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Pomp and Pageantry
On May 15, 1956, some 600 young men and women from Washington County’s Junior and Senior High Schools took part in a colorful re-enactment and celebration of Fort Frederick’s 200-year history, under the direction of Mrs. Nora Snyder, principal at Clear Spring Elementary. The 90-minute pageant, titled “Portal to Peace,” had an estimated attendance of 6,000 spectators and featured eight episodes in the history of the fort. The pageant opened with a solitary school girl alone on the stage, telling the story of the creation of the
world, followed next by a series of vignettes, including the legendary discovery of the Potomac Valley as told by Indian chieftain Allequaya and his bride Potoma, a colorful procession of French traders, Revolutionary War happenings, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and Civil War events that swirled around the historic site. Also featured was the Hagerstown High School chorus singing music from the periods depicted. Shown here, students perform in a “Springfield Farm” dance sequence, costumed in powdered wigs, long dresses and knee britches. The grand finale presented
the cast waving colorful flags of the United Nations, symbolizing the hope for a future in which there won’t be any more wars to require the construction of forts.
This vintage image was preserved and provided courtesy of Washington County Historical Society. To enjoy hundreds more historic views from society’s collection, visit washcohistory.org
“Hey, Alexa?” “Hey, Google?” “Hey, Library!”
Written by SARAH NADEAU
Since the introduction of electricity to homes in the early 20th century, we’ve been excited to explore the potential of home technology and devices. Vacuum cleaners, telephones, smoke alarms, TVs – the convenience and comfort of technology has taken on a growing role in our lives over the decades. With the overwhelming popularity of smart devices, we are in a new era of tech in daily life.
Smart home technology can help simplify daily tasks and make them more accessible. “The Clapper” sound-activated light of the 1980s has given way to voice-activated smart assistants that can control other connected smart devices throughout the home for an automated home of the future experience. That also means the simple “clap on/clap off” of days gone by has evolved into a variety of menus and settings.
Washington County Free Library is, as always, here to help you navigate these changes and adapt right alongside technology!
Visiting the library catalog is a great place to start. You can search for “smart homes” or specific devices you would like to learn more about to see what materials are available on the shelves. Current editions of guides are a great way to get acquainted with a new system. Guides include helpful tips and tricks from experts to help you get the most out of your device—all without having to wade or wait through ads!
You can also use your library card to access one of our premium digital resources, Udemy. This service is full of video tutorials about a wide range of tech (among other topics). Video tutorials can be especially helpful when you need to pause, change settings or fiddle with wiring, and then un-pause to continue troubleshooting.
There are opportunities to get help in person, too. Set up a tech appointment with your librarian or stop by to ask for help finding additional resources. Library staff are happy to provide oneon-one assistance to answer tech-related questions (not limited to those about smart home devices, of course).
Stay up to date with help from your library! Get started on your smart home journey by checking out available resources at washcolibrary.org, calling 301-739-3250, or stopping by your local library.
Sarah Nadeau is the head of public relations at the Washington County Free Library.
Join us for a FREE, fun, family day of food, games/activities and tours of our main campus! Saturday September 28, 2024
am - 3:00 pm RSVP by September 20 to Curt Miller at curt.miller@brooklane.org or 301-733-0331 x1228 www.brooklane.org
How to Make a Home More Cozy
The meaning of the term “cozy” varies as it pertains to home decor. For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage. Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their homes to be inviting and comfortable. With that in mind, the following are some ways to impart a cozy vibe to any living space.
• Make use of a fireplace. Flames lapping wood (or faux wood in the event of gas-powered fireplaces) can put anyone in a tranquil state of mind. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and make great places for people to congregate and engage in conversation. During warmer months when the fire isn’t blazing, decorative candles can be lit to mimic the same feel.
• Add texture in the design. Texture can be anything from a raised pattern on wallpaper to a knotty area rug to a mosaic piece of artwork. A home with texture tends to create cozier impressions than one with all sleek and smooth surfaces.
• Enjoy a soft rug. Although many design experts say hardwood floors or laminate options are easier for allergies and keeping a home clean, a soft rug underfoot can be welcoming. Rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, place area rugs in spots that can use some cozying up, such as beneath beds and even under the dining table.
