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Experience the Magic of Books
An Enchanted Fairy Tale Gala Returns to the Library in December
Written by LAUREN BUECHMANN
As we feel the changing temperatures and the dwindling light, it is time for us to look back at another summer filled with the flurry of excitement and learning that makes up the Summer Reading Club as well as look forward to how we can support our patrons and programs going forward.
Last year, we held our first Enchanted Fairy Tale Gala at the library where guests were transported to a world of wonder and whimsy and the library was transformed into a mystical realm of magical creatures, sorcery, and fantastical adventures. We invited people to allow their creativity to shine and dress up to embody the characters who have captured their hearts within the pages of cherished books. Good times were had by all and this December, we will be reveling in the magic of books and fairy tales once again to contribute to the noble cause of expanding our library’s treasures and offerings.
The evening promises to be an immersive experience filled with delectable foods and specialty drinks fit for royalty that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a faraway
land filled with magic and wonder. Proceeds from this event will enable us to provide even more captivating stories, knowledge, and experiences for future generations. Come join the festivities and find out all of the ways the library can help you and your family throughout the year through physical materials like books, DVD’s, and our upcoming library of things (household items that can be checked out just like books!), through online resources like e-books, music, databases such as Ancestry, Mango Languages, ABC Mouse, and more, as well as numerous programs offered all year long, and outreach through our two bookmobiles traveling the county to bring items to schools, assisted living centers, etc... Find out all you need to know at washcolibrary.org/ fundraiser-2024
We’ll see you there!
Being Smart About Holiday Finances
Written by Jacob W. Barr
The holiday season brings a wave of excitement, but it can also be a time of financial strain. With travel expenses and gift-giving, it’s easy to find yourself in debt come January. By adopting a financially savvy approach, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping your budget intact. Here’s how to navigate holiday travel and giftgiving without breaking the bank.
UNDERSTAND TRAVEL COSTS
Traveling during the holidays can be one of the biggest expenses. Airfare, accommodation, meals, and transportation all add up quickly. Here are some strategies to help manage these costs:
PLAN AHEAD
Begin planning your travel well in advance. Flight prices tend to rise as the holiday date approaches. Booking early can mean significant savings. Use flight comparison websites or a travel agent to monitor fares and set up alerts for price drops. Consider traveling on less popular days (like midweek) to save on airfare.
EXPLORE ALTERNATE DESTINATIONS
If you’re flexible with your travel plans, consider alternative destinations. Instead of heading to a typical holiday hotspot, explore smaller towns or nearby cities. You may find a more relaxed atmosphere away from the holiday crowds in some off the beaten trail destinations.
USE REWARDS AND POINTS
If you have credit card points, frequent flyer miles, or hotel loyalty points, use them to offset travel costs. Many travel credit cards offer bonuses for holiday spending, but be sure to not overreach on spending just to get some extra points.
CONSIDER GROUP TRAVEL
Traveling with family or friends can help distribute costs. Whether it’s splitting a vacation rental or sharing meals, group travel can be a budget-friendly
way to celebrate together. Look for group discounts on transportation and accommodations.
MAKING GIFT-GIVING MEANINGFUL AND AFFORDABLE
Gift-giving is often seen as the centerpiece of holiday celebrations, but it can also lead to financial stress. Here are some tips for thoughtful and budgetconscious gifting:
SET A BUDGET
As with a lot of financial decisions, before you start shopping, determine how much you can afford to spend on gifts. Break this down by person, allocating a specific amount for each recipient. This prevents overspending and helps you prioritize who is most important to you.
GET CREATIVE WITH GIFTS
Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be expensive. Consider handmade items, baked goods, or personalized gifts that show you care without costing a fortune. Experiences, such as concert tickets or a fun activity, can also make great gifts.
ESTABLISH A GIFT EXCHANGE
Instead of buying gifts for everyone, consider organizing a Secret Santa or a gift exchange among friends and family. This not only reduces the number of gifts you need to purchase but also adds an element of fun and surprise to the holiday season.
SHOP SALES AND USE COUPONS
Take advantage of holiday sales, discounts, and coupons. Many retailers offer
promotions during the season, and using cashback websites or apps can further reduce costs.
MANAGING OVERALL EXPENSES
In addition to travel and gifts, the holiday season often brings other expenses, such as food and decorations. Here’s how to manage these costs:
BE MINDFUL OF ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
While holiday activities like events and outings can be enjoyable, they can also add up quickly. Prioritize the activities that matter most to you and your family. Look for free or low-cost events in your community, such as tree lightings, parades, or holiday markets.
The holiday season should be a time of joy, not financial anxiety. By planning, setting budgets, and finding creative ways to celebrate, you can enjoy travel and gift-giving without the stress of overspending. Being financially savvy doesn’t mean sacrificing fun; it means making informed choices that allow you to enjoy the holiday spirit while keeping your finances in check. With a little planning and creativity, you can create lasting memories that won’t leave you in debt.
Written by Paulette Lee
Choir, chorus, chorale – whatever you call it, it’s about singing together, blending voices to become one, and Hagerstown Choral Arts, Inc. (HCA) is observing its 31st season doing just that. Board president and second soprano Carolyn Ritchey Mentzer describes HCA as “the Goldilocks of chorale music,” performing a variety of music genres from great classical works to popular music to Christmas music by a variety of composers.
Co-founded in 1993 by recently retired artistic director Gregory P. Shook, HCA, currently numbering 60 volunteer men and women singers, is now under new artistic direction. New director Janet Palmer, originally from Illinois, came to Hagerstown a year ago after being a public school music teacher for 38 years and a church musician for longer than that. She joined HCA first as a second soprano, then guest conducted during the search for a permanent artistic director, for which she was hired. New assistant director Caleb Wescott, a Boonsboro native who recently graduated in music studies from the University of
Lifting Their Voices
With a new season ahead, Hagerstown Choral Arts has lived in harmony for 31 years
Tennessee, returned to the area but feared he wouldn’t find a home for his love of good, high quality chorale music. He did.
Why sing with a group and not solo? Palmer says she wouldn’t ever want to solo, but “I would sing 24/7 with a group of people. It’s the feeling of creating something with people you might not otherwise know, but who come together to do amazing things because of their shared love of music.”
Mentzer concurs. “It’s constantly striving to create a unified sound,” she says, “to create one big, complex, beautiful voice.”
As for the nature of choral music, Palmer explains it’s about the harmony, the exactness of the piece (as opposed to music that invites improvisation), about blending and balancing, and about its history, which goes back to the Middle Ages.
Participation in HCA is by twice yearly auditions; the next one will be Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, 15 S. Mulberry St., where rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Accompaniment is provided by pianist Mary Remsburg, who also plays during performances, often with other instrumentalists. (Palmer prefers calling singers “musicians”, so she distinguishes between vocal and instrumental.)
The new director likes to mix things up during rehearsals. For a performance at the Antietam Battlefield, she held a rehearsal in the church parking lot so singers could hear themselves outdoors. She’ll even force singers to listen to themselves differently by leaving scraps of paper with their singing part on chairs.
