At Home Places, Summer 2024

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SummertimeMeansReadingTime

LibrariesMakeItFunandEasy

WrittenbySARAHNADEAU

We’regoing onanadventurethis summer! Pack a backpackwith theessentials: map, compass,and library card. We’rehitting the trail, settingsail, and reaching newheightswith this year’sSummer Reading Clubtheme, “AdventureBegins at Your Library!”

Let’sstartouradventuretravelling backintime:

Summer reading programsbeganin the1890stoencourage older children, especiallythose in cities not busy with farm work during thosemonths,to develop aloveofreadingoutside of school.Some librarians hostedstorytimes and gave outbooks in playgrounds, some libraries had reading contests with lists of classicliteraturetochoosefrom, andothers required young readersto presentanoral reportoneachbookthey readto theirlibrarian. Early summer reading programshelpeddemonstrate the ongoing need fordedicated children’s programming andspaces in libraries Bythe1930s,mostofthesesummer reading programshadannualthemesto better appealto arangeofchildren,and

manydid away with required reading lists andconteststhatmightdiscourage somereaders.Inthedecadesthat followed,the impact oftheseprograms topreventsummer reading loss forstudentsbecamemorewidelyknownand schoolsbegantoencourage studentsto participate.Inthe1960s,reading clubs begantoexpandto includemoreprogramming,likefilmscreenings

Whatsummeradventures will you find at your library now?

Today, 95%ofpubliclibraries host summer reading programsandofferlots ofopportunities forthe whole family tolearntogether.Washington County Free Library is excited toofferself-paced Summer Reading Club challengeseach yearfrom June 1toAug.31. Alothas changed since the1890s,ofcourse,but the intention tohelpencourage lifelong reading remains thesame

While paper gameboards forlogging your reading arestill an option,it’s easier than everto keep trackofmultiple readers using Beanstack! Library staff will help youregister forBeanstack,our online tracking platform,or youcan makeanaccount online or with thefree Beanstackapp.Once you’resigned up,

youcanmakereaderprofiles,see your progressthroughoutthesummer,and getnotifications eachtime youearna prizeorare entered into araffle.

During theSummer Reading Club, youcan read whatever youlike, however youlike, and wherever youlike.Read on your own, withfriends in abook club,listening toan audiobook,with an eReader,ina treehouse,onthebeach —itdoesn’tmatter,solongas youare reading!

Aspartofouradventurestogether this summer,wehaveatonoffree family programsplanned. Join us forkick-off parties,digeridoo performances,reptile shows, scienceexperiments,storytelling, puppetshows andmore!

We can’t wait foryouto join uson this adventure!Learnmoreand sign up at washcolibrary.org.

SarahNadeau istheheadofpublic relationsatthe WashingtonCounty FreeLibrary.

Sources: Bertin,S.(2004). Ahistory ofyouth summer readingprogramsinpublic libraries: Amaster’spaperfortheM.S.inL.S.degree.University ofNorthCarolinaatChapelHill.

S ALLDESTINATION IGAD ENTURES

E PLOREALTOONA

WRITTENBYLESLIEPERLMUTTER

Thetagline forExploreAltoonais “SmallDestination,BigAdventures.”

At no time is this moniker more apt thaninthesummermonths.Thissummer, inadditiontotheamusementpark,minor league baseball,railroad heritage, historic sites,andstellaroutdoorrecreation, visitorscanenjoythe100thbirthdaycelebrationofthehistoric Herschell Spill an Carousel atDelGrosso’sParkandthethird annualBlairCountyAfricanAmerican Heritage Festival.BlairCountyanditsenvironsoffertimeless anduniqueopportunitiestoenjoytheseason Thoseseekingclassicfamilyfunoftenhead to DelGrosso s Park.Thisyear,DelGrosso’swill commemoratethecentennialofitsbeloved Herschell-SpillmanCarousel, amasterpieceofcraftsmanshipbuiltin1924bytheSpillman Engineering Corporation. Eachofthe36hand-carvedandhand-paintedhorsessportdetails suchasrealhorsehairtailsandmetalhorseshoes.Theleadhorse, affectionatelynicknamedFerdinandinhonorofthepark’sfounder, FerdinandDelGrosso,proudlydons aredsash.Therewillbejars ofcommemorativelimitededitioncentennialmarinaraavailableat park gift shops.Thejar’slabelisiconicandstates,“Fromthe gentle riseandfallofthecarouseltothe nostalgic melodyofits Wurlitzer Band Organ, everyrideis ajourney through time, weaving together pastandpresentin atapestryofjoyandwonder.” Thisyear,the themeforthepark’spopularFourthofJulyfireworksalsopays tributetothehistoriccarouselwith “A Ride Through History.” DelGrosso’sistheoldestfamily-ownedproviderofpastasauce, andfoodistakenveryseriously.DelGrosso’shasitsown tagline —theHomeofFamilyFunandFamousFood.AmyMearkle,the DirectorofMarketing &EventsforDelGrosso’sParkand Laguna

Splash,notesthattheparkisoftenreferred toas“arestaurantthathasrides.”Mearkle discussesanotherDelGrossotradition: “Spaghetti Wednesdayis afoodeventthat takesplaceattheparkeachsummer.Every Wednesdayduringtheoperatingseasonin June,Julyand August, theculinaryteamat DelGrosso’sParkprepares aspecialItalian featureforlunchanddinner,with spaghetti andmeatballsalwaysavailableasanoption. Thissummertradition bringstogether the community in avarietyofwaysasfriends andco-workerscometoenjoylunch,andfamilies plandaytripsoreveningvisitsaroundthe Spaghetti Wednesdaymenu.

Festival goers will delight inthethirdannual A rican A ericanHeritageFestival,heldin downtownAltoonaonJuly27and28.Eachyear thefestivalbecomesmoresuccessful,andtheevent’s organizers areexcitedto spotlight AfricanAmericancultureand historytothecommunity,featuringfood,fun,vendors,education,andmore. Highlights includelivemusic, acircusfromBlack MusicBurlesque &CircusProduction,and aKids’Cornerwhere GreenbeanCoffeewillsponsorbraceletmakingandletterwriting toestablishpenpalswithchildreninAfrica. PaigeLightner,the Chairpersonofthefestival,notedthattherewillbemanyout-oftownfoodvendorsthisyear,includingthosefeaturingJamaican, Caribbean,andAfricanfood.Sheisthrilledwiththefestival’s success:“Thishasbeensuch acommunityeffort. Ilovethatthe communityhasembracedthefestival,enablingustoholditand grow iteachyear.”

MarkIckesistheExecutiveDirectorandthedrivingforce behindExploreAltoona’srevampedwebsite, e plorealtoona.co Heferventlyhopesthatpeoplesamplethearea’svastvariety ofexperiences.

Builtin1924,DelGrosso’sPark’s Herschell-SpillmanCarouselis a masterpieceofcraftsmanship.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Fiber Art

From Traditional toInnovative

Writtenby PAULETTELEE

“FiberArt IsFinally Being Taken Seriously” wastheheadlineof a NewYorkTimesStyle magazine articleinSeptemberlastyear. “Longcaughtintheliminalspace between craftandsomethingmoreprestigious,”the articlebegins, “worksofthreadand fabric arereachingnewfoundinstitutional recognition.”

Fiberart,sometimescalledtextileor fabric art,uses avarietyof materialsand techniques,includingweaving, sewing, knitting, embroidery, crocheting, felting, knotting, quilting, needlepoint, rug-making andbasket weaving –noneof whichare newendeavors.Infact, we can go as far backasprehistorictimesto whenpeople madetheirown clothestoprotectthemselvesfromtheelements.Quilting, the stitchingtogetheroflayersofpaddingand fabricinordertoprovideinsulation, may

dateback as faras3400BCE.Sericulture, theartofsilk weaving, originatedinChina morethan5,000 yearsago

Gradually, utilitarianismexpandedinto artforms: thinkMiddleEasterncarpets, whichdatebacktothe 7th century BCE; theelaboratelywoven Aubussontapestries thatbothwarmedanddecorated France’s medievalstone castleinteriors; andthe exquisiteuseoffabricandtrimmings in MarieAntoinette’s18th-centuryextravagant rococo fashions.

Whatthe NewYorkTimesStyle magazinearticlewas referringto,however, isthe recognitionoftextileartas“art” by institutions suchasmuseumsandart galleries,whichdeemthe workstobe worthy ofdisplay and/orsalesbecauseof, presumably,the qualityoftheirexecution combinedwith theuniquenessofdesign. Textileas art couldbe definedastheuseof textilesto create

Oneinstitutionthathasfeaturedtextiles asartisthe WashingtonCountyMuseum ofFineArtsin Hagerstown,and weaver BarbaraDiefenderferhaslongbeenassociatedwith WCMFA.

Always intrigued by fabricsand threads, Diefenderfermajoredinhome economics at theUniversityofDelaware, takingall thetextilecoursesshecould,

butitwasonlyafterteachinghomeeconomics andthen stayinghometo raise her childrenthatshediscovered weaving, through a10-weekcoursethemuseum wasoffering. Ultimately,shebecamethe museum’s weavinginstructorandearned hercertificationas aMaster Weaver through the PotomacCraftsmen Guild of Washington, D.C.

