bar, Sharrett Car Dealership,
Port City Java, Vredestein Tires, Rockstar Energy Drink, and
Gold's Gym.
Clear
Spring Votes to Join Heart of The Civil War Heritage Area
Clear
Spring town officials unanimously voted to amend the town’s
comprehensive development plan and join the Heart of the Civil
War Heritage Area. As early as next year, the town will be eligible
for grants, loans, and tax credits for projects that improve
or promote heritage tourism.
Downtown Hagerstown to Get Interpretive Plaques
Hagerstown
city officials want to mark Hagerstown buildings that have Civil
War history with interpretive plaques to commemorate what happened
at each site. A team of Civil War scholars has helped identify
the sites. Ideally, the city would like to hang about 12 to
14 of the historic markers, including spots where some buildings
no longer stand. The project will cost about $6,000. The city
and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority will share most of
the cost. The Maryland Heritage Area Authority is a state program
that helps municipalities pay for the restoration of historic
sites.
In
addition to the plaques, the city will hang banners and "directory
signs" downtown. The signs will help people find buildings,
like the library, by posting arrows that point in the general
direction. The banners will feature topics that are unique to
Hagerstown and "jazz up” the Arts and Entertainment
District. The banners and signs will cost a combined $19,000.
The city and the Maryland Heritage Area Authority will split
the cost.
Journey Through Hallowed Ground In The News, Proposed Heritage Area Supported By Washington County
Virginia's
Piedmont region, wrote historian C. Vann Woodward, "soaked up
more of the blood, sweat, and tears of American history than
any other part of the country. It has bred more founding fathers,
inspired more soaring hopes and ideals and witnessed more triumphs,
failures, victories, and lost causes than any other place in
the country." Woodward's observation of central Virginia's deep
historical roots is the underlying theme of a push to gain federal
recognition of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground - a 175-mile
trip stretching from Gettysburg to Monticello. Along the way
are six presidential homes, 13 national historic landmarks,
13 national parks, an abundance of Revolutionary War sites and
the largest collection of Civil War battlefields in the nation.
The partnership is seeking congressional approval of a bill to designate the trail as a National Heritage Area. If approved, it would provide federal matching grants to the partnership to promote tourism and history. If approved, tourism bureaus in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania will begin to aggressively promote the Journey Through Hallowed Ground in an attempt to attract thousands of deep-pocketed travelers.
Heritage travelers tend to be highly educated, retired, married and with a high amount of disposable income. Heritage travelers generally embark on trips that last an average of seven days. They spend an average of $623 per trip, not including travel costs, according to a 2003 report by the Travel Industry Association. An estimated 118.1 million adults visited a historic site in 2002, representing one out of every five domestic trips.
As baby boomers continue to retire, many more heritage travelers are expected to undertake trips to historic sites across the country.
Movie Production Company Completes Filming for History Channel Episode
 A
California film and production company has wrapped up filming
in Washington County. The Santa Monica, California-based company
has been filming a History Channel episode about John Wilkes
Booth, and his escape from Washington, DC. More than 20 cast
and crew filmed in Williamsport, using a wooden bridge in the
C&O Canal National Historic Park as the backdrop for a fleeing
John Wilkes Booth.
Tom Jennings Productions announced that Williamsport was chosen because Washington County was film-friendly and the site was perfect for the network television project. Jennings said that the episode would be aired on the History Channel network on December 23rd, although the actual timing of the episode's premier is subject to change.
The cast and crew utilized the Four Points by Sheraton as the host hotel. Washington County-based Historical Entertainment provided production assistance, extras, and also coordination with the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Town of Williamsport, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Staff members of the C&O Canal National Historical Park stayed at the Williamsport site, providing assistance during filming.