“We never know where we’re going to sit,” Mentzer laughs, to which Palmer replies, “Next Tuesday we’re going to sit in a circle.” Then she jokingly adds, “You can take the teacher out of the middle school, but you can’t take the middle school out of the teacher!”
Assistant Director Caleb Wescott rehearses the chorale.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HCA holds three free concerts a year, in December, March and May.
Traditional holiday season music will be presented Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, 1525 Oak Hill Ave. On Dec. 26, there will be an optional all-day carol sing at Trinity Lutheran Church, 15 Randolph Ave.
Choral Director Janet Palmer conducts at a dress rehearsal.
Flower of the HolyNight
The Poinsettia Has Been A Holiday Perennial For More Than 150 Years
Written by Tricia Lynn Strader
During the Christmas holidays, thoughts turn to festive decorations, bright lights, and sprucing up the indoors in anticipation of the long winter months. For generations, the poinsettia and a few other plants such as Christmas cactus, cyclamen, philodendron, and pothos are always thought of when planning holiday décor.
Local greenhouses like T&C GREENHOUSE on Leitersburg Pike in Hagerstown can provide the buyer with many varieties of the poinsettia and other holiday plants. More on that in a minute.
The famous poinsettia was originally a tropical plant. So, how would a plant from far away southern Mexico become a symbol of the Christmas season? Its history begins with an old Mexican legend that led to an American business idea. Millions are sold every year, making it the largest potted flower crop grown in the United States according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Over 100 varieties of poinsettias are available in shades of red, pink, white, and yellow—solids, streaked, marbled, and multicolored.
In their native Mexico, poinsettias flower during the winter. A poinsettia is a perennial shrub once considered a weed. It can grow as tall as 10 to 15 feet in the wild. The colored parts are actually specialized leaves called bracts, while the actual flower of the plant is a little bead at the center of the bract.
Before European colonization of the Americas, the Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl in the Nahuatl language according to www.almanac.com. It’s pronounced “kwet-la-sho-she” or “kwe-tla-so-cheetl.” The Aztecs used the bracts to make a reddish-purple dye for fabrics and used the sap in medicines to control fevers, skin conditions, and other ailments.
Today the conventional idea is that poinsettias are poisonous to pets, but Cindy Chirdon of T&C Greenhouse says that is not true.
According to the Texas Poinsettia Producers Guide, Cuetlaxochitl was planted in gardens of the Aztec rulers and used as offerings in religious ceremonies. The plants were highly prized by kings like Montezuma, but because of climatic restrictions could not be grown in their capital, now Mexico City.
Later, Spanish missionaries called the plant Flor de la Noche Buena, or “Flower of the Holy Night,” due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. Now, the connection to Christmas and the holidays is beginning to take shape.
According to Mexican lore, a girl named Pepita did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at a Christmas Eve service. She was penniless and could only pick a bouquet of the weeds. Angels felt compassion for her, and after she set the flowers at the crèche of the nativity, the angels transformed the weeds into beautiful red flowers. So, legend
says this is why red and green are the colors of Christmas still.
Franciscan priests near Taxco in the state of Guerrero began to use the flower in the Fiesta of Santa Pesebre, a nativity procession.
The very red-leaved plants are so popular in the United States because of their accidental discovery by amateur botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779–1851). He was an American statesman and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s. He saw them in Taxco.
Poinsett was very impressed by the beauty of these plants and sent cuttings back to his plantation near Georgetown, South Carolina, where they were propagated and called the “Mexican Fire Plant.” The plant was shared with botanical gardens and growers across the country. The plants became popular across the U.S. and were renamed for Poinsett.
Paul Ecke is also credited for their popularity. He lived in California and discovered a technique that caused seedlings to branch, resulting in a fuller plant. He began growing the plant in the tens of thousands for Christmas when other flowers were scarce. To promote poinsettias as a Christmas plant, he sent the crimsonleaved plants to TV studios nationwide, including “The Tonight Show” and Bob Hope’s holiday specials.
Poinsettias are the most popular Christmas plant and the best-selling potted plant in the U.S. and Canada.
For over 150 years, Dec. 12 was considered National Poinsettia Day to honor the day of Poinsett’s death in 1851. In 2002, an Act of Congress made it official.
Cindy Chirdon says T&C Greenhouse is celebrating 36 years in business. “We’re a mom-and-pop business and opened in December 1988. We have over 50 varieties of holiday plants, houseplants, hanging baskets, seasonal and bedding plants.”
They grow their own poinsettias and have many varieties like the
T & C GREENHOUSE at 20810 Leitersburg Pike, will have an open house for its 36th anniversary Thanksgiving weekend, and is open daily through December.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (301) 790-0906.
usual deep red, white, pink, burgundy, glitter, Christmas Mouse, and Winter Rose poinsettia. They come in single plants in 4-inch pots that are perfect for a housewarming or hostess gift, 6-inch pots often chosen by churches, and larger potted 3-plant versions.
Another holiday houseplant she says they carry is the NORFOLK PINE, a little tree that can be decorated with miniature ornaments, and is small enough it can be set anywhere or given to folks who don’t get out much.
“Cyclamen is another winter plant that blooms from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day,” says Chirdon. “Christmas Cactuses are grown in different regions. Sometimes they start blooming at Thanksgiving depending on the environmental conditions and lighting. They like the temperature around 55 to 60 degrees. Poinsettias like it a little warmer, 60 to 65 degrees. They should be kept in a room with bright light, but no warm or cool drafts or near an air duct.”
She said poinsettias should not be
over-watered. “Water them if they are dry to the touch or feel light when lifted up.”
Don’t forget it is a tropical plant, so protect it from cold temps and winds on the way home from the store. Bright, indirect light is preferred for at least 6 hours a day. Keep it out of direct sun. Ask Cindy Chirdon for more details.
CHRISTMAS CACTUs is a succulent with petals that bloom in many colors such as red, white, pink, cream, and fuchsia. It can live for 20 to 30 years if cared for properly. T&C Greenhouse has Christmas cactus, cyclamen, philodendron, and pothos.
CYCLAMEN has pretty variegated foliage and upswept petals in red, white, or pink. It likes bright, indirect light and moist but not soaked soil. Don’t keep it in a very warm area or it will drop foliage and go dormant.
T&C Greenhouse has philodendron and pothos, and many other species of houseplants up to 25 varieties.
PHILODENDRONS are native to Central and South America. As of June 2024, the Plants of the World Online accepted 621 species. They can come in climbing or non-climbing/ trailing. They can grow wide and tall, and like acidic soil. Note they are toxic to humans and animals, so don’t ingest.
Bright green POTHOS is perfect for hanging baskets, wall sconces, or trellises and comes in 65 species. Pothos is native to China, the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and various islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
“Houseplants gained in popularity since Covid,” says Chirdon. “People’s grandmas used to be into having houseplants and now the younger generation is into plants. We also carry succulents like String of Fish Hooks, String of Bananas, String of Dolphins. Those can be kept on the dry side and like a bright window in the winter. After the last frost they can be taken outdoors.”
Railroad Rehabilitation
Berkeley Springs’ Historic Train Depot Is Brought Back to Life
Written by Tricia Lynn Strader
The historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot in Berkeley Springs has undergone a years-long rehab and is ready for its next phase of life. A group of dedicated volunteers and its mayor began planning how it could be saved from ruin about 16 years ago.