In1980,Diefenderferestablishedthe Weavers’ Roundtable,aninformalstudy groupand gathering forweaversthattook thembeyondherclasses.The groupis nowinits44th yearwithsome25current members, allofwhomdootherkindsof textileart, including some whohavetheir ownsheep, and spinand dyetheir own wool.Manyofthemembers’ worksare onexhibitduringthemuseum’sannual “Amazing Tablescapes” fundraising event, andin Februaryofthis year wonthe event’s“PopularChoice” Award.

Diefenderferinstructs atregional conferencesandpresentsprogramsfor a numberofweaverguilds,butshe rarely has aday whenshedoesn’t weaveherself Herpersonalpreference is usingcolorful finethreads toproduce household textiles and fine clothing. Despitedecadesof weaving,she is neverbored,believingthereare always newthingstolearn.

Asampling of woven towelsbyproduced byweaver Barbara Diefenderfer.

AndreaFinch’sthree-dimensional Magnolia Grandiflora III.

“Weavingis amulti-facetedart,” she says. “It’s anopportunitytobe creative in structure, design andcolor.It’s atotally engrossinghobbyandhasbeen my passion foralongtime.IthinkI’lldie before it does!”

WhileDiefenderferpurchasesher threadsonlinebecause they can’t be found locally,those whoare looking forhigh quality woolorgoat fibercan findthemin thearea,atthemonthly Fiber ArtStudio Tourofferedbythree regionalindependent dyers:LisaCheck of FlyingGoatFarmin Frederick,KarenSchlossburgof Avalon Springs Farm in Mt. Airy,and Dalis DavidsonofDancingLeafDyeWorksin Barnesville,Montgomery County.

Essentialto weaving or rug-hooking isthe yarn orthread,andthreearea Marylandwomen whoare independent yarn dyersand farm ownersoffer a monthlyFiberArt Studio Tour:LisaCheck of FlyingGoatFarminFrederick; Karen Schlossburgof AvalonSprings Farm in Mt. Airy, andDalisDavidsonofDancingLeaf DyeWorksin Barnesville, Montgomery County.Although thethreehave different backgrounds,they all cametoyarndyeing by wayoftheir passion forweaving.

“Wewanttobeartist-driven,” Schlossburgpointsout.“Mostofushave fiberanimalsbut it’snot arequirement.” (Coincidentally, allthree womenraise Angoragoats.)Shenotestheycurrently have sixartists whoparticipateinthe juriedtour,but have hadasmanyas11, some of whom raiseanimals,spinand dye, others whodonot; buttheyallcreate. Aboutthetour, Schlossburgsays,“Alotof

Costello displays anarrayofworks created by the With Handsand Hearts Antietam Fiber Artists members.

One oftheelaboraterugcreationsby Maugansville’sPaul Prodonovich.

people relishseeing wherethe yarn comes from,andthe personalitiesofthe different artists.”

Whileallthreewomen sell yarn,they saythey’re moreofcollaboratorsthan competitors, and forall,it’safull-time second,or eventhirdcareer.

Chambersburg fiberartistAndrea Finch is the gallery coordinatorfor the ChambersburgCouncil fortheArts,artist coordinatorforthe FoundryArtMarket andcreatorof what shedescribesas“fabricsculpture.””

Shehadonemoreclass totakeasanart major at KutztownUniversity–she had beendoingprintingandphotography –and it wasinfiber arts.She got a“C”inthe classbecause, shesays,theteacherdidn’t likeher colors, butshe washookedonthe fiber. Shestarted by makingtraditional patchquilts,but asquiltsmade bywomen inthe1990sbecamemoreabout self-expression,she,too,becamemoreexpressive, usingwildercolorsandherownpatterns. Thenlifegotin theway;she put away her sewingmachine for18yearstoraiseher children.

Finch’s return to fiberart wasthe confluenceof apart-timejobphotographing flowers at Snavely’s GardenCorner in Chambersburg forsocialmediapostings and achallengebya mentorforherto go backtoquiltingand “throwoutallthe rules,justpaintwith fabric.”

“Istartedoutjustgettingthefabric barelyoff the surface,”Finchexplains “Just alittle 3-D.Then, usingthe photos I’dtakenatSnavely’s as myreference, myflowersgotincreasinglybigger. They becametooheavyandwerepullingoff fromthe surface. Istartedwrappingon canvasbutthendecided Ididn’tneedthe

canvas.”Andthus“fabricsculptures,”her enlarged,three-dimensionalviews ofhow she seestheflowers(andinone series,how abeemightseethem),cameintobeing.

Finch has wonseveral awards forher work andisoneof36artistsoutof 2,500 entrantstobe chosentoshowattheStudio ArtQuiltAssociates(SAQA)international exhibitinSydney,Australia,thissummer Nevertheless,shepushesbackagainst peoplewho wanttodefineher work as somethingmorethan“just”quilting.

“It is quilting,”sheinsists.”Quiltingis at leasttwolayersoffabricconnectedwith stitchesandthat’swhatIdo, anditmakes me absolutely happy.”

While we tendtothinkoftextileartasa woman’shandicraft, in many culturesit’s actuallythe men whodothe weaving.Once amonthattheBeaverCreekChristian Church in Hagerstown,membersof With HandsandHeartsAntietamFiber Artists (WHHAFA) gathertohook rugs,andtwoof the50 membersaremen.

PaulProdonovichofMaugansville started“hooking”(yes, theyknowallthe jokes) in themid-1990s whenhe found himselfwithnothingtodo whilewatching footballonTVashis (nowdeceased)wife wasquilting. They sawaruginColonial Williamsburgthathefiguredhecoulddo onceheunderstoodhowitwas made;then hesawanexhibit at WCMFAandtooka class.Hiswifenevermuchgotinto rug hooking, butProdonovich hasbecomean accomplishedanddedicatedartist,often sharing histechniquewithothersinthe group.

Sharingisa bigpartofwhatWHHAFA membersdo. PresidentBonnieCostello explainstheorganization, whichisa memberofthenational Association of TraditionalHookingArtists,isaboutsharingthelove of rughooking, andtohelppeopleexpressthemselvesthrough fabric art. Inher ownrughooking, Costellohas movedfromrandomimagesto“storytelling,” whereinthedesignis more expressive ofthe artist’s ownlifeexperiences.When asked what shethinksisthedifference between fabric“art”andcrafting,shesays, “Artinrug hookingisabout choosingthe fabric,colors anddesignthatcreatethe artistinyou.”

FellowhookerNancyDerbyhas amore pragmaticdefinition:“It’sacraft when you makeitfor yourself.It’sartwhenothers wantit.”

Maybethat’show the NewYorkTimes Style articleshouldhave definedit.

Bonnie

DO

LE TH EM US ICAL VA RI ET IE S…

Kick Backat

MAC SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

RITTEN YTRICIA LYNNSTRADER

The MorganA rtsCouncil (M AC) in Berkeley Springs, nowprovidesmoreoppor tunities for free live musicweekends. Since 19 87,M AC hasheld thesummer Concer ts intheParkonSaturdays.In 2023,F ridaynight concer ts were added outdoorsatthe IceHouse tocreate the MACSummerMusic Series.Thissummerajam-packed lineup includes local andreg ionalart ists,aswel lasnational ly touring ar tistsfrommanygenres.

Formanyyears,JillKlein Ronehas hadthefunjobof figuringoutthe year’s lineupfor theSaturdayconcertsin BerkeleySprings StatePark. Shehas along listofwho shewould liketoget eachyear, andthisyear she wasableto fillslotsquickly. She gets recommendationsfrom thecommunityand other artists, and looks throughYouTubevideos oranywhere shecan to see what isout thereand whoshe canget. Alotofthe bands whohaveplayedtheconcertseries want tocomeback

“It’snice when peoplewho’vebeen here want tocomeback,” says Klein Rone.“KellyBellBand [on Aug.17]and the BlueRhythmBoys[on Aug.10]are returningfavorites.”

She says Kell ell and musicians always look likethey’rehavingareally greattime,andtheenergy is infectious. Thebandhaswon twoprestigious Maryland Music Awards,including “Best BluesBand.”In2018,they were nominatedforthe“MusicIcon” award, which acknowledgesimportant contributorsto theMaryland musicscene.

“They’realwayssmiling,”says Klein Rone.“Watchtheir videosontheir website.”

The lueRh th o s have been describedas“hokumandCountry Blues.” Theybring musicof the 1920s and 30s, ofDjango Reinhardt, the westernswing ofBob Wills &The Texas Playboys, andSlim &Slam,Hank Penny, and FatsWaller

Klein Rone says shetriesfor abalance of genresintheSaturdaylineup, however,a lotofthe artiststhis yeararein

the Blues category

“Butthey’reallstilldifferent,”she says. “I listen toWWOZ alotfromNew Orleans.Two Igot wereat the Jazz Fest and Igottolistentothem there,Waylon ThibodeauxandEden Brent.”

a lon Thibodeau on July 6 opens theSaturdaynightseries.The fiddler fromCajuncountryhasbeencalled Louisiana’sRockin’ Fiddler.Ofhis music,hesays, “It’s amixture –Cajun, butnottootraditional andZydecowith apinchofNew Orleans’soundand a smallpinch ofSouth Louisiana ‘Swamp Pop.’There’s atasteof Countryand alittle Rock ‘n’ Rollthat’ssure to get people up dancing.”