Volunteer Ranger Receives Prestigious Award From Maryland Recreation and Parks Association
Jerry
France, a Volunteer Ranger at Fort Frederick State Park and
the Western Maryland Rail Trail, is the 2006-2007 recipient
of the "Agency Volunteer Award" presented by the Maryland Recreation
& Parks Association. The award was presented during the association's
annual conference in Ocean City, Maryland. Lt. Angie Hummer,
Park Manager at Fort Frederick State Park and Western Maryland
Rail Trail (WMRT), nominated France for the award. In 2006,
France biked 1,542.5 miles and spent 202 days patrolling the
23.5-mile Western Maryland Rail Trail. As a Volunteer Ranger,
he reports to the park on a daily basis of trail conditions,
visitor statistics and maintenance issues. France also provides
visitors with the history of the rail trail and tourism information
in and around Washington County. Since France began as a Volunteer
Ranger in 2004, he has volunteered 3155.5 hours and has biked
13,048 miles on the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Boys & Girls Club Wins Nonprofit Impact Award
 The
Boys & Girls Club was recently awarded the Nonprofit Impact
Award during the annual Focus on Philanthropy breakfast and
celebration of nonprofit organizations in Washington County.
The event was hosted by the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber
of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Washington County.
Finalists for the award were Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry,
Hagerstown Community College Foundation, REACH Inc., The Salvation
Army and Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc./Area Agency
on Aging. The award is given to the nonprofit organization that
"provides the most impact for its clientele," according to a
Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation press release. The
Boys & Girls Club received $1,000 as part of the award.
Beaver Creek School Museum Opens For the Season
The
Beaver Creek School Museum is now open for the season.
The historic 1904 two-room school building will be open
every Sunday through November 11, from 1-4 p.m. The museum
re-creates a typical old-fashioned school room. It also
displays a wide variety of late 19th Century and early
20th Century items reflecting elements of life in Washington
County. Highlights of the museum include a re-created
workshop with a large number of tools; a cobblers station
with tools and wooden foot-forms; a beautiful sleigh and
several wooden children's sleds; exhibits of vintage toys,
dolls; several military uniform items; women's clothing,
especially hats; several musical instruments, including
an 1840's hand-crank organ and a 1911 Edison record player;
a large stove manufactured in Hagerstown; and a re-creation
of an early 1900's parlor.
The Washington County Historical Society operates the Beaver Creek School Museum, located at 9702 Beaver Creek Church Road. Admission is free to the public. Group tours for any day - other than Sunday - may be coordinated by calling the Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society, James Neville, at 301-797-8782.
Special
Civil War Journalism Exhibit Opens at Antietam
A
special exhibit, “Reporting the Civil War in the
Hagerstown Newspapers” is temporarily on display
at Antietam National Battlefield. Brayton Harris, author
of "Blue & Gray in Black & White: Newspapers
in the Civil War" presented a program on opening
day of the exhibit. "The exhibit is tied to the
completion of an indexing project for Hagerstown newspapers
during the Civil War years, 1860 to 1865," said
Carol Appenzellar, project manager for the historic
newspaper indexing project at Washington County Free
Library.
The exhibit describes the indexing project, how the
index provides access to details about the Civil War,
and news reporting of the Civil War in Hagerstown newspapers.
The index includes items from two pro-Union papers --
Herald of Freedom and Torch Light and the Herald and
Torch Light -- and pro-Southern papers Hagerstown Mail
and Maryland Free Press.
WCAC Announces New Exhibition: Talisman for the Journey
 The
Washington County Arts Council Gallery is pleased to
announce its new exhibition: "Talisman for the
Journey" - works by Rhonda Smith. The exhibit runs
April 21 and concludes May 26.
Smith, a Keedysville resident, is a professor of art at Shepherd University. Her recent exhibitions include a one-person show in conjunction with the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown in 2006 and exhibits at West Virginia State College and the Shenandoah Arts Council Gallery in Winchester, VA.
The artist's work is inspired imagery and symbolism she encountered on a trip to Mali, West Africa in 2003. In her recent work she combines those with ideas she first encountered earlier among the Baule and Suenfo of Cote d'Ivoire.
The Washington County Arts Council is located at 14 West Washington in historic downtown Hagerstown. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and by appointment.
.
Fort Frederick State Park To Host Annual 18th Century Market Fair April 26-29
 The
Maryland Park Service and the Friends of Fort Frederick
State Park will host the 13th Annual 18th Century
Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park April 26
through 29. Admission is $4 per person; $2 for ages
7-12, children age 6 and under are free. Times for
the Market Fair are:
Thursday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors to Fort Frederick State Park will meet more than 150 talented artisans, craftspeople and vendors who sell reproductions of 18th-century items, including furniture, clothing, guns, powder horns and hunting bags. Most of the goods for sale are handmade by the vendors themselves, and many of these individuals will demonstrate their crafts.