“I have always wanted the unrealized potential of the Depot and surrounding property to become an asset to the community, and we are on our way,” says former Mayor and current Town Recorder Susan J. Webster.
Plans are underway for it to become a shining, iconic part of the community’s character once again.
The B&O built the Berkeley Springs Train Depot from 1914-15 in the Mission style, with a low-pitched terra cotta tile roof and wide overhanging eaves. The current building replaced a wood frame structure that had served the town since the railroad’s arrival in 1888. The town was established as Bath in 1776, plotted on land belonging to Thomas Lord Fairfax by a 16-year-old surveyor George Washington in 1748; the municipal name remains Bath.
Local sand, lumber, vegetable, and fruit merchants opened new establishments or expanded old ones after the
railroad reached the area. At its height of productivity in the 1920s and ’30s, the railroad was used for shipping produce and pulpwood. Passenger traffic ended in 1935.
Webster had pursued ways to restore the building since 1994. The Town of Bath owns the building and the adjoining 2.1 acres acquired from CSX. Up until the 1990s, the town’s administrative office, municipal court, and police department were in the Depot. Afterward, it was used as a music shop and art gallery in the early 2000s. and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia
After 16 years of hope and planning, the now-restored 1914 railroad depot in Berkeley Springs is a trip to the past.
placed the depot on the 2010 endangered properties list.
After it became vacant again, Webster knew it was time to act.
“I told Council that it was God’s way of telling us it was time to get serious about the rehab of the depot,” she says. “We started meeting with the public to get their thoughts and from those meetings the Berkeley Depot Rehabilitation Committee was formed.”
The core group included architect Victor Greco, U.S. Park Service historic preservationist Jim Bailey, architect Michael Gotwald, John McCracken, Webster, Ryan Rebant, Foxglove Garden Club, Morgan
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“Susan was the driving force getting a group together,” says Jim Bailey. “I read a news article about a meeting and went to the first one, which had several people who were interested in the town or its history. From the early stages, everybody wanted to fix it up. There was talk of it being a museum or visitor center in the future, or renting it out.”
With Bailey’s knowledge of Department of the Interior guidelines, they looked at possibilities like strict historic preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation. With preservation, it would have had to remain exactly as it was then. With restoration, a time period of greatest significance could be picked and restoration would take place back to that time. Rehabilitation offered the most flexibilit y, meaning it could be updated somewhat for adaptive future use.
“In ‘preservation’ you can’t do a whole lot to it,” says Bailey. “In rehabilitation, you basically preserve what you have but can upgrade certain things like plumbing or bathrooms [to ADA standards].”
Rehab gave them a purpose of taking it back to its original time period with flexibility for future use, whatever that would be. There are still limits to the changes allowed.
Luckily, the group found a guideline. Bailey happened to be at a train show and spoke to someone with the B&O’s historical society. The two men found the original blueprints. It was decided to rehabilitate the Depot to the era when it was built, since it was so important to the community, and people could still remember the past generation of World War I soldiers leaving town on the train and returning home.
Project Coordinator John McCracken was a civil engineer with 34 years experience in managing multidisciplinary projects for both local and federal governments. He has since passed away, but the members of the Depot Committee credit him with the knowledge and time he devoted to restoring the building.
The ticket window area was the ‘centerpiece’ of the whole project. There were countless meetings throughout the project with the historical team, Susan Webster, and myself on how to go about reviving that area.
KEVIN GOODE
LANTZ CONSTRUCTION
The Town of Bath received the first grant to stabilize the structure. In 2009 and 2010, the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and Governor’s Office of Economic Development provided a grant for initial work to repair the roof. KLA Roofing and Construction, LLC, of Everett, Pa., won the bid to secure the roof and work on the exterior shell. The WV Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council awarded the town a $32,000 West Virginia Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grant to pay some of the cost of installation and replacement of the HVAC system and insulation. Extensive carpentry repair of the roof sheathing was performed that year. In 2012, the town was awarded a
Transportation Enhancement Grant to rehabilitate the depot. The matching funds are provided by donation of land from CSX to the Town of Bath, which McCracken said was championed by then-Gov. Joseph Manchin. Donations were also accepted.
In the summer of 2010, two-thirds of the historic roof tiles were removed and stored for incorporating into a roof rehabilitation. Outside overhang work was done by National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center.
“We identified the company that manufactured the roofing tiles, and it was still in business,” Bailey says. “We found out they had some pieces in stock and could still make them.”
As much of the original wall tiles, flooring, wood, and windows were saved as possible. In fact, most is original. Lantz Construction had the job of working with the Committee and The Mills Group architects to make the Depot shine again.
There was water damage from leaks, formerly water in the basement, wood molding needing repair, windows needing repair, walls needing new paneling, and more.
Kevin Goode was the point man for Lantz and spent many hours rolling up his sleeves inside. “It was very, very challenging, but it made the days go quickly,” says Goode.
“I spent a year and a half there myself. I took pride in it. I like working on modern buildings, but to be honest, I miss it and think about it a lot.”
Using the 1914 blueprints, Goode did a lot of the drywall repair, fixing or installing new matching wood trim, preserving ceramic wall tiles to reinstall in the bathrooms after other upgrades were made, and fixing the old doors and window trim or panes. He believes only one window had to be replaced in the whole structure. Sometimes the blueprints did not reveal what was actually staring back them. So, they improvised.
The baggage area had been an office with an attic and framing was all
Susan Webster, Town of Bath Recorder and former Mayor, is also a founding member of Berkeley Depot Rehabilitation Committee.
removed. Goode says they wanted to keep the tongue-and-groove ceiling.
According to the blueprints, the women’s waiting area just outside the actual restroom was supposed to have tongue-and-groove flooring, but it was plywood over concrete, badly in need of repair. Goode found Hicksville Planing Mill in Clear Spring, an Amish company, that helped create the wood floor and trim.
An old partition in the men’s room was reused in the women’s restroom as a utility closet. Some of the tile from the women’s restroom was reused in the men’s room.
“It had the old 1914 subway tile in the men’s bathroom we had to take off two walls and try to match it,” Goode says. “Normally it is hard to get off of the wall. We must have removed and cleaned 500 pieces, regrouted, and replaced them,” Goode says.
The ticket and baggage windows proved to be a tricky job. “The ticket window area was the ‘centerpiece’ of the whole project,” Goode says. “There were countless meetings throughout the project with the historical team, Susan Webster, and myself on how to go about reviving that area.”
The old windows have window weights and heavy glass. Some places were missing weights. He managed
to make some weights to get windows functioning again. The public waiting room was cut off from the ticket office and baggage area/loading dock except for the ticket and baggage windows. To get into the office, one had to enter from outside. For modern purposes, a half door was built inside where the baggage window had been, keeping the pull down window, as had been done at the ticket window.
He sanded and painted, got windows functioning again, cleaned the tile floor in the waiting room, and so much more. Goode says Western Heating and Plumbing and Advanced Electric helped with the plumbing and HVAC.
Even modern things like the HVAC have been hidden by built-ins. Ryan Rebant was instrumental in helping
with the HVAC system.