• Light candles. The warm, flickering light of candles adds cozy vibes in
Hspades. According to The Spruce and Paula Boston, a visual merchandiser for Festive Lights, candles can be used throughout a home to create instant atmosphere. Exercise caution with candles and fully extinguish them before retiring for the evening.
• Update bedding for the season. Crisp and light cotton and linen are cozy materials when the weather is warm. But when the temperature starts to dip, flannel or jersey bedding makes a bed that much more inviting, says Real Simple.
• Invest in lots of pillows. Pillows can instantly make a spot more cozy, whether it’s the living room sofa or an outdoor lounging nook. Look for materials that are durable for the space in which they’re being used.
• Think about warm lighting. The transition from incandescent light bulbs to halogen and LED is beneficial
ome improvement trends come and go. The wildly popular open floor plan concepts that have dominated homeowners’ desires over the last decade-plus could be falling out of favor, a shift that Rachel Stults of Realtor.com linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in a 2023 interview with Business Insider. Stults noted open floor plans will likely exhibit some measure of staying power, but linked the shift toward the desire for more privacy among residents. But trends still deserve a place at the table among real estate investors and homeowners who want to renovate their homes with an eye on projects that could be most appealing to prospective buyers.
from an environmental standpoint. However, LEDs illuminate with a more stark, blue light that can seem clinical in home spaces. Look for bulbs where the “temperature” can be customized. The more the color spectrum leans toward warm light, the more cozy a space will feel. This can be enhanced by putting some lights on dimmer switches, and toning down the brightness as needed.
• Install a bookshelf. Even for those who are strict devotees of e-readers, a shelf full of actual books interspersed with some well-placed knickknacks can make a room feel more cozy. Books add texture, the feel of hallowed halls and libraries, and visual appeal.
Making a home more cozy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy modifications can improve interior spaces.
Consider this list of the most popular rooms to renovate, courtesy of the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study from Houzz Research.
Houzz researchers found that the median spend increased for most interior room upgrades compared to the previous year; the median cost to upgrade living rooms and home offices remained unchanged. — METRO CREATIVE
4About Kitchen Renovations Things To Know
Kitchens are often described as the most popular room in a home, and that’s not mere conjecture. A 2022 survey from House Digest asked participants to identify the room they consider most important in their homes, and roughly 41 percent chose the kitchen. Residents tend to congregate in kitchens in the morning and then again in the evening when meals are prepared and, in homes without formal dining rooms, eaten. With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s no wonder that the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends found kitchens to be the most popular interior room to upgrade. With so many people interested in kitchen renovations, the following are four things homeowners should know about these popular improvement projects.
1
Expect to spend some money. Most home improvement projects require a significant financial investment, but kitchen renovations are among the more expensive undertakings. The overall cost of a project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including homeowners’ preferences, but HomeAdvisor estimated the average kitchen remodel in 2023 cost between $14,611 and $41,432. Homeowners considering an upscale kitchen remodel may receive six figure estimates for such projects.
2
Expect a good return on investment. If sticker shock settles in when receiving an initial kitchen remodel estimate, perhaps it can help homeowners to know that such a project may provide a strong return on investment (ROI). According to Remodeling magazine’s “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” a minor kitchen remodel provides a 96 percent ROI. A major kitchen remodel mid-range (49 percent) and a major kitchen remodel upscale (38 percent) did not provide as notable a ROI.
3
Expect the project to take some time. Kitchens are large rooms with a lot of components, so renovating these spaces can take some time. Estimates vary depending on the size of the room, the scale of the remodel and the materials chosen, but Angi reports a kitchen remodel for most homes takes six weeks to four months. That’s a sizable window, and it reflects the likelihood that unforeseen issues like supply chain interruptions or the discovery of mold will arise at some point during the renovation. Though it’s impossible to determine precisely how long a project will take before it begins, homeowners renovating their kitchens may want to plan for the project to take two months if not longer.
4
Expect to use your kitchen during the renovation. If the timeline of a renovation is scary, homeowners should know they will likely be able to use their kitchen even after the project begins. Though the room might not remain a popular gathering space once the work starts, Angi notes kitchens are typically out of commission for around six weeks during a renovation. That still requires some pre-planning in relation to meals, but it also suggests homeowners won’t be without a kitchen for months on end.