To give this event the flair of an 18th-century fair,
there will be magic shows, puppet shows, music and
balancing acts that were popular diversions of the
time. Add to this an encampment of 18th-century reenactors
who will conduct live firing demonstrations of period
weapons as well as demonstrations of 18th-century
life in the fort amidst a 1730-90 encampment. Interpreters
will present continuous living history programs within
the historic fort walls .
Annual Public School Art Exhibition to be held at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
The
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is proud to
announce the Annual Public School Art Exhibition,
to be held in the Museum's Groh Gallery between April
28 and May 27, 2007. This lively annual exhibition
features unique works of art created by the students
from the more than forty Washington County public
schools. The exhibition features artwork in a variety
of subjects and mediums, including the imaginative
designs of kindergarten children and the skilled artistic
works of high school students. Visitors have the opportunity
to enjoy the exuberance, creativity, and talent of
hundreds of blossoming young artists.
Mr. Rob Hovermale, Coordinator of Visual and Performing
Arts for Washington County Public Schools and the
art educators of Washington County organize the exhibition
annually in conjunction with the Washington County
Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors who take advantage of
this glimpse into the exceptional art education program
in the county will appreciate the way comprehensive
instruction in artistic fundamentals and methods of
expression are enriching the lives of Washington County
students. Students, their families, and the general
public are invited to attend a special opening reception
on Sunday, April 29, 2007 from 2:30 to 4:30.
.
CHARACTER COUNTS! of Washington County Hosting National Training
CHARACTER COUNTS! of Washington County is hosting
a National CHARACTER COUNTS! Seminar May 1-2, 2007
at the Plaza Hotel. The seminar is called "Living
Up To The Public Trust: Ethical and Risk Management
Issues for Public Managers and Administrators." The
two day program is meant to help county administrators,
city attorneys, city managers, and county and city
department heads perceive, prevent, and resolve ethical
issues. It is marketed as the ideal introduction to
developing a meaningful and sustainable ethical culture.
Approximately 35-40 participants from throughout the
East Coast are expected to attend.
Topics of discussion for the seminar include: going beyond compliance to ensure true effectiveness; evaluating character in hiring and promoting employees; dealing with political influences; avoiding conflicts of interest; dealing with the media; improving decision making; strengthening community relations; and advancing professional development.
CHARACTER COUNTS! is the most widely implemented approach
to character education. It is embraced by thousands
of schools, communities, public agencies, and non-profits.
The approach promotes the Six Pillars of Character:
Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness,
Caring, and Citizenship. The national program began
in 1993. For additional information about CHARACTER
COUNTS! visit http://www.charactercounts.org/
. Registration for the seminar can be found online
at http://www.josephsoninstitute.org/seminars/etw_public-administration.htm
.
Annual Firefighters' Bonanza Extravaganza Set for May 11 and 12
 This
year's Bonanza Extravaganza is scheduled for May 11
and 12 at Hagerstown Speedway. Participants at the
event have the opportunities to win more than $800,000
in prizes - $100,000 more than event organizers gave
out last year. The prizes include seven Chevrolets
and seven Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The winner
of the final drawing will leave the event $100,000
richer.
Last year's Bonanza Extravaganza generated about $150,000
in profits for the foundation that represents Hagerstown
Professional Firefighters International Association
of Fire Fighters Local 1605. Of that money, about
$88,000 was donated to local nonprofit groups, including
Children's Village, and the rest became seed money
for this year's event, Conrad said.
Firefighters are able to pay for the Bonanza Extravaganza
and fund all the prizes through the sale of $100 admission
tickets and $20 guest passes. While both $100 ticketholders
and their guests can enjoy the music, only the $100
ticketholders are eligible for the cash and vehicle
prizes.
There are only 10,000 tickets for the two-day event
at Hagerstown Speedway and they are expected to sell
out. Last year, people from as far away as Japan and
Iraq ordered tickets. Web site orders are coming in
from around the world. For more information visit
www.bonanzaextravaganza.com
Fourth Annual Museum Ramble Scheduled for May 5 & 6
Washington
County's fourth annual Museum Ramble is scheduled
for the weekend of May 5-6, 2007. The Ramble, sponsored
by the Washington County Association of Museums and
Historical Sites (WCAMHS) and the Hagerstown-Washington
County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), includes
more than fifteen local museums and historic sites.