When the public walks in, it is hard not to feel transported back in time. Webster found the old Berkeley Springs and ticket window signs in storage and returned them to their former spots. Even the font used on the women’s and men’s room doors is historic. A train bell was donated by Larry Bowers for later installation. He said it came into his family from the family of a steam locomotive engineer in Pennsylvania. The engineer retired, and the locomotive was retired; the bell was given to the engineer.
“The overall result was great,” says Bailey. “Susan found lights that look to fit the period. The construction company did a phenomenal job on matching everything.”
The grand re-opening was Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023. Donations are still accepted by Town of Bath for the Depot’s upkeep.
The future of the Depot will probably include a new tenant, Travel Berkeley Springs visitor center, but it will still keep the charm of 110 years ago when it was built. The waiting room area may be used for rotating historical exhibits.
“We are currently working on getting a lease agreement implemented,” says Travel Berkeley Springs President Stephanie Rebant. “The Town of Bath and Travel Berkeley Springs Board feel it is a terrific opportunity and location to showcase and promote the excellent hospitality, services and attractions our local tourism industry has to offer.”
The Foxglove Garden Club maintains a small flower garden at the Depot, and there is work being done at the back of the lot with a rain garden and tree plantings by North Berkeley Rail Trail folks. After many years similar to the task the Depot Committee had, the North Berkeley Rail Trail is picking up steam again and could in the future be even more connected to the Depot and its lot. Rail Trail hopefuls envision a pavilion or similar building for events, and a separate public restroom building. Stay tuned.
The steam locomotive bell donated to the Depot by Larry Bowers awaits its eventual installation.
The restored passenger area/waiting room features a half door (left) with a pull-down window, and the original ticket-sales window.
Maximize outdoor spaces this holiday season
The holiday season comes at a time when the weather can be anywhere from cool to frigid. But even if the weather outside is somewhat frightful, holiday entertaining in outdoor spaces can still be delightful.
Making the most of outdoor spaces during the holidays and the rest of the winter can enable guests to spread out, which should make things more comfortable for them. With that goal in mind, the following are some tips for putting outdoor areas to good use when hosting loved ones this holiday season.
DECORATE FIRST.
An easy way to make outdoor entertaining spaces more welcoming is to coordinate the decor with the interior of the home. Greenery wrapped with lights around railings and fencing can create the perfect ambiance. Candles, wreaths and small, decorated Christmas trees can finish the effect.
CONSIDER A FIRE OR HEATING ELEMENT.
Unless you live in a temperate climate, you’ll need some way to keep guests warm. Center the outdoor entertaining space around a fire pit, outdoor fireplace or an outdoor heater. Make sure to illuminate the outdoor area so that guests can find their way around with ease.
HOST AN EARLY GATHERING.
The sun sets early in fall and winter, so it may not only get colder, but also darker at a time when guests typically arrive. Think about moving up the start time of your holiday event if you’ll be having an outdoor area, so guests can see one another and stay a little warmer.
USE THE GRILL.
Keep foods warm by using the grill or an outdoor griddle; otherwise, set up the food buffet-style inside so guests can make their plates and gravitate where they feel comfortable.
PROVIDE BLANKETS OR FLEECES.
In addition to warming elements around your entertaining space, stock a large basket with cozy throws, blankets or fleece jackets that guests can use to warm up. Hats and scarves also may be appreciated.
INVEST IN WATERPROOF FURNITURE.
Upgrade your exterior seating with plush outdoor couches and lounges that are decked out in weather-resistant fabrics. Make them more comfortable with throw pillows that coordinate with a holiday entertaining theme.
SET UP TWO DRINK STATIONS.
Set up beverages both inside and outside the home so guests can easily refill their drinks wherever they are relaxing. Think about having some warm drinks outside, such as mulled cider or hot chocolate, so guests can be warmed from the inside as well.
USE A WIRELESS SPEAKER.
A Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker placed outside allows guests to listen to holiday tunes while they are enjoying themselves.
Using well-equipped outdoor areas for entertaining can expand the possibilities and guest list for holiday gatherings.
— Metro Creative
When Eating Becomes Harmful
Beware of the unhealthy focus on food, calories and body shape in pursuit of health, social status, or a relationship
Written by SANDIE LYNCH
The saying, “We are what we eat,” seems to be an incomplete statement. Food is essential and the building blocks of the body and mind, although what, when, where, the amount, and how one feels about the food eaten have a powerful impact on health. An individual’s relationship with food and their body determines if they are building good health or contributing to disease.
A healthy eating pattern, adequate physical activity, quality sleep, and positive social connections are essential for optimizing health. It is a wellknown fact that unhealthy eating patterns contribute to physical and mental disease, especially when food becomes something to fear or an unhealthy source of comfort.
Eating becomes harmful when
there is an unhealthy focus on food, calories and body shape in pursuit of health, social status, or a relationship connection. This mindset stems from believing a certain look or lifestyle is necessary to win others over or create personal success. Any eating pattern that causes negative emotions disrupts the quality of life, or results in poor health outcomes warrants seeking professional help since these behaviors put one at a higher risk of developing a life-threatening eating disorder (ED). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ANAD) describes disordered eating as a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder. The main difference between disordered eating and a diagnosis of an ED is based on the person’s symptoms and habits that meet the criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
According to ANAD, symptoms of disordered eating include:
• Frequent dieting or skipping meals
• Chronic noticeable weight fluctuations
• Anxiety associated with body image, eating, specific foods, or eating around others
• Judging foods and behavior as “good” or “bad”
• Ridged rules and routines surrounding food and exercise
• Compensating for “being bad” by skipping meals, taking laxatives, purging, or excessive exercise
• Preoccupation with food, calories, weight, and body shape that negatively impacts quality of life
• Feeling a loss of control with certain foods
• Binging: eating large amounts of food in a short time frame, especially in secret
• Using supplements or medications for weight loss or body enhancement
Individuals who have signs of disordered eating are at significant risk of developing an ED, as well as obesity, gastrointestinal disturbances, electrolyte imbalances, bone loss, abnormal blood pressure, increased anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional social connections. It’s important to seek professional help if exhibiting any disordered eating behaviors since they can contribute to serious health problems, and lead to an ED diagnosis; a very serious mental illness that can be fatal.
Treatment
Treatment requires a team of support to address psychological, behavioral, social, nutritional, and other medical complications. The initial primary focus is to correct all nutritional abnormali-
ties, deficiencies, malnutrition, and any heart and gastrointestinal problems, as well as other potentially fatal conditions. The next step is to counter food anxiety, normalizing eating patterns, provide emotional and psychological support to develop a healthy relationship with food and self. Individuals with eating disorders who work with a coordinated medical team can return to healthy eating habits, a positive body image and recover their emotional and psychological health.
Many people are unaware their eating patterns are abnormal or harmful. Working with a Registered Dietitian can help bring insight into creating a healthy eating pattern and relationship with food. The National Eating Disorder Association website (https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/) offers an assessment to determine whether to seek
professional help and treatment for disordered eating or an eating disorder. The first step in healing is asking for help.