Eden rent on July 20is aBoogiewoogiepianomusicianandjuke-joint Bluesartist.She’s asongwriter andperformerwith numerousnominationsand awardsincludingelevenBluesMusic Awardnominations since2009, andthree BMAtrophies

On July 13,theSaturdaybetween, is Charlottesville-based Core Harris.His biosays, “I’ma guitarist,vocalist, song-

writer and band leader whohas carvedout my ownniche in blues. Apowerful singer andaccomplished guitarist, Ihaveappeared at venues throughoutNorth America, Europe,Brazil,theCaribbean, West Africa,Asia, AustraliaandNew Zealand.”

“Ton Holida (July27)is very reminiscentofthe Nighthawks and other greatbands we’vehad before,”says Klein Rone

GlideMagazinesaidin2023, “Blendingthecool blues-rock ofacts likeThe Black Keys and NorthMississippiAllstarswith a Memphis soulsound,Holidaycapturesthe mood and feeloftheplace wherehenow resides.”

He earnedthe nickname“The Princeofthe Porch”after recording Blues icons ontheirfront porches acrossthe U.S.,severalof whichwerefeatured onhis“Porch Sessions” Volume1 &2.

Klein Rone says the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra (Aug.3)is “unlike anything I’veeverheard before and unlike anything we’ve had before.”

Scales’biography on his website by TomBaggottsays, “Veering from in-your-face, jawdropping chops and passion, tothosequiet momentswhen thebackground noisedisappears,and youholdyour breathtotakeinasoundscapeof solitude,thepowertrioofelectric bass(E’Lon JD), drums(Maison Guidry), and steel pans (Jonathan Scales)combineselements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, pepperedwithLatinrhythms and soulfuloutburstsoffunk.”

AlltheseSaturdaynight concerts areat5:30p.m.inBerkeley Springs State Park.Bring alawnchairor blanket, or find abench.

“Wefilluptheparkmostofthe time,”saysKlein Rone.“It’s breezy, andthere arelotsoftrees tosit under. Or peoplecan put theirfeet inthe water(of Warm SpringsRun andthe famouswarmsprings).We getalotoftourists,but we have a lotoflocalpeople whocomeevery Saturdaynightno matter what the group performing is.”

Frida Night usicSeries

Eddy RubinofMAC says Friday night Ice House concertsgenerally have amoreup-tempoFriday-night

dance vibe. And more oftheartistsarelocalfavorites or regional performers.Performances areat Charlotte’sCaféGarden Stage,6 p.m. openingwithmusic at 7p.m.

“It’s the samebasic format as Saturdays,”says Rubin. “Bring lawn chairsorblankets. We have somelimited picnic benchseating. We have avarietyofbands,andtwo arereturning this year afterbeing popularlastyear,ProverbsRootz Rock Reggae and GilbertLee &The GhostontheRadio.”

Onedifference fromSaturdaysis in thebands,Rubinsays. Theperformerstend tohave aresidential following.

“Friday nightsmix localand regionalbands,” Rubin says. “We see localswhohave neverset footin the IceHouse beforecomingout to

UPCO INGFRIDAY NIGHTCONCERTS

JUNE 2 : S ECIALISTS

JULY 12: MAR ASHBY HI H OCTANE

JULY 26: RO ERBSROOT ROCK RE AE

AUG. : ILBERTLEE THE HOSTONTHE RADIO

AUG. 23: LUAFLORA

see thebands.”

While afew ofthebandscome fromas farasNew York orNorth Carolina,mostarelocal.Promising Leithislocal,asisMarvAshby& HighOctane.

FromtheEastern Panhandle, arv Ashb &HighOctane bring hard-driving‘noholdsbarred’ Bluegrassmusic. Ashby is joined by somethe region’s finest entertainersdelivering aqualityand fast movingshow.Bothtraditionaland contemporarybluegrass genres are showcased.

TheFriday seriesstarted last year.First up wasFeelFree withspecialguestLadyHatchet &Jadeon May31.After that,performances are twice amonth. Another difference isthatfoodandbeverage is available forsaleFridays from foodtrucks

SUMMERMUSICSCENE

FriendsAndrew Pfeiffer,Evan Hulehan and Garrett Clausen formed FeelFreein2010inAlexandria, Virginia.They’reanaward-winning rock/reggaebandfusing“explosive hornlines,tastefulguitar, and honest songwriting” forahighenergy live show. With no record labelsupport, theystill have morethan amillion streams, and independentlywritten andproduced threealbums. Their 2018LP“Define the Free”won a Wammie forWashingtonD.C.’sBest ReggaeAlbum.

SATURDAY CONCERTS IN THEPARK

JULY 6: WAYLON THIBODEAUX

JULY 13: COREY HARRISBAND

JULY 20: EDEN BRENT

JULY 27: TONY HOLIDAY

AUG. 3: JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTR A

AUG. 10: BLUE RHYTHM BOYS

AUG. 17: KELLYBELLBAND

Specialists is aNew York City dance-rockcollective formedin 2017.LedbysongwritersBilly Harden (guitarandvocals)and Mikey Rotunno(bass and vocals), the signaturefunky soundis highlightedbythe duo’ssplitlead vocal duties,intricatemusicianship, and poparrangementsensibilities accordingtotheir bio. Theband’s currentlineupcapitalizes on their musicianship andinfectiousenergy

tocreatean unforgettableandelectriclive performance.The band’s newest full-length record,“Holein the Wall,”emotively presentsthe band’sterm,Dance-Rock. ProverbsRootz Rock Reggae is asought-after,“rootz reggae”band in the Washington,D.C.,area. Their biosays “ouruplifting,exciting performancesinclude acombinationoforiginal music andpopular coversongs.” They have opened forseveral international Reggae artists.Theyspecialize in “socially consciousroots.”

GilbertLee &the Ghoston theRadio isan“eclecticindierock,roots,& Americana band” ledbysinger-songwriter Gilbert Lee ChristianCochrum.Since the releaseofhis debut EPin2016, Lee’s music has featuredextensive contributions fromdrummer/producer/multi-instrumentalistDerek Shank,and in2017,theirbiosays theyreleased the critically praised “MagicThrough the Static,” which has beencelebrated as “adelicious collectionofalt-pop”(HuffPost).In 2018 the bandadded fiddle&trumpet playerHannaLivingston.By2020, the lineup tookitscurrent form with TomFair joiningas bassist.

With NorthCarolina-based LuaFlora,introspectivelyricsof songwriterEvan Buttonmeet a blendof Caribbean,Eastern,and Americanmusictocreate what they callBeachFolk.Injusta few years, thegroup has gonefrom backyardpartiesto nationalperformancesacross the U.S. including festivalappearances at FrontPorch Fest,Kentucky Yoga Festival,and Betweenthe Trails

FormoreinformationontheMAC SummerMusicSeries checkout macicehouse.org.

Joinusfora FREE,fun,family dayoffood, games/activitiesand toursofourmain campus! Saturday September28,2024 11:00am-3:00pm

RSVPbySeptember 20 to CurtMillerat curt.miller@brooklane.orgor301-733-0331x1228 www.brooklane.org 13121BrookLane,Hagerstown,MD

Performerand Painter

Performerand Painter JENNY AVILA

AWomanofMany Talents

Writtenby PAULETTELEE

Apoemcan become apainting can become asong…they’reallintertwined. Idon’t plan thesethings;they find me,I guess becauseI’m open to them.”

Spirituality,social justice,love, andhistoryare the threadssinger/songwriter/storyteller/artist Jennie Avila weavesintoallher work

Originally fromBucksCounty,Pennsylvania,she startedout studying art, butacross-countryhitchhiking tripin her youngeryears hadherandher companionliterally“singingfor theirsupper”on the streets. It wasthe eraofpolitically-inspired folk songs,sowhentheystayedwith migrant farmworkersin California whowereprotestinginhumane working conditionsunder theorganizing leadership ofCésar Chavez, Avila found aperfectsetting forher music.

Overthe years, Avila haswrittenmorethana hundred songs; she’shad her ownband,joinedother groups, performed andrecordedsolo, performed forseven years witha womanmusicalpartner, wroteandrecordedsongs forchildren,andhas taught songwritingworkshops. Shewas named aSmithsonianFolkways“Fast FolkArtist,” and through hermusichassupported anumber of causes,including theenvironment, domestic abuse, homelessnessand diversity

Arguably,though,ithas beenherpartnership ofthe lasttwo decadesthat hasbeenthemost significant.

Intheyear2000 Avila wasperformingin Cumberland,Maryland; at the time, sheused a numberofpercussive instruments inadditionto heracousticguitar,andshe wanted anew drum. Shelookedupartist-potterStephen Wright, a WashingtonCounty native whoteachespottery at hisHagerstownWrightHandStudio,and who createsuniqueceramicdrums. To makea long(but rather romantic)storyshort,she foundthedrum,he foundTarot,and the twofoundeach other.

Notlong ago, thecouplemovedintoacentury-oldhouseonSouthPotomacStreetindowntown Hagerstown, wheretheirelegant chestnut wood-trimmed roomsarefilled withart,antiques, artifacts and blendedfamilymemories.It’s ahome burstingwithhistory andthe love ofart.Oneofthe roomsis Avila’spainting studio, whereseveralof her paintingsarecreated fromtheleftoveracrylic paint that originally didn’t make itfrompaletteto the canvason whichshe wasworking.Thus, new

worksare frequentlybirthedfromher“waste-notwant-not” approach topigmentsalvation.