Most of the participating museums are opening their
doors free of charge and many have special surprises
planned for the weekend. The Museum Ramble is a self-guided
tour that will be offered from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday,
May 5 and Sunday, May 6. Maps and directions to participating
sites, as well as refreshments for participants, will
be available at the Visitor Welcome Center in downtown
Hagerstown. The WCAMHS and the CVB, along with the
design expertise of Icon Graphics, have put together
a brochure and map specifically for this year's Ramble.
The guide and map can be viewed online at www.marylandmemories.org/ramble.
The printed guide is available at the Visitor Welcome
Center, and at various CVB members. Of Maryland's
300-plus museums, more than 10 percent are located
in Washington County. The Museum Ramble makes the
most of this by welcoming residents and visitors to
the county's museums, many of which are private and
typically open by appointment only.
The Largest Leadership Event of 2007 to be Hosted Locally by Bridge of Life Church
 On
May 11, 2007, the "Maximum Impact Simulcast: The Influence
Index (Increasing A Leader's True Value)" will include
over 80,000 business professionals participating via
satellite downlink in 600 cities across North America.
Bridge of Life Church of Hagerstown is participating
for the fourth year as a local host site for this
unprecedented leadership event. This LIVE leadership
seminar, broadcast from Atlanta, GA, has trained over
300,000 business professionals in the last five years.
"Maximum Impact: The Influence Index" will be the
premiere leadership development experience that allows
you and your team to learn from premiere leadership
authorities.
Last year's Maximum Impact Simulcast was one of the
largest gatherings of business leaders ever. After
such great success, best-selling author and authority
on leadership Dr. John C. Maxwell will once again
be joined on stage by legendary leaders including
former NFL-star Terry Bradshaw, Herman Boone (made
famous in the movie "Remember the Titans," Boone was
Alexandria's first black head football coach at an
integrated public school), Tim Sanders (a former top-level
executive with Yahoo!), famous author Malcolm Gladwell
(staff writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996,
and in 2005 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100
Most Influential People), Jackie Freiberg (co-author
of the compelling book called GUTS! Companies that
Blow the Doors Off of Business as Usual), Bill Strickland
(head of both the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild and
the Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh), international
best-selling author of "The Fred Factor," Mark Sanborn
is known as "the high content speaker who motivates,"
and Ken Blanchard (author of the international best-seller
"One Minute Manager").
The Maximum Impact Seminar will focus on the qualities
that all great leaders have in common. Each speaker
will illuminate certain qualities akin to their personal
careers and experience and provide in-depth perspective
on how to unleash the influential leadership power
in yourself and those around you. Each speaker will
present various topics, leadership points, and helpful
guidance for improving workplace teams.
Tickets are only $39 and can be purchased online at
www.hagerstownmaximumimpact.com.
Each ticket comes with a complete event syllabus and
a catered lunch.
.
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild to Hold Fashion Show Fundraiser
The
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild will hold "A Classic
Fashion Extravaganza" show with a luncheon on Saturday
May 12th, 11:00am -2:00pm. The event will take place
in the new banquet room at the Musket Ridge Golf Clubhouse
overlooking the beautiful Middletown Valley in Myersville.
Fabulous Fashions by Talbot's and Talbot's Kids will be presented along with Musket Ridge Pro Shop Attire. Meet Mrs. Pat Tarpley, the FIRST American Dior model, and see some of Dior's original fashions from the 50's. There will be raffles for beauty items and fashions, and someone will win a "Wardrobing Party" for Ten!
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild is the largest financial supporter of the MSO. Tickets are $50.00 and may be purchased from Guild Members, at upcoming MSO Concerts, or at the MSO Office, 301-797-4000.
.
Funkstown
Scheduling Annual "Battle of Funkstown" Re-enactment
More
than 300 people are expected to participate in this
year's Civil War re-enactment in Funkstown, according
to event organizer Ron Benedict. The event has been
scheduled for July 13 - 15 at the Funkstown Community
Park. The Battle of Funkstown occurred July 10 to
12, 1863, as Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee led his
troops back to Virginia following the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Funkstown Town Council is assisting in financial
sponsorship for the event, including donating $100
for re-enactors' gunpowder to fire cannons.