Sandie Lynch, Brook Lane’s staff Dietitian, has been a Registered and Licensed Dietitian for over 34 years. She is a National Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. A health and fitness enthusiast, Sandie holds certifications as a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and Wellness and Life Coach. She is the owner of ATP Wellbeing Consultants, providing health, nutrition and fitness services since 2010.
Common Eating Disorders, Signs and Associated Health Risks
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
2 types: Restrictive or Binge and Purge
Signs
• Restrictive eating of very small quantities of select foods
• Relentless pursuit of extreme thinness; BMI below 18.5
• Weighs repeatedly and avoids anything that increases weight, even water
• Extreme fear of gaining weight or fat
• Binge and Purge type: episodes of bingeeating followed by immediate purging or laxative use as compensation
Health Risks
High fatality risk compared with other mental disorders due to medical complications associated with starvation
Physical symptoms include:
• Menstruation ceases
• Dizziness or fainting from dehydration
• Brittle hair/nails
• Cold intolerance
• Muscle weakness or wasting
• Constipation
• Bone loss and stress fractures
• Heart arrhythmias, especially those who vomit or use laxatives
• Poor concentration
• Irritability, anxiety, depression
• High risk of suicide
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Signs
• Alternate between dieting or eating very low-calorie “safe foods” and binging
on “forbidden” high-calorie foods
• Binging on large amounts of food in a short time period at least weekly
• Feeling a loss of control over food
• Eating beyond fullness causing nausea or extreme discomfort
• Use of compensatory measures to prevent weight gain; fasting, vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise
• Trips to the bathroom right after meals
• Preoccupied with thoughts of weight, food, body shape and body comparison
• Weight can be in healthy or above healthy range
Health Risks
Electrolyte imbalances which could lead to cardiac arrhythmias
Life-threatening symptoms of Esophageal tears or gastric rupture, due to vomiting
Physical symptoms include:
• Chronic sore throat
• Tooth decay from stomach acid
• Cuts and calluses on knuckles from inducing vomiting
• Heartburn or reflux due to vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting due to dehydration from purging behaviors
• Swelling of salivary gland in cheeks.
• Large amounts of food disappearing
BINGE EATING DISORDER
Signs
• Consumes large quantities of food in short period
• Eats fast with little chewing
• Experiences loss of control when eating
• No compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain
• Binges at least once a week
• Weight gain
• Eats secretly because of embarrassment
• Feelings of disgust with oneself; extreme guilt
Health Risks
High risk of developing the following:
• Obesity
•Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Anxiety and depression
SPECIFIED FEEDING AND EATING DISORDER
Signs
• Eating behavior causes personal, social or relational distress
• Behavior may be similar to other eating disorders, but signs and symptoms do not meet the diagnostic threshold
• May be preoccupied with weight, shape, fear of fatness and weight gain, but not underweight
Health Risks
• Health risks may be similar to other ED diagnoses but do not meet frequency or exhibit all behaviors for diagnosis; i.e., “atypical anorexia nervosa”
• May weight cycle and lose weight quickly
• Medical complications can occur based on significant weight loss similar to other diagnoses
Reference: American Psychiatric Association: psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders
ElliQ: A New Kind of Personal Assistant for Seniors
Washington County Commission on Aging Launches Innovative AI Pilot Program for Caregivers and Their Loved
Provided by the Washington County Commission on Aging
The Washington County Commission on Aging (WCCOA) has announced an exciting new pilot program that will bring artificial intelligence (AI) into the homes of 10 families in the community. In a first-of-its-kind initiative for the state of Maryland, WCCOA will introduce ElliQ, a state-of-the-art AI-powered care companion, to enhance the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
The innovative program aims to alleviate some of the daily challenges that caregivers face, while also providing older adults with companionship, reminders, and health-related support. Ten recipients will receive an ElliQ device, which will serve as an in-home assistant for three months, participating
ElliQ, an AI-driven robot offers a proactive approach by encouraging
in a groundbreaking effort to improve the well-being of both clients and caregivers.
“Empowering older adults aging in place to live happier, healthier lives is at the core of our mission. We are thrilled to partner with WCCOA and launch ElliQ to provide companionship, health and wellness support and guidance and easy connection to loved ones and caregivers” says Ryan Jacobs, Chief Commercial Officer for Intuition Robotics.
What is ElliQ?
ElliQ is an AI-driven robot designed specifically to help older adults maintain independence while staying connected and engaged. Developed by Israeli company Intuition Robotics, ElliQ interacts with users through voice and visual cues, building a friendly, supportive relationship. Unlike many tech devices focused on automation alone, ElliQ offers a proactive approach, encouraging users to take care of themselves physically and emotionally.
Here’s a closer look at what ElliQ can do.
Health Monitoring and Reminders: ElliQ can remind older adults to take medications, drink water, and schedule doctor’s appointments. It learns the user’s routines and offers personalized prompts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Companionship: ElliQ engages in light-hearted conversation, offering daily greetings, jokes, and motivation. It can suggest activities like reading, light exercise, or listening to music, helping users stay active and mentally stimulated.
Ones
Video Calls and Messages: The device allows easy connection with family members and caregivers through video calls and messages, reducing feelings of isolation while keeping the user in touch with loved ones.
Cognitive Stimulation: ElliQ is designed to keep the brain active. It can play trivia games, encourage users to learn new things, or even recommend educational content tailored to the user’s interests.
Mood Tracking: By understanding the user’s emotional state, ElliQ can suggest actions that may help brighten their day, offering support during difficult moments.
Enhancing the Caregiver Experience
For caregivers, the introduction of ElliQ offers much-needed relief from some of the pressures of daily caregiving. With reminders and check-ins handled by ElliQ, caregivers can feel confident that their loved one is being supported, even when they can’t be present. In addition, ElliQ helps to foster a more interactive environment for older adults, which can reduce stress and burnout among caregivers. “We are incredibly excited to be the first organization in Maryland to implement this AI technology in the homes of older adults,” said Amy Olack,
The Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers through a variety of services, including nutrition programs, healthcare navigation, and in-home supports. As a 501(c) (3) organization, WCCOA is committed to helping older adults maintain dignity, independence, and a high quality of life.
The Season of Giving
Donations to the ‘Light the Way’ Program Funds Vital programs for Seniors
Written by AMY OLACK
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving. For many in Washington County, this time of year also brings unique challenges – especially for our older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. The Washington County Commission on Aging (WCCOA) has been a steadfast advocate for these vulnerable members of our community, ensuring they receive the essential services and support they need to maintain dignity, independence, and hope.
This year, we invite you to join us in “Lighting the Way” for those who need it most. Our annual campaign, running from November through January, is a call to action for the entire community. Your generous donations will directly impact the lives of seniors by helping fund vital programs like nutritious
meals, in-home supports, long term care service navigation, guardianship, and caregiver assistance.
With waiting lists for many of our services, the need has never been greater. Contributions to the campaign are not only an investment in the well-being of our aging population but also a way to foster a more inclusive and supportive community. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you can help ensure that no senior faces these challenges alone.
Your donation is more than just a financial gift – it’s a beacon of hope, a way to show that we are here to support our most vulnerable. The funds raised during the Annual Campaign help provide critical services throughout the year, ensuring that older adults have access to the care, resources, and compassion they deserve.