Inspirationcomes to Avilafrom avarietyof sources –allof whichshenotes inthemanyjournalsshe keeps–andshesharesthem withsparkling enthusiasm.Often,theaegisis herconnectiontothe paranormal. Forexample, sheandWrightinitially livedina former orphanage fromthelate1880s (later aWright family-owned advertising agency)on South PotomacStreet,whereAvilabelievesshesaw the ghostof the former matron.Sheresearchedthe facility and insomeoldboardofdirectors’notes, founda referencetothe matron’s lovingcareofthe children –theorphansoforphanscaughtupin a post-Civil Warpoverty cycle.

“I wanted towrite asongdedicatedtoherlove and care ofthechildren, butthe song wouldn’t come,”Avilasays. “I realizedshewas humble,she didn’twanttobecelebrated. Idecidedtowritethe songfromherperspective,how she lovedthekids That song– ‘Beautifuland Blessed’ –came tome immediately.”

ManyofAvila’sotherCivil Warsongs grew out ofan initialvision shehad of alone soldier whohad survivedabattle.Thatbattlefield“ghoststory”, as she calls it,expanded intoaneight-yearproject,supportedinlarge part by thecollectionofthelateDoug BastoftheBoonsboroMuseum of History. Bastgave Avilaaccesstorecordsand artifacts,fromwhichshe extractedthe storiesthatbecamethe17songsthat became theCD,“Love &LoreoftheCivil War”.

Avila’spaintingsalsohave aspiritualelement tothem.Her currentproject,“SkyCats” –which startedin2018as apainting ofcatsbetweenclouds –isevolvinginto aseriesthatare printednotonly asnotecards,but alsoasherinterpretationofTarot cards(whichsheknowshow to read).

“It’sbeenquitethe creative adventure,” she admitswith wonder. “I didn’tknowthatwas what I wasdoing!”

Avila’spaintingsarefrequentlyonexhibit at the ValleyArtAssociation’sMansionHouseGalleryin Hagerstown CityPark, at the Washington County Arts Council,andshe teaches at Howard’sArt& Frames on Dual Highway. She performedheroriginalsong“ToClara Barton” at theMayunveilingof thenewClaraBartonsculptureatCityPark,and willbeperformingherCivil Warstorysongs– with husbandSteveonpercussion–atthe downtown HagerstownmainlibraryonSunday, Sept. 15.

Avila’s paintings oftenhavea spiritualelementto them,andarecent seriesofherworks willbe reproduced asnotecards.

TheSymphonyof FinancialPlanning

BalancingArt,LeisureandProsperity

WrittenbyJACOB W. BARR

Intheorchestrationoflife, financialplanningconducts aharmonious symphony, blendingtheartistry of wealthmanagementwiththeleisurelypursuits thatenrichourexistence. Likeaskilledcomposer,individualsmust strikea delicatebalancebetweenthe intricacies of fiscal responsibilityandthe enjoymentoflife’sleisurelypleasures. Justasmusicenhancesour experiences, integratingartandleisureinto financial planningelevatesitfrom amerestrategy to afulfillinglifestyle

Attheheartofthis symphonyliesthe conceptofbalance.Muchlikea musical compositionthatcombinesmelody, harmonyand rhythm,effective financial planningharmonizesthe pursuit of wealthaccumulationwiththeenjoyment ofleisureactivities.Whilediligentsaving andprudentinvestinglaythe groundwork forfinancial security,indulgingin leisurepursuitsnourishes thesouland enhancesourqualityoflife.Striking this balance requiresintentionality,mindfulness,and adeepunderstanding ofone’s priorities and values.

Moreover, justasart enrichesour culturalexperiences andbroadensour perspectives, leisureactivitiesstimulate creativity,foster personal growth,and enhance overall well-being.Whetherit’s exploring the greatoutdoors,indulging inartistic pursuits,ortravelingto far-off destinations,leisureactivitiesprovidean escapefromthe rigors ofdailylifeand

nourish the spirit. Integratingtheseexperiences into financialplanning fosters a holisticandcomprehensive approachto wealthmanagement,onethatprioritizes fulfillmentand happinessalongsidemonetary goals.

Furthermore, like apaintingthat evolveswitheachbrushstroke, financial planningis adynamicprocessthatadapts tolife’s ever-changingcircumstances. Whileprudentsavingandinvestinglay the groundwork forlong-termfinancial security,unexpectedexpenses,market fluctuations,andlife eventsnecessitate flexibilityand resilience.Justas amusicianimprovisesin responsetotheebb and flow of aperformance,individuals mustadjusttheir financial strategiesin real-timetonavigatethecomplexitiesof life.This requires aproactive approachto planning,onethatembraces changeand embraces opportunities forgrowthand adaptation.

Additionally, justasart reflectsthe diversity ofhuman experience,financial planningaccommodates awide rangeof lifestyles,preferences,and aspirations. Whetherone’sideaofleisureinvolves finedining, cultural excursions,or outdooradventures,financialplanning shouldbetailoredtoaccommodatethese preferencesandprovidethemeansto pursue them.Muchlikeacuratorselectingartworkforanexhibition,individuals must curatetheir financialplantoalign withtheiruniqueinterests,values,goals and risktolerance

Moreover, like amasterpiecethattranscendstimeandspace,effective financial

planningempowers individualstocreate alegacythatextendsbeyondtheirlifetime.Whetherit’sleaving afinancial inheritance forfuturegenerations, supporting charitablecauses,orfunding educationalendeavors,thoughtfulplanningensuresthatone’simpactendures longaftertheyaregone.Byintegrating leisurelypursuits into financialplanning,individualscanalsoleave behind a legacy of memories and experiences that enrichthelivesoftheirlovedones for generationstocome.

Asthesummerseasonarrives, rememberthe symphonyoffinancialplanning is amultifacetedcompositionthatblends theartofwealthmanagementwiththe leisurelypursuits thatenrichourlives. By striking abalancebetween fiscal responsibilityandleisurelyenjoyment, we cancreate afulfillingandmeaningful lifestylethattranscends just monetary wealth. Justas askilledconductorguides anorchestra, or apainterinfluences a canvastocreatea masterpiece,letus approachfinancialplanningwithintentionality,creativity,and adeepappreciation forthebeautyoflife’sleisurely pleasures.

Jacob W. Barr, AAMS,is afinancialadvisor at Raymond JamesFinancialServices,140 PaulSmithBlvd.inHagerstown.

Theforegoinginformationhasbeenobtainedfromsourcesconsideredtobe reliable,butwedonotguaranteethatitisaccurateorcomplete,itisnot astatementof allavailabledatanecessaryformakinganinvestmentdecision,anditdoesnotconstitute arecommendation.AnyopinionsarethoseofJacobBarrandnotnecessarily thoseofRaymondJames.Everyinvestor’ssituationisunique,andyoushouldconsideryourinvestmentgoals,risktoleranceandtimehorizonbeforemakingany investment.Priortomakinganinvestmentdecision,pleaseconsultwithyourfinancialadvisoraboutyourindividualsituation.RaymondJamesanditsadvisorsdonot offertaxorlegaladvice. Youshoulddiscussanytaxorlegalmatterswiththeappropriateprofessional. SecuritiesofferedthroughRaymondJamesFinancialServices,Inc.,memberFINRA/SIPC.InvestmentadvisoryservicesareofferedthroughRaymondJamesFinancial ServicesAdvisors,Inc.ArkFinancialAdvisorsisnot aregisteredbroker/dealerandisindependentofRaymondJamesFinancialServices

RediscovertheJoy of

EatingatHome

Preparehealthymeals togetherandstrengthen familybonds

WrittenbyLISAMcCOY

Summeris atimetorelaxand makememorieswithfamily and friends.Thepace of lifein the summerisusuallyslower and allows moretime forfamily meals. Research shows thatchildren whose familieseat togetherare moreconfidence, have better vocabularies and highertest scores Maketimethis summertopreparehealthy mealstogetherand strengthen family bonds.Let’s explorehow toaddsomefun food-centeredactivitiesforindividuals and familiesthissummer

Baking

Baking maybring back fond memories offuninthekitchenwith your familyso it’stimetopassonthistradition. There aremanyrecipestochoose from includingbread,r muffins,softpretzels, cakes,pies, cupcakes, cookies,doughnuts and more. The basic ingredients youneedareflour, water,sugar,eggs and yeast.Kids willlovegetting theirhandsinthe doughtokneadthe bread and then watch itdoubleinsizeasitris Introducethemtosourdough bread by making asourdoughstarterthat youcan returntothroughoutthe week Trymaking somethingnew eachweek withyoursourdough.

Cookiesand muffins areone of America’s favorite sweettreats, and baking is awonderfulopportunityto involve your childreninthekitchen.Startwith a simplerecipeand then addyour favorite mix-ins to create your ownhome-baked goods.Nothing tastesbetterthanfreshbakedcookies, straightfromthe oven. Letthekidshelptoselectthe recipes, measure ingredients (byusing theirmath skills),stirbatter,dropcookiesonthe cookiesheet orspoonbatter into muffin cups,and remove bakedgoodstocooling rack. Theirabilitytohelpwilldependon the age so checkout the charttofindsimplewaystheycan helpinthekitchen.