.
Washington
County Museum of Fine Arts Project Wins Silver ADDY® Award
 The
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts 75th anniversary exhibition
catalog, "Our Fondest Dreams and Hopes," has won a Silver Medal
ADDY® Award in the 2007 Greater Frederick Advertising Federation
(GFAF) ADDY Award Competition. The catalogue, which kicked off
the museum's anniversary year beginning in September 2006, was
designed by Lori Jenkins of Hagerstown Bookbinding and Printing
(HBP), Inc.
Jenkins was the Designer / Art Director for the project, which was directed by Museum Director Joe Ruzicka and coordinated by the WCMFA's Meg Dameron. 1000 copies of the book were printed by HBP. They are available for purchase at the WCMFA Museum Shop.
The GFAF ADDY® competition is the first of a three-tiered national competition. The local winners proceed to a regional competition, and those winners proceed to the national finals. The Silver Medal Award recognizes an outstanding industry leader in the community. The ADDY® Awards are the world's largest advertising competition, with over 60,000 entries annually. They recognize all forms of advertising from media of all types, creative by all sizes, and entrants of all levels from around the globe. The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association conducts the ADDY® Awards through its 200 member advertising clubs and 15 districts. It is the only creative awards program administered by the advertising industry for the industry.
CVB Member Power Marketing Honored With National Award
Power
Marketing & Advertising, Inc. was honored at the National Association
of Home Builders', Building Systems Council Showcase in Orlando,
Florida. Power Marketing earned the "2007 Excellence in Marketing
Award" in the category of Associate Member brochure, for the
design of Terrace Homes' 24-page consumer brochure featuring
their company history, home elevations and floor plans.
Power Marketing & Advertising, Inc. is a nationally recognized, full-service builder marketing and consulting company formed in 1992. Power Marketing focuses in graphic design, web design, multi-media, point-of-purchase advertising, market studies, and specialized marketing training for the new home builder industry.
Potomac Bead Company Moves to New Location
 Allie
Buchman and her husband Nathan opened the doors to The Potomac
Bead Company 109 S. Potomac St. in November 2005. It didn't
take long for the business to grow and soon they opened a second
store on South Main Street in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Both
locations provide a wide array of materials for making one's
own jewelry, including gemstones, glass, sterling silver, wire,
tools, books and more. While the staff at The Potomac Bead Company
will custom-design jewelry, Buchman says she is especially interested
in teaching, educating and training people in how to make their
own jewelry. The business has been well-received but Buchman
and her husband continue to find ways to grow. Recently, they
completed a large project bringing the store's inventory to
the Internet. The Potomac Bead Company also has begun wholesale
offers to smaller bead stores and designers. Because the business
has been so successful, Buchman said they have outgrown their
current store on South Potomac Street. They have recently moved
into their new location at 53 W. Washington St. It's a bigger
store with more room to move around.
2006 Record-Breaking Year For Fort Frederick Visitation
The
annual attendance for Fort Frederick State Park in 2006 was
nearly double than that of previous years. The State Park's
staff knew the visitation numbers were up over the prior year,
but were surprised to find out that there were almost twice
as many visitors.
More than 82,000 people visited the park in 2006. This increased numbers of visitors includes people who stopped into the park's visitors center. Fort Frederick State Park celebrated its 250th anniversary May 26-28, 2006. The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) was instrumental in promoting the event, and bringing the park publicity. The CVB wrote media releases and articles about Fort Frederick and the anniversary celebration for travel publications, as well as contributed a great deal of money to advertising in regional and national publications. Advertisements appeared in AAA magazines, Preservation Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle, USA Today Magazine, New York Times Magazine, on-line media, and several others. Additionally, the CVB and PM2 Studios of Hagerstown, designed a tri-fold color brochure detailing the 250th Anniversary weekend. It was distributed at welcome centers and places of interest throughout the area.
Washington County Rural Heritage Museum's Dorry Norris Awarded Small Museum Association Award
The annual conference of the Small Museum Association was held February 25-27 in Ocean City, Maryland. The Small Museum Association is an all volunteer organization serving hundreds of small museums throughout the mid-Atlantic region, and in nearby states. At the annual conference's awards ceremonies, the Hunter-Burley Award for an individual's outstanding contributions to the advancement of public access and professional growth for an individual institution was presented to Dorry Baird Norris.