This holiday season, let’s come together to make a difference. Let’s
Light the Way for our seniors, caregivers, and those living with disabilities by supporting the Washington County Commission on Aging’s Annual Campaign. Your support can brighten the future for so many in need.
To contribute, visit our website at wccoaging.org or contact us directly 301-790-0275. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need us most.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season, and thank you for helping us Light the Way.
Amy Olack is the CEO of the Washington County Commission on Aging in Hagerstown.
Age Denial
Paulette Hits the Road at 78, and Is Proud of It.
Written by PAULETTE LEE
This will be my last “WomanWorthy” column for At Home Places Magazine, as my house is for sale and the plan is to travel internationally full-time.
I’ve lived in four other countries but now I want to be a “nomad” – that is, conscientiously and deliberately experiencing other lands and cultures in an in-depth way, without a home base in the U.S. I’m not saying forever, but for now, for me, it’s the right adventure to have – and I’m not alone in doing this. In fact, there are many, many seniors who are doing the same, both solo (male and female) and coupled.
Seniors, retirees – whatever you want to call us – we are not young. I just turned 78. I’ve been young; now I’m not, and I’m not ashamed. In fact, I deserve to wear my age with pride. We older women who “nomad” sometimes talk about age in our online groups, and one pet peeve that recently was shared was being called “young lady.”
There are two times in a woman’s life when she’s called that: when she is indeed young, and when she no longer is. It’s always a man who calls a woman this, and in my opinion, it is always insulting. When
you’re young, it tends to be condescending, a form of male dominance implying that with youthful age and gender comes a certain naïveté that while perhaps charming, means you’re not to be taken too seriously. (To be fair, “Young man…” is also used condescendingly.)
However, when you’re no longer young, being called “young lady” is an outright insult at worst, and at best, a passive-aggressive compliment, denying all you’ve learned and done and experienced at your age and addressing only your (perceived, often erroneously) desire to still be young, to not “look your age.” Again, to not be taken seriously. In some cultures, elders are not only taken seriously, they’re admired and even honored. Rather than the inconsequence we older people experience in the U.S., in some other cultures experience equals wisdom and it is sought with respect and admiration. When I was living in France, for example, no one called me “Jeune fille…” (young lady); it was always “Madame.”
Recently, I had my annual Medicare check-up, at which I shared with a 30-yearold nurse practitioner with no jowls, my raised veins, “age spots,” thickened middle or chin hairs, the details of my health status (fortunately very good, except for some extra pounds).
Acknowledging she saw “seniors” of varying ages and abilities, she concluded, “You sure don’t look your age. Age is just a number, anyway.”
Actually, no, it isn’t, and I gently (I hope) told her so. Age
is a reality. We don’t recognize ourselves in the mirror anymore. We have to have body parts replaced in order for them to function, and we have to decide whether or not to continue to color our hair. We forget and we need three people to have a conversation between two. Some of us have to deal with serious physical ailments or incapacity; the rest of us are afraid we will have to. We all are aware of our mortality. Age is a number if you mean seeing changes after 60 or 70, or if you’re counting candles on a birthday cake, but “just” a number? Not at all, especially if you’re talking about aging. The way I see it, aging is “just” about adaptation and attitude. We can adapt to our bodily changes and sometimes do so creatively (message me if you want some ideas!); we can celebrate our attributes; we can adjust our attitudes; we can sell our houses and start new adventures. We can pack a foldable cane in case a joint goes out; we can get year-long prescriptions that not only can be filled overseas but often are over-the-counter purchases in another country. There are good doctors everywhere. There are kind people who’ll help with the suitcase on the staircase everywhere and I’m not above playing the “please, help me, I’m old” card, with an inward delighted giggle. There is life around the corner, until there isn’t. But I’m not there yet.
Paulette Lee is a former award-winning broadcast journalist and retired nonprofit and international development communications consultant. Her podcast, “WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60”, was named by AARP as one of “The Five Best Podcasts for Older Women.” Watch for its new iteration as “WomanWorthy: The International Edition”; online at womanworthy.podbean.com, or on most podcast apps.
Wassail to you!
HistoricHolidays HistoricHolidays
Written by MATTHEW WEDD
Wassail! Our 18th-century homestead at the Conococheague Institute extends warm holiday greetings to you. We’re wishing you vibrant health during this joyful season!
While many expect tourism to have a lull in winter, CI is bustling with yearround historic programs every Saturday, showcasing all aspects of life—even the chilly ones!
With our focus on 18th-century culture and life, we love to revive age-old traditions, and so with these events and the holidays it’s the ideal moment to delve into the delightful practice of Wassailing!
Wassail warming over the open fire.
The Taber showing Christmas spirit.
In the 8th century England, “Waes hael” was a blessing which translates to “be in good health.” Wassailing has always been linked to drinking and specifically cider, ale, wine, and spices. By the medieval period it turned into a way to ward off spirits and make offerings to one’s orchards. Farmers would sing songs to their apple trees and leave offerings in the form of wassail soaked bread up in the branches in hopes that it would supply them with a bountiful harvest next fall.
So why are apple trees so important? Cider is the short answer. In the 18th century the average person drank upwards of 36 gallons of cider annually. It was safer than water, sweet, and refreshing. People wanted to do anything they could to make their apple trees “happy.”
Though this tradition of making offerings to trees was still practiced in certain rural places in the 18th century, wassailing in towns and cities was often associated with debauchery. Wassailers would go door to door demanding drink and hospitality and were known to get angry when people refused. One Bostonian in 1712 remarked that Christmas time was marked by “Mad Mirth, by long eating, by Hard Drinking, by Lewd gaming, by rude Reveling.”
This millenia old Wassailing tradition is still continued today in our Christmas Carols, going door to door, spreading cheer to our neighbors.
Enjoy the wonderful events in the region this holiday season, and spread good cheer to your neighbors and community.
For those looking for larger events in the region, there are some great activities happening at CI and elsewhere. Here are just some of the activities happening near you.
BONFIRE NIGHT
Saturday, Nov. 9, Noon to 8 p.m.
The Conococheague Institute, PA
Learn about the history of the event with Guy Fawkes, engage in Tavern song and dance, games and festivities, archery, wildlife, food and drink, all culminating in an evening Bonfire program at 7 p.m. There will be craft vendors and food trucks available throughout the day, a special children’s entertainment performance by Ray Owens, a bird of prey presentation by Miller’s Wildlife and much more! Free admission.
CHRISTMAS TREE
LIGHTING CEREMONY
Saturday, Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.
Mercersburg, PA
A great local tradition, and a chance to get out and see your community in the beautiful historic center of Mercersburg. The big tree will adorn the square and horse drawn carriage rides will be available on West Seminary Street. Various vendors will have wassail, gingerbread cookies, hot cider, hot chocolate and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6 p.m.
CHRISTMAS IN THE SQUARE
Friday, Dec. 6 and Dec 13, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Greencastle, PA
Heritage Christmas celebrations with craft and food vendors, games and activities, horse and wagon rides, all while offering a glimpse into the historical and decorated homes of Greencastle.
HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT THE MUSEUM: TOURS AND TOASTS
Friday, Dec. 20, 5 to 8 p.m.
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown
Slow down and bask in the holidays. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a special holiday cocktail and charcuterie before touring the exhibitions. Free admission.
COLONIAL CHRISTMAS AT THE CONOCOCHEAGUE
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Conococheague Institute
Pull on your winter boots and head to the frontier of 1760s Pennsylvania to learn about the traditions of Christmas as it was celebrated in the 18th century. See a feast prepared, try your hand at gingerbread baking in a Colonial oven, experience Wassailing and its strange roots, historic games, craft and food vendors, and much more, It makes the holiday season come alive. Free admission.
Matthew Wedd is executive director of The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg.
The evening’s bonfire celebration at Conococheague Institute.
Elise poses with a homemade seasonal wreath.
For Leadership Washington County, Fundraising Is Key to Supporting Great Programs
Written by TARA BOCKSTANZ
Leadership Washington County (LWC) exists to develop and inspire excellent leaders dedicated to serving the community and shaping its future. Our mission drives everything we do, and it’s grounded in our vision: to connect and develop extraordinary leaders who are deeply committed to fulfilling individual and corporate social responsibility within our community and in the lives of fellow citizens. However, achieving this vision is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring that our leadership program is accessible to all.
To reduce financial barriers for those applicants working in nonprofits, small businesses, or who are self-funded LWC relies heavily on fundraising efforts. These fundraising activities are essential in providing scholarships that make it possible for individuals who might not otherwise have the financial means to participate in our programs. Over the past 14 years, we have proudly supported 113 applicants through our scholarship program, including 82 individuals from nonprofit organizations, 24 from small businesses, and seven who are self-employed. In total, we have awarded $213,940 in scholarships, directly contributing to the growth and development of community leaders who are committed to making Washington County a better place.
However, the sustainability of our scholarship program hinges on the continued support from our graduates, board members, and the broader community. Fundraising efforts with our “Get Out of Town Raffle” are the lifeblood of this initiative, enabling us to keep the doors of opportunity open for aspiring leaders who are dedicated to serving others. As a graduate of
LWC, you have experienced firsthand the transformative power of our programs. You’ve developed skills, built networks, and gained insights that have empowered you to take on greater roles within your community. Now, we ask you to reflect on your journey and consider how you can contribute to the success of future leaders.
Scholarship recipients Jennifer Gardner and Kate Younkins, Class of 2025 #38.
Devan Zeger, High Rock, was presented the LWC Scholarship, Class of 2024 #37.
For our board members, your leadership and advocacy are critical. Beyond governance, your leadership extends into the community as ambassadors of our mission and champions of our cause. Your active participation in our fundraising initiatives sends a strong message about the importance of supporting leadership development in Washington County. By leveraging your influence and networks, you help us secure the resources needed to continue offering scholarships and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent passionate individuals from joining our programs.
We also need the support of our current class members. As you engage in your leadership journey with LWC, you have the unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of our programs. By participating in fund-
raising events, spreading the word, and encouraging others to support our cause, you can make a significant impact. Your involvement not only helps to achieve our fundraising goals but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community within your cohort.
To the broader community, your support remains essential. Whether you are a local business, an individual donor, or a community organization, your involvement in our fundraisers makes a meaningful difference. Every contribution moves us closer to our goal of making leadership development accessible to all. By embracing diversity, ingenuity, and creativity, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Washington County together.
In conclusion, Leadership Washington County’s ability to provide scholarships and reduce financial barriers is intrinsically linked to the success of our fundraising efforts. Over the last 14 years, our scholarship program has made a significant impact on 113 individuals across non-profits, small businesses, and self-employment sectors. To continue this important work, we need the collective support of our graduates, board members, and the entire community. By participating in our fundraisers and championing our mission, you help to ensure that Leadership Washington County remains accessible to all and thereby strengthening the future of Washington County. Together, let’s continue to connect, inspire, and equip leaders to make our community an extraordinary place to live, work and play.
To support our fundraising efforts, please visit our website at leadershipwashingtoncounty.org/get-out-oftown-2024.
Tara Bockstanz is the director of graduate engagement at Leadership Washington County.
Class of 2023 #36 scholarship recipients
Scholarship recipients Gloria Murray and Rae Gallagher, Class of 2025 #38.
Celebrating This House of the Beautiful
93
Years
of the Museum of Fine Arts
Written by SARAH J. HALL
This fall, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the beloved regional treasure that founder Anna Singer once referred to as “this house of the beautiful,” celebrated its 93rd birthday. Opened to the public on Sept, 16, 1931, the museum has been offering free admission for its entire history.
I’m happy to report the museum is flourishing. When I am out speaking in the community, I often tell people I do my job with a heightened sense of responsibility because I not only know how close this museum is to the hearts of this community—I feel it. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with helping to continue and grow the impact of the museum.
Founded by Pittsburgh steel heir William Henry Singer Jr. and his Hagerstown-born wife, Anna Spencer Brugh Singer, the museum was envisioned as a center of arts and culture for the region. The Singer legacy included a commitment to both free admission and to providing a wide variety of low-cost programs and experiences that make the arts a part of your life.
Anna was an accomplished pianist and it was important to her that the museum be a site for a variety of enlightening cultural experiences, including hands-on experiences for children and regular music programs in addition to our art exhibitions. The Singers also hoped, “that all who care to enter the Museum will find a haven of rest where peace and beauty will always dwell, and where, in the contemplation of beautiful works of art, joy will be brought into their lives which otherwise they never could have known.”
Museums have evolved over the last 90 years from places of contemplation and thought (secular “temples”), to places of formal and informal active
learning, socializing, and community building for all ages The Singers believed in the power of art to transform individual lives and enrich the community, and we do, too.
We know that the benefit of having a museum is multifaceted – from our free Saturday Morning Youth Program, to formal partnerships supporting school curriculum, and serving secondary education through internships and field trips. We also provide an annual scholarship to a high school student interested in pursuing the arts. To build community, we offer special days of all-ages programming for each exhibition; holiday evenings in December with extended hours; and a new summer series, Garden Nights at the Museum, which feature outdoor music and evening hours.
If you have visited, you likely know we ask your zip code when you enter the building. Our demographic data tells us that about half of our visitors come from outside the county. Those folks, whether on day trips or longer, help spur regional tourism and create positive economic impact here— whether that’s through picking up a
The museum as it appeared at its opening in September 1931, prior to the 1949 addition.
souvenir in our Museum Store, attending a class, concert, or other program, or going elsewhere for lunch or dinner. Our economic impact has been estimated at $4-6 million annually.
In May of 1928, Anna Singer described her vision to Hagerstown Mayor Burhan as a, “long dreamed of plan,” and thanked him, “for your kindness in donating a beautiful spot in the Park on which to place the building.” (vintage image of museum) Even then, she envisioned the museum as a place that would grow
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts after the 1949 addition and before the 1994 addition.
with the community and its need.