Cooking

Cookingdoesn’t have tobe asoloadult adventure. Get thewholefamilyinvolved by helping tocreate aweeklymenu board.Perhapshavesomespecial nights, likeTaco Tuesday, MeatlessMonday, FishFriday,Pizza and movienight, and LeftoverThursday.Keeping varietyin themenuswillprovidemore excitement in cookingand eating. Planning meals aheadhelpstoorganizetheshopping list so youhavethe foods youneedwhenit comestothatspecialnight.Check out rent cookbooksorrecipes online to “think outsidethe box.”Lookfor local cooking classeswhere youcan learn newtechniques and recipes.

If youare worried about not havingthe correct ingredients, cookingisone of those activitiesthatallowfor flexibilitywith ingredients and expertise. Don’tworry outtrying to be afive-star chef,cooking shouldbeasourceof physicaland emotionalpleasure,aswell asstrengtheningrelationshipswith your family and friends

One surveyfound that 70%of

Americans prefertocook withfresh foodsratherthanfrozenor canned foods

Mostofthemprefer touselocal food sources whenpossible. Summer is the perfecttimetovisitthe farmers’markets in your area and gettoknowyourlocal farmers.Don’t forget to bring your children along. Downloadthe Washington County MDAgritourismGuideapp on yourphone to find local farm stands and markets orgo to washco-md.net/business-development/agriculture. Seebelow foralistofsimplewayschildrencanhelp inthekitchen.

SIMPLE WAYSYOURCHILDREN CANHELPINTHEKITCHEN

2yearsold

•Snapgreenbeans

•Tear lettuceandothergreens

•Wash vegetablesandfruit

• Make“faces”outofpiecesof fruitsandvegetables

3yearsold

Alloftheaboveplus +

•Scoopormashpotatoes

•Stirbatter

•Kneaddough

•Helpassemble apizza

4yearsold

Alloftheaboveplus +

•Helpmeasuredryingredients

•Peeleggs,oranges,andbananas

•Crackeggsin aseparatebowl

• Helpmakesandwichesand tossedsalads

5yearsold

Alloftheaboveplus +

•Measureliquids

•Cutsoftfoodswith adullknife

•Useaneggbeater

•Greaseorspraypans

Picnics

Nothingtastes more like summerthan apicnic.Planweekly family adventures like visiting someof thelocal, state or nationalparksin yourarea.Attendconcerts,fireworks,andotherfunactivities in your localcommunity.Letthewhole family plan forthe picnicincludingthe locationand what foodtopack.Put your childrenin charge ofcreating snackplatterswiththeirfavoritefruits,vegetables andsnacks. Playsome food-related games onthedrive andduringthemeal like the Alphabetgamenamingafoodthat startswitheachletter of thealphabet DownloadsomeNutritionBingo gamesor testtheirknowledgewith anutritionquiz. Thesewillkeepthemoccupied so they won’tmisstheir electronicdevices.

Foodsafetyisimportant wheneating outdoors, whetheritisatpicnicsor at barbecues.The riskfor foodborne illnessesincreasesin warmersummer months wheneating outside. Themain causes of foodborneillnessescomefrom not washingfruitsand vegetables,undercookedmeats,contaminating foodswith rawmeats,and notkeepingfood at the recommendedtemperature topreventthe spreadofbacteriaandother germs. Don’t forgetto wash yourhandsfrequently whenpreparingfood.

FamilyMeals

Rememberthateatingmealstogetheras afamilyisimportant foreveryone. These meals canbebreakfast, lunch,ordinner butstrive tohave at leastone family meal together everyday. Settingup guidelines forthese meals will makethemmoreenjoyablefor everyone.

• Turnoff thetelevision.

•Nophonecalls ortextsduringthemeal.

•Focusonthemealandeach other.

•Involvechildreninthe conversationby askingquestionsfor everyonetoanswer like: If youcouldinviteanyonetoeatwithus today,whowouldit be?

Whatmadeyou feel really happytoday?

What wasthe bestpartof yourdayso far?

What is your favoritecrunchy food? Why?

Whatmadeyou laugh today?

•Try to make mealtime astress-freetime forthe wholefamily.

Research hasshownthatchildrenare morewillingtoeat andtrynewfoodsthat theyhelp toprepare. Childrenenjoyhelpingin thekitchen. Keep recipessimplewith

TIPSFOR PACKINGYOUR PICNICCOOLER

Pack2coolers: 1for drinksand 1for food.Sincethe drinksarenotasperishable and will beusedmoreoften, thiscooler will beopenedandclosed throughouttheday.Separatecoolers allowthefoodcooler to maintain its temperaturetokeeptheperishable foodsafe.

Inthefoodcooler,pack meat intightly sealedcontainersandplacethem in thebottomof thecooler.

Packotherperishablefoodslikedeviledeggs, salads,vegetables straight fromthe refrigerator rightbeforeyou leavethehouse.It is best to cleanand refrigeratefruits andvegetables the daybefore, so theyarecoldand will staycoldlongerinthecooler.

Packthecooler inlayers, with foods to beused last onthebottom and foodontop will beused first. Pack a layeroffoodwithalayeroffreezer packsorblocksoficebetweenfood layers. Fillin thegaps with loose ice aroundthefoodanddrinkstoprevent airgapsandkeepeverything cold Addextraice,icepacks,orfreezergel packsat thetopofthecooler to keep thecontentsat40°Forbelow.(Pack a thermometerinthecoolerssoyoucan check to makesurethetemperature is coldenough).

tasksthateachchild candotohelpmake the familymeal. Involving children in the kitchenprovidesqualitytimetogetherand helpsthemto learn anddevelop an appreciation forhomecooking.Ittakespatience becausetherewillbemesses butitisworth itintheend.Besure toteachchildrento wash theirhandsbefore andafter helping inthekitchen.

Tryarecipefromthe Universityof NebraskaLincolnfor a“makeyour own casserole”thatwouldbeeasyfor children tohelp create.Findthisrecipe atfood.unl edu/article/making-casserole-whats-hand. Forotherfamily-friendlyrecipeideas,go toextension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/snap-ed/eat-smart/ recipes

Supper clubs

Looking foraway tocultivatenew friendships in yourcommunity,explore

newcuisines,and spendmoretimewith old friends?Summermaybetheperfect timetokickoff asupperclub.Thisprovidestime foradult conversationwhile enjoyinga deliciousmealintheintimacy ofsomeone’shome.Supperclubsordinner groupsarepre-planned dinnerparties wheregroupmemberscommittomeetregularlyandtake turnshostingthe group

These clubs will varydependingonthe diverseinterestsofthe members,some maybemorecreativethanothers, but everymemberbringssomethingdifferent tothegroup.The mostimportantthingis thatall members makethe commitmentto meet regularly withcommongoals

Hereare somesuggestionstohelpyou organizeasupperclub.

•Find10-12people whoare willingto committoa monthlyorevenbi-monthly dinner groupschedule.Set aconsistent date,likethe firstSaturdayofthemonth, so everyonehas it ontheircalendar.

•Include single peopleaswell ascouples, tryingto find abalance so no onefeels uncomfortable.

•Try to includepeople whohave similar interests, buttheydonotneedto knoweachother.Diversityand learning fromeachother keepsthe conversation interesting.

•People donotneed tobe at thesame stage in life,buttheyshould enjoymeeting newpeople, tryingnewfoods,and enjoy socialevents

•Drawupsomeguidelines forthe group such asfrequency ofmeetings, howto rotatethe schedule so everyonefeels included,andmakesurethateveryoneis onthesamepage.

•Membersshould plantheirhosting eventwiththoughtfulness andcreativity, acknowledgingthediversetastes,preferences,and foodallergiesoftheothermembers. Some peopleliketoplantheirmeal around auniquethemeandmayinclude seasonalingredientsandaddsomedecorationsthatfitintothetheme.The varietyof thesesupperclub meetingsgive thememberssomethingtolook forwardtoandenjoy theintimacyofeatingin ahome

LisaMcCoyisaregistereddietitianatthe Universityof MarylandExtension

Let theSun ShineIn

WrittenbyMIKESHEA

Manypeopleare glad when the cold and dark wintermonths areover. Spring bringsrenewal andcolorback into ourlives as trees budand bring forthnew leaves, flowers bloom,and theg rass tur ns green again.Asweentersummer,mostpeoplefeelbetter as the days grow longerand sunshinebecomes moreprevalent.Dennissen wrote in2008, “Weatheriswidelybelievedto influencepeople’smood.For example,the majority of people think theyfeelhappierondays withalot of sunshine as compared to darkandrainydays.”

One ofthemain ways summer helpswithmental health is through sunshine.Because of warmer weather, many of us spend moretimeoutdoors in the summer,plusthe sun is out longerthaninother seasons. The increased sunexposure boosts our vitaminDlevelsandcan improve mood,leadingtobettermental health.Spending time in thesun alsohelps your bodyproducemoremelatonin (a sleephormone) at night, allowing you toslee pbetterandfeel better overall.