Norris is a volunteer at Washington County's Rural Heritage Museum. The award was described as being for a person who serves at an institution that is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and whose primary field of discipline is culture, history, heritage or natural science. The award is for recognition of Small Museum Association peers. The recipient is for an individual, not a staff or organization.
Norris was awarded the honor because of the quality of contribution to the advancement of the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum and to the small museum community. Norris was evaluated on her accomplishments and contributions to the museum. Her award recommendation cited her dedication, which has led to increased recognition for the museum. She has volunteered countless hours for various projects including: the Washington County Master Gardner Program and a new German garden exhibit at the museum's rural village, an exhibit called "Beyond the Battle" about the impact of the Civil War's battles on Washington County farms, and also helping create and lead the annual Washington County Museum Ramble.
Norris is a member of the Washington County Association of Museums and Historical Sites, and has planned several events at the Rural Heritage Museum. The museum is readying for the Maryland premier of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit called: "Key Ingredients, America by Food." That exhibit opens with a gala ceremony on June 22, 2007.
New Improvements At Hagerstown Regional Airport
 Work
on the underpass and runway expansion over the relocated U.S.
11 at Hagerstown Regional Airport continues and is expected
to be complete by May 2007. Hagerstown Regional, located off
U.S. 11 near Interstate 81, offers daily flights to and from
Pittsburgh International Airport by USAirways Express. The $62
million runway improvement program was the result of a Federal
Aviation Administration mandate to have 1,000-foot safety areas
at each end of the runway.
The first phase - hauling fill to the site - is completely finished.
A total of 200,000 dump truck loads of mined soil was brought
to the airport for the project from the Washington County landfill,
where new cells were being created. The work replacing the run-up
area on the west end of the airfield is also complete.
The U.S. 11 relocation, runway and taxiway bridges started in
the fall of 2005 will be completed by May 2007. The relocation
of U.S. 11 included the construction of two underpasses, 500-
and 120-feet long, which accommodate the runway and parallel
taxiway extensions. Contracts for asphalt, electrical and lighting
were recently awarded and the final phase should be finished
next December.
Hagerstown Aviation Museum Receives Donation of Three Rare Historic Aircraft
 The
Hagerstown Aviation Museum recently hosted a special reception
for Museum members and donors who helped secure and return the
Fairchild C-82 Packet, the last flyable Fairchild C-82 Packet
"Flying Boxcar" to Hagerstown, Maryland where it was manufactured
over sixty years ago. The community's support in helping to
bring home the C-82 has inspired the donation of three additional
historic aircraft.
Bob Stanford of Zenith Aviation in Fredericksburg, Va., donated
a 1953 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. Also donated was a 1949
North American AT-6G Texan by Genevieve Booth of Whitehall,
Mont. It still needs some restoration to fly. A third plane,
a 1943 PT-19A in restored, flying condition, was donated by
Stan Crippen of Ft. Pierce, Fla.
The special March 18th reception and donation announcement also
included the outline of plans for the building of a permanent
museum facility at the airport. The non-profit, tax-exempt Hagerstown
Aviation Museum needs help. Volunteers and donations are invited.
The after-purchase costs for repairing and returning the C-82,
as well as their other airplanes have been significant. The
Hagerstown Aviation Museum needs additional continued support
from the community to preserve and maintain Hagerstown's aviation
history, and to continue to work towards building the museum's
permanent facility.
Hagerstown Aviation Museum Adding Cessna Aircraft to Displays at Discovery Station
The
Hagerstown Aviation Museum now has a Cessna 150 that has been
prepared for hands-on, interactive display. Tracey Potter, museum
member and President of Hagerstown Aircraft services, Inc.,
donated the aircraft. Potter's nationally-famous company has
provided all the volunteer labor and materials, and converted
it to a museum-ready, child-friendly interactive exhibit.
The plane has been partially disassembled and then reassembled making sure that all aspects of the plane is safe for young people to explore. The cabin is carpeted and any sharp or protruding edges have been covered or removed. Museum visitors can take turns at working the controls, checking the instruments and tuning the radio while listening to information and instructions from airport flight controllers. The complete Cessna aircraft, minus its tail because of space limitations, is being placed in the Discovery Station in front of a large aerial view of the Hagerstown Regional Airport.