Kitchen renovations are popular projects. Homeowners who know what to expect before such projects commence can make it through a renovation more smoothly.
Morgan County, W.Va., artists in different forms of media will participate in a studio tour during the height of fall foliage. The popular Berkeley Springs Studio Tour is a self-guided driving tour Oct. 19 and 20, that includes 15 nationally and regionally known artists at nine studio locations.
This year’s tour includes Heath Studio Gallery, Jane Frenke’s Fiesta Fibers with Handwoven Designs and Rana’s Studio, Sleepy Creek Artist Studio with Amanda Traub and Jon Thomas, Highland Forge, Hsu Studios, Lola Lombard, Craig Dean, My Grandmother’s Lace with Iceopals Jewelry, Chris Bosley, and Frog Valley Artisans. The tour’s website has more in-depth details on each artist.
See contemporary and traditional art and fine crafts, as artists demonstrate and describe the processes they use to create their unique works. It’s like a mini shopping spree and free art class all in one.
“I like to meet and talk to people in person,” says metalworker Glenn Horr, whose glowing forge and tools make Highland Forge a must-see stop. “I show the tools and process and can pass on the skills. I can talk to people about their ideas if they want commission work. I can get feedback on my work. I
other techniques.
enjoy explaining what I do and demonstrating both traditional and modern blacksmithing techniques as I create functional and decorative items.”
“What’s great about the Studio Tour is people are talking to the artist and learning the process,” says fiber artist Jane Frenke. “You’re watching them do it.”
She will get visitors involved with a simple hands-on demo and mini class in part of her techniques.
Frenke has worked in fiber arts for around 45 years. She’ll showcase her
handmade fabrics – one-of-a-kind creations of color and pattern. She creates them with her sewing machine, dyes, a steamer, her own stamp patterns, and her own imagination.
From an early age, Frenke loved combining bright colors, or colors some thought odd to combine. As a matter of fact, her teachers thought her color combinations were wild.
“This was pre-1960s,” she jokes. “I just like bright colors.”
Frenke then majored in graphic arts but started a career in fiber arts. For 30 years, she was a weaver. She has shown and sold her sweaters, scarves, pillows, wall hangings, quilts and blankets at the Ice House Gallery in Berkeley Springs for several years.
However, she grew tired of weaving yard after yard of yarn before being able to finish something. She grew restless. Several years ago, she began hand dyeing her own fabrics to make clothing. She made dyed silks and wool jackets, sometimes incorporating her weaving skills to make dyed yarn trim for the jackets she called streamers.
She works in many different processes from hand-dyed fabric, to a “discharge” process that erases or bleaches color out of fabric to insert another color in a particular area, screen printing, and fiber reactive dye. Over the years, she found ways to make her own
An Encore quilt with the curved piecing created by fiber artist Jane Frenke.
Jane Frenke’s clothing uses different hand-dyed fabric and
PHOTOS BY TRICIA LYNN STRADER
stamps to stamp a certain item onto fabric, like a fern or a leaf. She experimented and created techniques that don’t even have a name.
Frenke doesn’t like to be conventional. More recently, she created a Spheres series of wall hangings and other pieces with unconventional circles and shapes that do not meet in perfect connections. She got her inspiration for Spheres from a saying on a tea bag. On a dismal winter day she was making a cup of tea.
“I read the Salada Tea tag line that said, ‘Circles always have their ends meet.’ Oh, no they don’t, was my reply. You have to work really hard to get them to match up. I went out to the studio to prove my point, and the Spheres series is the result.”
Another fiber artist, Kim Potter of Handwoven Designs, will be at Fiesta Fibers, showing traditional weaving techniques to make fabrics tailored into classical and contemporary garments.
Jewelry artist Adrian Burton will set up at Fiesta Fibers also.
Using traditional blacksmithing methods, Glenn Horr makes elegant utensils, ornamental hardware, hooks, iron leaves and nature inspired items, and barbecue items. He also makes larger items like benches, garden gates, and ecclesiastical items. He sells some at the Ice House Gallery and takes orders for commissioned pieces.