“Our intention is to build the 1st unit of the Museum, this of course to be the main building and sufficiently large to hold the small number of pictures, bronzes, etc, already donated as also others we expect to give and have given from time to time. The main floor will consist of an entrance hall with a large room on either side, one to hold the permanent collection and the other for the use of traveling exhibitions. In the basement will be lecture and reference rooms. … our wish is to make the building one worthy of the treasures it will house … with a dignity and beauty befitting its purpose. As necessity demands, other units, or wings shall be added…”
Over our 90-year history we’ve grown the collection to over 6,500 items, and served seven generations of families and children who have taken
pride in showing off their creations in the annual Washington County Public Schools Exhibition. Seven generations who have been moved by the beauty of Diana of the Chase, awe-struck by the grandeur of the Schreiber Gallery, charmed by the American vision of Norman Rockwell, impressed by the talents of their neighbors in the Cumberland Valley exhibitions, and moved by the quality of our remarkable collection.
As 2024 draws to a close, we are looking forward to a busy autumn— with a wide assortment of programming related to the exhibition Floating Beauty: Women in the Art of Ukiyo-e. We’ll have opportunities to try calligraphy and manga-style drawing, as well as learning more about traditional horticultural arts like bonsai and ikebana. For those interested in more conventional art history, we’ll
have two different online talks, one covering the content of the exhibition broadly, and another, with Kit Brooks, curator of Asian Art at the Princeton University Art Museum focusing on the specific story of Yaoya Oshichi and how it was interpreted in popular culture.
In November, we open “E.O. Hoppé: Women”—an exploration of many trailblazing women (peers of Anna Brugh Singer) who broke boundaries in the 1920s and ‘30s. Hoppé was a German-born, London-based photographer known for his portraits. This exhibition of vintage platinum prints will introduce our visitors to a fascinating pantheon of under-celebrated women while also exploring Hoppé’s sensitivity as a portrait photographer.
We also will be continuing what we started last year—being open until 8 p.m. on Fridays in December, to allow everyone a chance to get some museum time in over the busy holiday season. On Dec. 6 we will, as usua,l be open during the City Park tree lighting event. The Friday after that we will have special children’s activities, hot chocolate, and story time—pajamas welcome, and our last holiday Friday, on Dec. 20, we’ll have exhibition tours and festive adult beverages to share. Our holiday Fridays are free and the perfect opportunity to create family memories during the busy season.
At 93, we are stronger, more energetic, flexible, lively, and vital than ever—and we’re ready for our next stage of growth, as Anna put it, “as necessity demands.” As always, I hope to see you in the museum!
Sarah J. Hall is the executive director, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. To learn more about the museum, go to wcmfa. org. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays and on major holidays. To become a museum member, contact Donna Rastelli at drastelli@wcmfa.org or call 301-739-5727.
E.O. Hoppé’s “Tilly Losch,” from 1928, a platinum palladium print from the E.O. Hoppé Estate Collection.
Washington County Arts Council Is Also a Holiday Shopping Hot Spot
Written by NICOLE ABUHAMADA
What do you want to represent?
It’s often said that people don’t buy things – they buy what those things represent. At the Washington County Arts Council, gallery and shop, we believe in the meaning behind art and the stories it tells. When you purchase a painting from us, you’re not just buying a piece of art; you’re supporting local artists, strengthening the arts in your community, and joining a larger conversation. You’re sharing a vision – whether it’s a stand against injustice, support for addiction recovery, or simply a desire for a more beautiful world.
In the art world, much is said about an artist’s point of view. Simply put, this is what their art represents and where it comes from. The world is full of points of view, some hidden, but none are more apparent than through art.
Even a hand-built pot represents a point of view. It says, “I was crafted by human
hands, glazed with care, and fired in a kiln to stand the test of time.” This pot represents the value of patience, craftsmanship, and sustainability in a world that often prioritizes mass production. Owning such an object makes us feel worthy—like we deserve things made with care and intention. It reminds us that we value quality, the artisans who create it, and the lasting impact of thoughtful work.
When we give gifts like these, the art transforms into a powerful statement about the connection between people. A handcrafted ceramic mug, for example, becomes more than just a vessel—it symbolizes the warmth, comfort, and abundance nurtured by a meaningful friendship. In giving art, we exchange more than objects; we share pieces of ourselves. There is metaphor woven into everything, but art holds it most profoundly, embodying the emotions, stories, and bonds that tie us together.
At the Washington County Arts
Council, we represent more than 170 artists, but beyond that, we represent diverse voices—those of artists from across Washington County and neighboring regions. We stand for the idea that all art is valuable and worth sharing. We believe every artist, no matter their background—race, gender identity, age, ability, or socioeconomic status– deserves a seat at the table.
In essence, that’s what we stand for. By supporting us and getting involved with the arts council, you can be a part of this vision too.
Artists, we want to hear from you.
Our website features an artist registry where you can showcase your work. Whether you’re a visual, performing, musical, or literary artist, we want to amplify your voice. You can also propose solo, group, or themed exhibitions—we host them monthly and are always eager to discover new talent.
As the holiday season approaches, consider becoming a member of the Washington County Arts Council. Your membership not only supports our mission but also gives you 10% off in our gallery shop, where you can find unique, lasting gifts. We offer several membership tiers based on your level of support, and staying in touch is easy through our email and text updates, where you’ll receive the latest news on arts events and activities in Washington County.
We invite community members, artists, and local businesses to join our efforts. Whether you want to support the arts financially, volunteer with us, or partner with us to create special initiatives, there’s a role for everyone. Your involvement helps us maintain the cultural heartbeat of Washington County.
In January, we hold our annual Art of Cooking fundraiser, which promises to be a memorable experience. Consider acquiring a ticket or even
becoming a sponsor of this event to help the Washington County Arts Council achieve its mission.
Throughout the year, we host opening receptions which bring together artists and art lovers alike. These evenings foster connections, giving people a chance to engage directly with artists
and learn about the creative processes behind the works displayed.
Now, a question for you: What’s your mission?
At the Washington County Arts Council, our mission is to serve, support, and elevate art and artists. We aim to foster excellence, diversity, and vitality in the arts to enrich the lives of those in our community. We advocate for the arts at all levels, promote arts activities, raise funds, and encourage the development of arts facilities.
We believe everyone can benefit from having a mission statement. As the new year approaches, instead of making resolutions, why not write a mission statement for yourself? It doesn’t need to look like ours—it can be long or short, broad or specific. But let it reflect what you want to represent.
Let your mission serve as your guiding light, illuminating the path ahead. Let your unique perspective become a beacon, signaling direction not just for yourself, but for countless others who follow.
Explore the Local Art Scene
Together, the Washington County Arts Council, Just Lookin’ Gallery, and the Valley Art Association create a thriving ecosystem for the arts in Hagerstown. We invite you to visit these inspiring spaces, discover the incredible work of our community’s talented artists, and perhaps even find a priceless work of art to take home with you.
Visit the Washington County Arts Council. Our gallery is located at 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100 in Hagerstown.
We welcome walk-ins, though appointments are encouraged for a more personalized experience. For inquiries, feel free to call us at (301) 791-3132.
Nicole Abuhamada is the executive director of the Washington County Arts Council.
The wildlife illustrations of artist Graycen Scott of Hagerstown are available as notecards.
This Ancient Copper Lidded Jar was created by Judy Hoffman-Bolton of Smithsburg.
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