Hagerstown Suns Help Raise $19,734.54 With 3rd Annual Chili Event
 The
Hagerstown Suns are pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual
Hagerstown Suns Chili Cook-Off & Music Festival raised nearly
$20,000 for two non-profit organizations. The event, held September
23, 2006, featured 28 chili cook teams, five local bands, five
over-heated judges and 1448 attendees. The Walnut Street Community
Health Center was the major non-profit partner for the event.
It is a private non-profit health center located in downtown
Hagerstown, providing medical and dental care to area patients.
Many are low income and often do not have health insurance.
The proceeds from the Chili Cook Off and Music Festival will
be used to help finance the Center's renovation project that
will expand the dental clinic from two to four treatment rooms.
The Chili Cook-Off Committee also presented the Community Free
Clinic with a check for $3946.91.
Hagerstown Suns Announce Alternate Logo for 2007 Season
The
Hagerstown Suns have announced that the club will have a new
alternate logo for the upcoming 2007 season. The logo encompasses
red, white and blue colors to embrace the Suns' new Major League
Baseball parent club, the Washington Nationals. The alternate
character to the Suns classic logo is being called "The General".
To accentuate the new affiliation with the Nationals, the Suns have added the new logo to a blue hat with matching blue jersey. The jersey also features a new logo on the left-chest. Blue belts and socks along with white pants will complete the new look. SkilTech Web Design and Hosting, the Suns website provider, will sponsor "Patriotic Saturdays" with media support provided by WJAL TV68. At every Saturday home game in 2007 the Suns will wear the alternate uniforms.
Arts Council Partners with Hagerstown Suns for Literacy and Imagination
For
the third consecutive season, the Washington County Arts Council
is combining efforts with the Hagerstown Suns to present a season-long
program for children: Suns Storytime. America's classic pastime
is teamed with America's classic stories, creating a full afternoon
of fun at Municipal Stadium. Half an hour prior to each Sunday
home game, children can join the players on the outfield, where
the players will take turns reading some of the most-cherished
selections from children's literature. Kids' imaginations will
light up when they hear "Blueberries for Sal," "The Merry Chase,"
and "Pretzel," the classic story of puppy love, and "Curious
George."
Welcome
New Members
The
CVB is proud to have more than 250 members!
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The
Ballroom
Mike
Duffy/Mike Deming
28 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown MD 21740
301-745-6648
www.duffysonpotomac.com
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Cumberland
Valley Cycling Club/
Antietam Velo Club, Inc.
Dick Cushwa
PO Box 711
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-223-6236
www.bikecvcc.com
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Duffy's
on Potomac
Mike
Duffy/Mike Deming
28 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown MD 21740
301-745-6648
www.duffysonpotomac.com
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Garringer
Images
Ted and Colleen Garringer
434 Virginia Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-733-4461
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Helen
Wheels Tours
Helen Arthur
c/o OC Jamboree
Rt. 611 and 12600 Marian Lane
Ocean City, MD 21842
www.ocjam.com
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Maryland
Cracker Barrel
Frank Woodring
7749 Fairplay Rd.
Boonsboro, MD 21713
301-582-3885
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Odyssey
Jewelry, Pewter & Gifts
Carolee Bartel
25 E. Potomac Street
Williamsport, MD 21795
301-223-8900
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Pennsylvania
Dutch Market
Nancy Boltz
1583 Potomac Avenue
Hagerstown MD 21742
240-420-8555
www.padutchmarket.com
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Washington
County-Based Segway Tour Company Opens for Business
 TourGlides™
is a new company based in Washington County, and offers safe, guided
Segway® Tours of Our National Treasures™—National
Parks; city, state, and regional parks; rail-trails; battlefields;
monuments; orchards, vineyards, and wineries; zoos and aquariums;
botanical gardens and arboretums; historical and cultural sites...and
just about any exciting outdoor event and venue that can be found.
TourGlides
is a local (mobile) company, with national aspirations—currently
working with Antietam National Battlefield, the National Park Service,
The City of Hagerstown, and others. TourGlides will provide theme
“Glides," custom Glides and appearances, as well as Segway
trials—beginning late April of 2007, and will continue to develop
new and exciting Glides year ‘round—most starting around
$65 dollars, for Segway instruction, and over 2 hours of Glide-time.