In 2005, Horr was selected the Artist of the Year at Touchstone Center for
A custom-made bench and side table creation by Glenn Horr.
Berkeley Springs Studio Tour
Inc. is a not-for-profit organization registered with the state of West Virginia, formed to promote the arts in and around Berkeley Springs. We are not directly associated with any other organization but work with local arts groups to promote local artists and encourage tourism in Berkeley Springs. Maps will be available at the Ice House Gallery on 138 Independence St., and at shops around town. For more information and a downloadable map go to bsstour.org. For travel info, visit berkeleysprings.com.
Crafts in Farmington, Pa. He’s taught at Touchstone for 30 years. In 2022, he was invited to participate in a special program for Touchstone with other artists at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water.
“We got a private tour and got to stay on the grounds,” says Horr. “I took inspiration from the stone used in building Falling Water and made a side table with stone incorporated into it. It was on display in an exhibit a few months and auctioned off for Touchstone.”
The Wheeling area native says his first exposure to blacksmithing was watching one work with the hot metal when he came around to the family farm to do the horseshoeing.
He says, “I guess unconsciously, it sparked an interest in me. In high school shop class, I used the forge. That got me excited. I started doing projects with
< Glenn Horr’s decorative iron leaves
it. I’d never been excited about making horseshoes as a profession, but I did after doing something else on the high school’s forge.”
Life on the farm and other occupations were the best starting point for his career now. The jobs taught him aspects that now help him when making art pieces or functional pieces.
“I’d always wanted to work with my hands and make things like hardware, or tools,” he says. “I worked with models and erector sets. I did mechanical stuff and worked with an uncle in the heating and air conditioning trade when off from school. That taught me measuring and fitting. When you are making hardware, gates, railings, or doing architectural work, fitting up your work is real important.”
He uses the traditional joinery method, where no arc welding is done in the assembly. It’s a method of punching holes, putting a bar through, and hammering it down to assemble pieces like those used in the gates.
This use of Mortise and Tenon joints is assembling without welding. The joint is a major element of the work. The hotpunched hole, the mortise, can be round or square. It will have a bulge in the bar from the punching. The Tenon projects from a shoulder on a bar that fits into the punched hole, or mortised bar; then the Tenon is heated, inserted into the hole and riveted over locking the two together.
Horr can make just about anything that can be forged of metal. One of his benches was for the trail head in Frostburg, Maryland, of the Great Allegheny Passage. He says it was a memorial to someone involved in helping get the rail trail created.
Blacksmith Glenn Horr
Urooj Ahmed, M.D., FACG
Pear Enam, M.D., FACG
Rashid Hanif, M.D., FACG
Christine Lewis, M.D.
Potomac Dental Centre
Hagerstown’s “Humbly Competent” and Committed Practice
Everett
“Dr. Rhett”
Eklund Jr., DDS
Potomac Dental Centre in Hagerstown is committed to understanding the whole patient, not just their dental requirements.
WRITTEN BY PAULETTE LEE
Potomac Dental Centre on Potomac Avenue and Magnolia Street in Hagerstown’s North End, just may be unique in Washington County, and not just because it stayed open with fully protected staff during the entire Covid epidemic. It’s unusual because its owner, Everett (“Dr. Rhett”) Eklund, Jr., DDS, who took over the now 54 year-old practice from his father, Everett Sr., in 2006, focuses on his team as much as on his patients. Or, to put it another way, his team focus is designed to enhance his patients’ experience.
It starts with the sign in Dr. Rhett’s office: We measure success by the way we touch the life of our people, with “our people” including the current four dentists and some three dozen additional personnel. Then there are the practice’s “core
‘When we invest in our team, their joy becomes contagious, work becomes a positive experience, and patients feel the difference. They feel the happiness and more importantly, they sense the confidence here.”
— ‘Dr. Rhett’ Eklund Jr., DDS
values”: Service to Others, Humbly Confident, Enthusiastic, Accountable, Growth-Minded.
Humbly confident? Absolutely.
“We want people to work here who are the right fit,” Dr. Rhett elaborates. “We’re not as concerned with how much you know, as we are with who you are. We want you to be someone who always wants to grow.”