Mosttreatment plansfor mental health promotebeing activeand communicatingwith friends,family, and co-workers re gularly. Summerprovidesmoreopportunitiestodo thesethings.However, summer also hasstudentsandtheir familiesout of routine.Studentsdonot gotoschool each day, nordotheyinteractwiththeir friends asfreelyduring thesummer.Parents need to adjustto havingtheir childrenaround moreor findingprovidersto overseetheir children while they work.Sleep patterns, medication complianceand dietall may be impacted in the summer. Thereare manywaystoensureyou make the mostofthelongerdays and brighterweather. Hereare five tips for boosting your summermentalhealth:

Spendtimeoutside.

We need tobe cognizantto buildin timetoseparateourselvesfrom electronicsand spend some much-needed time outside.Outsidetimemay include swimming,walking,mowing thelawn, playing sports, or evenboardgames at apicnic table. Agameofsolitairewhile sittingalone willgiveyou timetosoak in somesun, listentomusic,and enjoy nature.

GetActive.

Both inside andoutsidechores will help youget someexerciseandprovide asenseofaccomplishment.Does the lawn need to be mowed, weedsneed to bepulled, carsneed to be washed, thevacuum needtoberun, or the basement or garage need to be cleaned? Encourage others to join youasyou paint thefence, clean areas, or prepare foracookout.JohnHaywood’s book

Proverbs wascredited with saying “Many handsmakelightwork.” His idea wasthatmanypeople working toward acommongoal share the responsibility,allowingyou to enjoy interactingwith otherswhilecompletingatask.Offertohelp others with the same work at their houseon anotherday to keep active and build relationships

Exerciseisaneededpar t of life, andatleast30 minutes, five times per week, is therecommendation from TheCenter forDiseaseControl. A half-hour goesbyquickly when youpass the time with a friend or family member.Ifyou don’t have familyorfriends nearby, gototheg ym, walk aroundthe block–takeyourdog fora walk.Thedogwill enjoyit and makeyoufeellike youare not alone.

Redefineyourexpectations.

Focus onsome keyevents thatare bestdoneinthe summer,but don’t overload the summerwithalist of “to-dos” that become overwhelming andunattainable. Can abig task be broken into smaller,moremanageable chunksspreadovertimethataccomplish the samegoal?Canan ef fort be madetovisit different relativesat dif ferent timesoftheyear,orover thenext fewyears?Insteadof trying to cramalltheextendedfamilyinto alarge vacationhouse, woulditbe betterfor allinvolvedtohave afew smallerplaceseachfamilycan retreat to at night?It’sbettertohavea positive vacation thatmakes youlookforward tothenexttime youcan be together than overdotheexpectationand re gret getting together at all.

Create asummer routine. Theroutine of schoolmay be over forthesummer, butkids and families function betterwhenthey follow a routineand stick to it.Ifyou have been aroundpeople whodon’tgetadequate sleep,you know howeasilytheycan be frustrated. Re gularmealtimes, compliancewithmedication,andsetbedtimes willall leadtoa happier, calmerfamily Work with yourteens toteachthem howtoplan and prepareameal forthe family.Let thembe responsible forput-

tingthemenutogether, planningthe grocery list,cooking andcleaningup. Itmaygivethemag reater appreciation forallthat’s involved as wellasprepare themforadulthood.Talktoyourdoctor before stoppingany medicationsthat have beenprescribedfor youoryour children.Parents sometimesthink their kidsdon’tneedmedications while theyare not in school, butfocusingand impulsecontrolareimportantinmany areas of life…notjustinthe classroom. Anti-depressants andanxietymedications maynot seemnecessary when a childseemshappy overthesummer months. Work with yourdoctoror nursepractitionerbefore stoppingany medication.

Losetheguiltofsaying“no.”

Youdon’thavetoattend every event, partyorfamilytripthatothersexpect youtoattend.Bemindful if your childrenneed tocatchuponsleepor chores,orspend some downtimeat home with their ownfamilyinsteadof consistently being away with friends or extended family. Makeyourhomea placeyourkidswanttobeand aplace wheretheir friends arecomfortable spending time…butdon’t be afraid to sendthe friendshometocomeback anotherday or time.

Whilementalhealth is ayearlong responsibility, thesummer often provides anaturalrespite in many ways.It’s ag reat time to nurtureyour well-being by getting outside,being active and spending timewith others, so youcanenjoy everylastounceof thatsunshine.

MikeShea,EdD,LCSW-C, is alicensed certifiedsocialworkerand theowner ofLifeCounselingin Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.Dr.Shea hasmorethan40 yearsofexperience in the fieldofmental health,workingwith clients of allages across arangeofservices.Heformerly servedastheDirectorofOutpatient Services forBrookLane whereheprovided oversightand leadershiptotherapists atmultiplelocations.

MaintainHealthand Wellnessthrough CommissiononAgingProgramsandServices

WrittenbySUSANHURD

Quality agingencompasses various factorsbeyondjustmeetingbasic needs,asoutlined by Maslow’s hierarchy. Itincludesaccessto necessitieslikefood,shelterandhealthcare, as wellassocialconnections,self-esteemandself-actualization.While financial resourcescan facilitatequality aging, it’snotsolelyforthe wealthy. Programs andservicesprovided by organizations likethe WashingtonCountyCommission onAgingplaya crucial roleinsupporting individualsintheir agingjourney,regardlessoftheir financialstatus.Theseinitiativesaimtoaddressphysiologicalneeds, ensuresafety,andprovideopportunities forsocialengagementandpersonalfulfillment,contributingto abetterquality oflife foragingindividuals.

TheWashingtonCounty Commission onAging providesessentialsupport toaddress thephysiological needsof individualsthroughprogramslike Home DeliveredMeals,Activity Nutrition Congregatesitesandfoodpantries. These initiativesensure thatagingindividuals have accesstonutritiousmeals and foodassistance,promotingtheirphysicalwell-beingand overallhealth.By addressingthese fundamental needs,the Commissionplays avital rolein fostering healthy agingwithinthecommunity.

TheMarylandAccess Pointprogram offered by the Washington County CommissiononAging plays acrucialroleinensuringthesafetyand well-beingof agingindividualsand those livingwithdisabilities. By assessingeach individual’sinformationand documentation, the programdetermines eligibilityfor vitalassistance programssuch astheSenior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP),

QualifiedMedicareBeneficiary(QMB), SpecifiedLow-IncomeMedicare Beneficiary(SLMB), enrollmentin MedicarePart Dplans,and manymore. Access totheseprogramscan significantlyreduceout-of-pocketmedicalcosts andmedicationexpenses,potentially saving individuals thousands ofdollars annually.Thisproactive approach toaccessinghealthand community resourcesenhancesthe overallquality oflife foraging individuals and promotes their well-beingand financial security.

TheCommissiononAginghas a comprehensive approach tofulfillingthe needsofolderadults,notonly addressing their individualneeds butalsofostering asenseofcommunity and contribution. Byoffering diverseprogramslikearts andcrafts,continuingeducation,health promotion, nutritionactivitiesand volunteeringopportunities,theyempower individualstoenhancetheir ownlives whilealsopositivelyimpactingothers aroundthemthroughmeaningfulinter-

actionsandengagement.It’s awin-win situationfor everyoneinvolved. Individualsneedtoactpromptlyif theyare interested inaccessing these valuableprograms. Contactingthe CommissiononAgingtoday to getona waitlist foranappointment as waittimes can exceed 6months

Those interested inlearningmore aboutthesevitalprogramsandpotentiallypartneringwith the Washington County CommissiononAgingcan contactthem at 301-790-0275orviaemail at wccoaging.org.

SusanHurd isan RSVPProjectManager, GuardianshipCareManagerand CommunityEducator forthe Washington CountyCommissiononAgingin Hagerstown.

LEISURE TIME: WhenIt’s

Allthe Time

Writtenby PAULETTELEE

Leisureactivitiesusuallyrefer to what we doduringour“time off,”in our“spare time,” when we’re“free,” orafter work and daily obligations.So, when we’reretired andall we have is “spare time”(albeit withanexpiration date), what does the conceptof “leisure” mean, especially when afterdecadesofbeing busy and productive, we findourselveswith perhaps toomuch“timeon ourhands”?

Insteadof lookingatthe concept of “leisure activities” in termsof when we do them,perhaps we shouldbe looking at why we dothem.Whenwewereworkingand/orraising afamily, our leisure timewas fordoingthings forourselves –things forpleasure, relaxation,distractionfromeverydayrealities,orpersonal growth, as in“I’mnotOK;others don’t thinkI’mOK; Ihavetobebetter.”(Oh, when Ithinkofallthoseself-helpbooks andworkshopsandlectures…!)

Theword“leisure”inEnglishis derivedfrom MiddleEnglish leyser,from Anglo-Norman leisir,and is avariantof Old French loisir (“to enjoyoneself”). However, historically,“leisure”didn’t justmeanenjoyment. TheLatin word for“leisure”is otium,whichwas when youplayedsports, contemplatedlifeand consumed greatart –two outofthree of which, at least,seniorscan do very well.The Greekssawleisure timeasa timeforlearning(interestingly,ourand

other languages’ word “school”comes fromthe Greekwordforleisure, skole). Learningissomethingelseseniorscan do very well

Theoriginofthe word andconceptof “leisure time”isn’t aboutdoingpuzzles or playing solitaire(fulldisclosure: I’m addictedtoSpiderSolitaire),orscrolling throughonlinecat videos. It’s noteven necessarilyabout volunteeringor“givingback,”ormanyoftheotheractivities in whichseniorsare oftenurgedtoparticipatetocombatlonelinessorkeepour musclesin working order. Notthatthose activitiesdon’thave value; they’rejust not true to theetymology of theword “leisure”.