Gilders see more, in less time, and have more fun!
In
the company's HistoryGlides™, gliders see National Parks, battlefields,
historic olde-towns, and cultural venues. Local historians, experts,
and storytellers co-Glide and narrate. With PhotoGlides™, local
and national photography notables/authorities; educators; club leaders;
magazine photo-editors; and published photographers serve as guides.
There are premier sites and subjects. In the GrapeGlides™ there are
tours of vineyards and wineries, with wine pairings and tastings,
meals, festivals, "pick-your-own" orchards, and more. TrailGlides™
can be hourly, half-day, daily, multi-day, or off-pavement "expeditions.
NatureGlides™ are a fun, and new way to learn from experts about flora
and fauna.
All professional TourGlides guides are cross-trained in first-aid
and CPR for Glider confidence. Segways are environment-friendly and
TourGlides practices and promotes Leave-No-Trace® environmental ethics.
Insurance dictates Gliders be 14 years or older. To learn more about
TourGlides™ and great Glides, visit www.tourglides.com
or call (301) 432-0300.
Around
Washington County Tourism |
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort Awarded Highest Rating from
Oldest and Most-Respected National Rating Organization
 Yogi
Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort was awarded the highest rating possible
by the publishers of Woodall's North American Campground Directory
for the 2007 season. Ann Emerson, Associated Publisher Woodall's
the nations leading guide for the outdoor enthusiast notified Ron
and Vicki Vitkun, owners of Jellystone Camp Resort, that their facility
is one of only 247 listed camp resorts in the Untied States to attain
Woodall's highest 5W rating for both Facilities and Recreation.
Woodall's inspects more than 14,000 campgrounds annually. Ms. Emerson
had high praise for the Williamsport family campground, "This
select group represents less than 3% of the privately owned camp
resorts that Woodall's lists. Your investment in the physical development
of your park, personnel, recreation programs and excellent maintenance
puts your park into this very select group."
Jellystone Park recently underwent a multi-million dollar expansion
and renovation. During 2006 Ron & Vicki added five more luxury
cabins, and 58 new RV sites. Making the biggest splash with campers
is the brand new 3,200 square foot interactive pool, and two 400-foot
water slides "Picnic Plunge" and "Ranger's Revenge."
All privately-owned parks are personally visited yearly by Woodall's
professionally-trained representatives, ensuring up-to-date data.
Over 15,000 government and privately-operated facilities are listed
including RV service centers and attractions. Campground/RV park
listings include facility descriptions, easy-to-follow driving directions,
camping fees, and telephone numbers. Includes pet restrictions,
phone/modem hookups at sites, handicap accessibility, county information
(for weather warnings), e-mail addresses for parks, and much more.
First Marriott Property in Washington County Opens
 Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) opened the 104-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Hagerstown, Maryland on December 19. Located at 17280 Valley Mall Road, the SpringHill Suites Hagerstown will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Cole Road Holdings, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners of Frederick, Maryland. Plamondon Hospitality Partners owns and operates a Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn and Courtyard in Frederick, Maryland.
Located off of Interstate 81, one mile north of Interstate 70, the SpringHill Suites Hagerstown offers guests convenient access to downtown Hagerstown, Whitetail Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, the Hagerstown Prime Outlets and the Antietam National Battlefield. SpringHill Suites offer complimentary Suite Seasons BreakfastSM buffet, business services, free weekday USA TODAY delivery, same-day dry cleaning, free high-speed Internet access, guest laundry facilities, valet service, an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa, exercise room and express checkout. Suite ConvenienceSM, an express "grab and go" food service, is available at select hotels. The SpringHill Suites Hagerstown is the latest hotel to offer Marriott's new, more luxurious bedding, which features plusher mattresses, custom comforters, crisp linens, fluffier pillows, and a new, fresh, white look.
Guest suites in SpringHill Suites hotels are up to 25 percent larger than traditional hotel rooms and feature separate areas for sleeping, working/eating and relaxing. All suites are non-smoking and suites equipped for people with disabilities also are an option. In-room amenities include a pantry with mini-refrigerator, microwave, 32-inch LCD television and coffee service. For maximum guest comfort, a pullout sofa bed and lounge chair with ottoman are available. Suites also feature a
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