“We’re a team-led practice,” Marketing Director Courtney Wright further explains. “The idea is to be self-sustaining if and when Dr. Rhett leaves, which is why he invests so much into his employees. There’s a lot of continuing education, leadership training and learning and practicing new techniques. He wants us to grow in and enjoy our work, and when we do, the patients also benefit.”
Dr. Rhett acknowledges that being “team first” and not “patient first” sounds backward.
“I had a revelation that I was doing it wrong,” he says. “Success isn’t about money, or how beautiful the work done on the patient is, but it’s
With its state-ofthe-art equipment, Dr. Rhett’s practice is able to handle all dental needs in house.
about investing in others, and when we invest in our team, their joy becomes contagious, work becomes a positive experience, and patients feel the difference. They feel the happiness and more importantly, they sense the confidence here.”
Potomac Dental Centre is a general dentistry practice with a focus on implants and oral wellness, and its “happy place” and growth ethos is matched by its commitment to, as Dr. Rhett puts it, “not just inside the mouth, but the whole person.” He lights up with excitement when showing pictures of patients whose dental problems were causing life problems, and explaining how those problems were solved by dental work.
“We look for the disabilities in their life. For example, someone who is too embarrassed to go out to eat, or who can’t advance in his career because of his appearance. We take a systemic and psychological approach.”
Life-changing behavior can also prevent the inflammation that caused teeth to have to be removed and replaced, Dr. Rhett points out. A saliva test can be done to determine why bacteria are invading the bone instead of just scraping it away. Often, changes in lifestyle or habits can significantly reduce or even eliminate the production and spread of bacteria, as well as affect other health issues, such as diabetes.
“Most dental practices start with X-rays, but we don’t,” Dr. Rhett notes. “We start with discussion, and then in
line with our philosophy of taking care of the whole person, we do complete scans of the bone structure of the mouth and whole face. This gives us a ‘digital head’, including but not limited to inside the mouth. In fact, by the time I start discussing the proposed treatment plan with the patient, the plan is almost done before I look into their mouth.”
Another advantage to their practice is that everything is done in-house, including root canals, extractions or other oral surgery, and a variety of implant options, including “mini” implants. In fact, even the replacement teeth are custom-designed and made on-site in the digital laboratory, managed by former dental assistant Lindsey Hughes. Because there are no “middle-men,” the turnaround is impressive: leave with temporary resin teeth in half an hour, receive permanent, ceramic replacements in about two weeks.
Despite the center’s stylish décor and spa-like amenities, for those who are overly anxious about going to the dentist (even though, in reality, modern dentistry results in very little, if any, discomfort), the practice is certified in IV (intravenous) as well as oral sedation, and non-narcotic sedation is available.
Because of the in-house capabilities, there is a faster turnaround and thus doctors can take more time with patients, the practice is always accepting new patients, and more emergency patients are being seen.
Washington County Welcomes Its 2024 New Educators
Gaye McGovern and Cory McKinney of Gaye McGovern Insurance Agency, Inc. were among the 35 community business representatives attending the Annual Michael G. Callas Memorial New Educator’s Reception hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Hagerstown Committee. Over 200 educators were welcomed to our community at this information rich event held at South Hagerstown High School. We want to let our educators know we recognize the importance of education to economic stability and success for our students and our community. And we want our educators to know that we support them.
Home design is a personal journey where aesthetics meet functionality, creating a space that reflects one’s personality while serving daily needs. However, achieving the perfect balance between style and budget can be challenging. Here are some ways to navigate home design and finances harmoniously, ensuring a beautiful home without compromising your financial stability.
Prioritize Needs and Wants
Before diving into design, assess your needs versus wants. Prioritizing essential elements, such as comfortable furniture or energy-efficient appliances, helps to ensure that your budget is allocated to features that enhance everyday living. Once the basics are covered, you can splurge on the less critical elements, like decorative accents or luxury finishes, and have confidence that you are will not overextend your finances.
Set a Realistic Budget
Establishing a clear budget is crucial for successful home design. Determine how much you can afford to spend on renovations or furnishings and stick to it. Creating a detailed budget helps you identify areas where you can save and where you might want to allocate a bit more. This approach prevents overspending and encourages thoughtful purchasing by helping to keep your priorities in line and in focus.