Howeveryou wanttodefine“leisure,” there aresomanydifferent ways to engage init,especiallyfor us“booming boomers”(that groupof76.5 million Americans,ofwhom Iamone), that it would taketoomuch spaceheretolist them. Nevertheless,theESIonlineblog (esimoney.com/huge-list-of-awesome-retirement-activities) lists severalhundred ofthemundertheheadings such as HealthandFitness,Fun, Work and WorkLikeActivities, Social Interaction,and MentalStimulation

Theblogeditorgoesontosay, “These aregeneral principles and don’t apply to differentpeopleinexactlythesameway They areguidelinesbasedonpastexperiences.You don’t havetohaveall of these

inanygivenway.You create your own wonderful retirement.Manyoftheactivitiescoverseveralcategories.For example, pickleballhas elementsofhealthandfitness, fun,and socialinteraction…You can simultaneouslydomultipleactivitiesto addressmultiplecategories. Forinstance, walkingandtalkingtoyourmomon the phoneaddresseshealthand fitness and socialinteraction.Somearerepeatable andsomeareone-time efforts.”

Insummary,Iwould saythatleisure timeisusing(not “taking”) thetimewe oncegavetoworkand familyandallthe restof the stuff we did for40-someyears, forourselves. It’s notatimetorest.It’s not atimetopreparefortheend.It’sa timeto grow –maybe even change.And youcan choose how.

Paulette Lee is aformer award-winningbroadcast journalist andretired nonprofitandinternationaldevelopment communications consultant.Shelivesin Hagerstownand hoststhe weeklypodcast, “WomanWorthy: Real TalkAbout Real Issuesfor WomenOver60” onlineat womanworthy.podbean.com, oron most podcastapps.

Leisureactivities arenot about when we dothem, butabout why we do them -tocontinueto grow and enjoy new experiences.

Celebrate

Local Local History History

andAmerica250!

ConocochagueInstitute hosts aseriesof summeractivities

WrittenbyBRITTANI WATKINS FORTHECONOCOCHEAGUEINSTITUTE

Leading intothesummer months,and withthekickof fofAmerica250,theTriStateareawillbebuzzing witha plethoraof events andcelebrations to intriguehistoryandnature enthusiastsalike–and,evenifyou don’t fallintothat category,there will beplentyoffamily-friendlyactivities andprog ramsgeared toward your most leisurelysummer yet.

America250 is amulti-yeareffort on behalfof congregating nonpartisan organizations,museums,and historical societiestocoordinateactivitiesandprograms forthepublicto participateinand commemoratethenation’sapproaching 250thanniversaryof the signing ofthe DeclarationofIndependence.Thus, from nowthroughJuly4,2026,you will see a crescendoofplannedactivitiesandprograms focusedonournation’s history While honoringthe semiquincentennial,

thepublicis encouraged to “pause and reflectonournation’spast,honor the contributionsofallAmericans,and look ahead toward the future we want tocreatefor thenext generationandbeyond.” Moreinformationon thisnationwide eventis availableatAmerica250.org This pastAprilwitnessed thekickoffofAmerica250, withvariouslocal museums and organizations ramping upwith their owneducational and engagingevents.Wesaw Heritage FrederickhostanAmerica250History Fair at theend of AprilinCarroll Creek Park.This eventjoinedthe Daughters

andSonsofthe AmericanRevolution andthe FrederickHistoricSites Consortiumin representingthe roleof Marylandinthedevelopmentofour nationduringthe American Revolution TheDaughtersofthe American Revolution,theConococheagueChapter, recentlyunveileda commemorative RevolutionaryMarkerinobservanceof America250with adedicationceremony at Hagerstown’sKiwanisPark. Further America250 eventshostedinMaryland thissummer canbefoundviathe Maryland250 CommissionorMD250 at mdtwofifty.maryland.gov.

Matthew Weddwelcomesvisitors backintime for summereventsattheConococheague Institute.

ASAMPLINGOFLOCAL INDEPENDENCEDAY

FESTIVITIESTOCONSIDER ATTENDINGTHISSUMMER

• ClearSpringIndependenceJam: July3,6 p.m. at ClearSpring High School,ClearSpring, Maryland(with aliveperformancefromStoney CreekBluegrassBand)

• SalutetoIndependence: July3, 8p.m. atHagerstown Community College(Afreeeventfeaturing the Maryland SymphonyOrchestra)

• Fireworks atFairgrounds Park: July 4,9:30 p.m.,Hagerstown,Maryland

• Frederick’s4th: July4,Noon -Dusk (Fireworks atDusk in BakerPark, Frederick, Maryland).

• Kids &FamilyFestival: July4, 12 -6p.m. (Free face-painting, arts &crafts, and live performances in Tysons, Virginia). Visit tysonskidsfestivals.comfor more information.

• RevolutionaryRevelry: Firelocks on theFrontier -July6,10a.m4p.m. attheConococheague Institute (Flintlock demonstrations, small artillery, interactive militia drills, songsand more.)

HereattheConococheagueInstitute, we recentlycelebratedour 30th Anniversarywitha Welsh Feston June 1,withlive Welshmusic,includingthe Rehoboth Welsh Choir,musicfrom local har pist,Laura Swain,and traditional 18th-century WelshandGaelic musicfrom Forbes Road Frolic.This eventbroughttogetherour communitytocelebrate the le gacy of CI,our founderDr. John CStauffer, and all our members whotookpartinthe journey tomake CIthe award-winningsite today.

If youmissedit, don’t worryour next event –Bonfire Night –isNov.9. Look out forfuture announcementsfor somelarger events withanAmerica250 theme in2025 andbeyond…

Looking foreducationaland intriguing eventstoattend with your family over thesummer?CI provides free prog ramsandexhibitaccess every Saturday from10a.m.-4p.m.andwill of fer aSummer Campfor children from July 16 through July 19(9a.m. -3 p.m.eachday). TheSummer Campwill combine historicprogramswithenvironmentalskillsand activities, as well as includeJenny’s WonderfullyWild CreatureProgram forparticipantsto learnmoreabout wildlife,providing an educationalspace foryourchildren toimmersethemselves in history and

nature. SummerCamp willcost$300 fornon-members,and$250 formembers.Contact Kori at visit@cilmg.orgto sign-upor formoreinformation. Independence Dayisrightaround the corner –pay homage to America250 andunwindthissummer withthe countlesshistoricalprograms and eventsin yourarea Lear nmoreaboutour localhistory’stiesto andinvolvementinearly Americanand Revolutionaryhistory, connect thepastto thepresent through ournation’shistory lessons of perseveranceandsacrifice,makeeverlasting memories withyourfamily,and enjoy the relaxation andnourishment ofthe greatoutdoors.

To learnmoreaboutConococheague Instituteandvariouseducationalprogramsoffered,visitwww.cimlg.orgformore details.Ifyouwouldliketosupport local history andconservationefforts by making adonation,orsponsoringan event,contact Matthew Weddatinfo@cimlg.org, call717328-2800, orviamailat12995Bain Road, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania,17236.

Kidscool downatthe well on awarmday atConococheagueInstitute.

Koriworksatthe outdoorbakeoven.

GraduateEngagementNurturesGrowth atLeadership WashingtonCounty

Writtenby TARABOCKSTANZ

Asthe DirectorofGraduate Eng agementfor Leadership Washington County(LWC), I am honored to guide ourg raduates throughtheenriching transition from class participantstoesteemed LWCGraduateMembers.Thisjourney marksnot onlyacontinuationofthe bonds forgedwithintheir respective classes butalso anexcitingexpansion into awidernetworkanddeeper engagementwithin ourvibrantcommunity.

CentraltotheGraduateMembership isoursteadfastcommitmenttonurturingpersonal growth,fostering connections,and igniting aspiritof community volunteerism. Through acarefully createdseriesofevents, reminiscent of our structuredprog ram days, graduatesembarkonadynamic explorationofthe evolvinglandscape

AFort Ritchietour.

Graduates enjoyafarm-to-table dinner.

of WashingtonCounty.These experiences,rangingfromcaptivatingBehind theScenestourstoinsightful paneldiscussionsaddressing pressingcommunityissues, provide unparalleled access tothelocalorganizations and visionary leadersdriving positive change.

Our visionfor theGraduate program transcendsmere participation —it embodies acalltoactionfor graduates to remainatthe forefrontof shaping thefutureofourbelovedcommunity. Whether through dynamicengagement withnonprofitboards,mentorship initiatives, orthe spearheadingof impactfulcommunity outreachprojects, our graduates bring forththe unique perspectivesandexpertiseneededto effect profoundandlasting change.

In my roleasDirectorofGraduate Engagement,Iunderstand the significanceof fostering lifelong connections and cultivating robust professional networks. Our alumninetworksstand asinvaluableresources of opportunity, offering avenues forcareeradvancement, mentorship,and ongoing professionaldevelopment.Through active participationinalumnieventsand volunteerinitiatives,our graduatessolidify theirbondswith LWCand Washington County,unlocking countlessnew avenues forcollaborationand growth

But ourcommitmenttoour graduates extendsbeyondthe realmsofeduca-

tion andnetworking. We understand the importanceof fostering asenseof camaraderieandcelebration. That’s why, inadditiontoour educational and networking events,weoffer adiverse arrayofrecreationalactivities,ranging fromspirited trivianights to oureagerly anticipatedLWC holidayparty Each eventisdesignedtofoster connections, celebrateachievements,and create enduringmemories

ParticipationinGraduateMember

eventsismadeaccessible throughour annual membership drive,apivotal momentwhereour graduatescan demonstratetheircommitmentto LWC’smissionandinitiatives.While somemayperceive the membershipfee as anominal expense,the benefitsit affordsfarsurpassits cost. Membership notonlygrants accesstoexclusive eventsandopportunities butalsoserves as atangible symbolof dedicationtothe ongoing success, legacy andmissionof LWC.

Throughtheunwavering generosity of our members, we areempoweredto fundessentialprogramsandinitiatives that enrichthe graduateexperience and ensure theenduringimpactof LWC. I extendainvitation toall LWCgraduate tojoinusonthis remarkablejourneyas we continuetoempowerleaders,foster connections,anddrivepositivechange within WashingtonCountyandbeyond. Together, we cancreate alegacythat resonatesfor generations tocome.

WashingtonCounty.

Tara Bockstanz is thedirectorof graduate engagementatLeadership

TriviaNightis ahighlight forgraduates.

On atriptoShepherdSpring.

Museumsarefor Museums are for

SummerFun Summer Fun

Fromlivemusictoloveoftattoos,

WashingtonCountyMuseumofFineArtsis ahotspotthisseason

WrittenbySARAHHALL

Ifyou’reoperatingunderthe assumption that museumsare static places, with everyvisit largely thesame,youneed to parkthatidea outsideand comeinto see what’s newatthe Washington County Museum ofFine Arts

This summer,wehavea focus on regionalartists withthe Cumberland ValleyArtistsexhibition (running through Aug.25)and ourexcitinglookat tattooing asartopens justaweek later Art,Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooingin America 1960sto Today,is

anambitiousexhibitionput togethercollaboratively by themuseum’scuratorial andeducationteam.Itfeatures thework ofMid-Atlanticartists(someof whom arelocal)and tellsthestoryofhow tattoosevolved fromtaboototrend, with increasedsophisticationin styleand artistry,anddistinct regionaldifferences (If youhavethe lastissueofAtHome Places,takealook at our article about planningthisexhibition.)

Tattooingin America opens with a picnic-themed“elegantwithanedge” outdoorpartyon June20. (See wcmfa. org formoreinformation).OnJuly 13,themuseum will comealive witha

TattooExpo,featuring demonstrations, mini-workshops, live music,and a tattoo-themed cocktail.Forthosewho want togo deeper intheirexploration of tattoos, atalkonJuly25bywriter,musician,and professorGerryLaFeminawill explorethe topicoftattoosas symbols of counterculture.

Forthose whowanttoenjoy the lingering light of summer evenings,we have threenightsoflivemusicplanned forthe museum’s lakesideKaylor Rose Garden.JoinusonFridays,July19, Aug. 16andSept.13for averyspecialmixof artand communitycamaraderie.Bring achairora blanket, and packapicnic

Thissummerthe Washington County Museum of Fine Arts isbringingback its Garden Party series.Bring apacked dinner and enjoymusicin theKaylor Rose Garden.

Patricia BoystofHagerstown,wontheClydeH.RobertsMemorial AwardforBest Watercolor in theCumberland ValleyArtists Exhibitionfor her watercolor,“Time to Circle Around.”

RhondaSmith ofKeedysville haswon first place in the Cumberland ValleyArtists Exhibition for her lincocut “Roulette Farm” which can be seenthroughAug.25.

“Art,Fashion,Symbol,Statement: Tattooingin America1960stoToday”isanexhibition featuring theworkof Mid-Atlanticartists(someof whom are local) and tells thestoryofhowtattoosevolved fromtaboototrend. COURTESY OFANTHONY CHESTNUT, AKAINKBOYANDADELINAMAI

tosharewithfriendsorfamily.The museum willbeopenuntil8:00 p.m., and we’ll have winebythe glassavailable forpurchasefromStoneHouse Urban Winery

Themuseumisagreat placeto while away ahotsummerday, orto wait out arain shower. It’sa placeto share withfriends and family,youngandold Sharingart,taking timetoslowdown and look,talkingtoeachotherorspendingtimeinpersonal reflectionistime wellspent.It’sgoodfor you. We’rehere foryou thissummer.

SarahJ.Hallisthe executive director of the WashingtonCounty MuseumofFineArts To learnmoreaboutthe museum, go to www.wcmfa. org. Washington CountyMuseum of FineArtsis open Tuesdaythrough Friday, 10a.m.to 5p.m.;Saturday. 10a.m. to 4p.m.;andSunday, 1to5p.m.Itis closed Mondaysand on majorholidays.Tobecome amuseummember, contactDonna Rastelliat drastelli@wcmfa.org or call301-739-5727.

Closing outthe summerwillbe “Carl Yonder:StorytellerIII”with an exhibit starting Aug. 8.

NewExhibitsandMore

HeatUptheSeason

WrittenbyMARYANNEBURKE

Now that summer is hereagain,weall feelthe changeintheair.Perhaps becauseoftheincreasedsunlight,or the changeindaily schedules,weall seemtotakea breakfromournormal routines andexplore. Summercamps, vacations,more timeinthe garden, or even roadtrips,allbring summerexcitement.

Summer readingisoftenalsoonthetopof one’ssummer list, beit forschoolorbeachreading.Ifyou arelooking forbooks,movies,ormusic recommendations, your WashingtonCounty Free Libraryisheretohelp, serving YoungChildren (0-6);Kids &Tweens(6-12); Teens &YA(13-18); andAdults

This June, Anirban Basu,Chairman and CEOofSage Policy Group, presented anupdateofthe 2012 assessment of Washington County’s arts

Nomatterthe season,education,along with arts and localentertainment,boosts one’s experience.Onexhibit at the WashingtonCounty ArtsCouncilthissummer,you will be treatedto severalexhibits. June bringsDavidGood with someofhisSchuler Schoolstudentsinanexhibit titled: “David Buckley Good: ARetrospective.” Theexhibitopenedwith areceptionon June6, followedby“Mind ourMental:ExploringMental Health Through Art,” curated by TerriBrandtFleetwood.Closingoutthesummerwillbe“Carl Yonder: Storyteller III”openingonAugust8. June brings anotherhighlyanticipated event. “DevelopinganArts, Entertainment, &Education Clusterin WashingtonCounty,Maryland: A 2023Update” willsoon be published.OnJune24, AnirbanBasu,Chairman andCEOofSage Policy

EXHIBITYOURWORK

Exhibitingatthe WashingtonCounty ArtsCouncil is afreeserviceprovided to regionalartists,supported in partby the MarylandStateArtsCouncil. Schedules areset ayear inadvance.

It is not toolate to apply!

To submit aproposal, onemustsupply thefollowing:7-10digitalimages(per artist) of recentwork(createdwithinthe last2-3years); animage listineither .pdf or.docformat, notingthe artist’sname, title, dimensions, price,datecompleted (preferenceisshown to newwork) and material(s)used; abrief proposal, describingtheprocess,materialsand finalproduct-nomorethanonepage. Applications must includeallcontactinformation(mailingaddress,phonenumber andemailaddress) along with an artist statement,acurrentbriefartistresume, a headshotandwebsite address.Each artist mustalsocomplete aWashingtonCounty ArtsCouncilMediaPRreleaseform. The applicationprocedure isavailableatvisit washingtoncountyarts.com/procedure

Group,presentedanupdateofthe2012 assessment of WashingtonCounty’s arts,entertainment,and relatededucationsectorauthored by Sa ge.T helatest 2023studyand re port,commissioned by theWashingtonCounty Ar tsCouncil, Inc.,updatesthatassessmentusing morecontemporarydata,including statistics characterizingvisitation and relevantdemo graphicshifts.Watchfor theupdatebeingposted to theWCAC webpage tolearn what additional work istobedone.

WashingtonCountyhaspro gressed tremendouslyoverthe pastdecadein termsofbolsteringitsculturalofferings despiteaninterveningpandemic.T he fullstudywillbe availableatwashingtoncountyarts.com/ar t-study. Follow theWashington CountyArts Calendar forevents year-round. Visit washingtoncountyarts.com/events

MaryAnneBurke isthe executive directorofthe WashingtonCountyArts Council.

Andsowiththesunshineandthegreatburstsof leavesgrowingontrees,justasthingsgrowinfast movies, Ihadthatfamiliarconvictionthatlifewas beginningoveragainwiththesummer.

-F.ScottFitzgerald,The GreatGatsby.

July, see avarietyofworks from David

SchulerSchool students in anexhibittitled:“DavidBuckley Good:ARetrospective.”

“Mind our Mental:ExploringMentalHealthThrough Art” is anexhibitcurated by TerriBrandt-Fleetwood.

Runningthrough

Buckley Goodwith some of his

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