Embrace DIY Projects
DIY projects offer a cost-effective way to personalize your space. Simple tasks like painting walls, assembling furniture, or
even creating your own art can add character to your home without significant costs. Additionally, DIY efforts provide a sense of accomplishment and can be a fun way to engage with your living space and with family or friends who may be willing to pitch in and help.
Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Investing in high-quality pieces, even if they’re fewer in number, often results in a more enduring and stylish home. Well-made furniture and fixtures may cost more initially but typically offer greater longevity and timeless appeal. This strategy reduces the need for frequent replacements, which can ultimately save money in the long run.
Shop Smart
Take advantage of sales, discounts, and even check out some second-hand options to find stylish pieces within your budget. Online marketplaces, thrift stores, and outlet shops often have unique finds at a fraction of the cost of new items. Be patient and vigilant; a little effort in finding deals can significantly impact your overall spending.
Consider Long-Term Value
When making design decisions, consider the long-term value. For example, opting for neutral colors and classic designs can be a wise investment, especially if you are planning to sell your home in the future. These choices not only appeal to a broader audience but also increase your home’s marketability should you decide to sell.
Consult a Professional
While this may not be for everyone, if your budget allows, consulting an interior
designer can be beneficial. Designers can offer insights into cost-effective solutions that you might overlook and help you avoid costly mistakes. They can also assist in prioritizing investments that align with both your style preferences and financial constraints. It can be very beneficial to have a second opinion from someone who has a lot of experience and can provide ideas and thoughts that you may have missed or overlooked.
When it comes to balancing home design and style with the financial considerations that come along with it there are many things to consider and options to look at. In the end it involves thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making at the core. By prioritizing your needs over your wants, setting a budget and sticking to it, embracing DIY if that is something you enjoy, shopping smart and being patient, and considering long-term value over quick passing fads, you can achieve a stylish and functional home without financial strain.
Jacob W. Barr, AAMS, is a financial advisor at Raymond James Financial Services, 140 Paul Smith Blvd. in Hagerstown.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Jacob Barr and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Ark Financial Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services
TAILGATING MEALS
Can Also Be Healthy Meals
Written by LISA McCOY
Fall brings sports games, fall festivals, concerts, and enjoying the outdoors with your friends and family. No matter what the event, tailgating is popular before and after with food, drinks, and socialization. According to a 2023 study, 80% of Americans tailgate annually and over half tailgate at least 5 times per year. The average tailgater spends over $500 per year on food.
Tailgating can include picnic side dishes as well as portable grill foods including burgers, steaks, hot dogs, chicken, and more. As people are becoming more health-conscious, they are looking for healthier options at tailgate parties. Let’s look at healthy main courses, side dishes, and desserts to take to your tailgate party.
Main Courses
Chili is a staple at tailgate parties but
let’s explore some ways to offer a healthier recipe than traditional ground beef chili. A simple substitution in the traditional recipe is using extra lean ground turkey or beef, to lower the fat content. Beans are a great source of fiber and protein so be adventurous in trying different types of beans in your recipe. Canned beans are more convenient, just rinse the beans first to reduce the sodium content. Another popular recipe is white chicken chili which features nutritious ingredients like chicken, white beans, and garlic in a broth base, instead of a tomato base.
If you are grilling, make up some kebabs or skewers at home to bring along to cook at the tailgate party. Skewers are a great way to combine protein, like lean beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp with a variety of veggies and fruits like zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, pineapple, onions, peaches, and others. For vegetarian fans, create some marinated tofu and vegetable skewers. Make a variety
of choices to meet everyone’s taste preferences.
Sandwiches are another easy prep main course. You can make the pulled pork in a slow cooker and plus in at the tailgate to keep warm. Ham and cheese sliders are easy to make ahead, wrap them well to keep warm. Other options include chicken, hamburgers, or veggie burgers on the grill. Tacos with all the fixings is another great idea for friends so everyone can make their own. Don’t forget casseroles like lasagna, stuffed peppers, and macaroni and cheese. Check out this easy recipe for a healthy Italian lasagna with spinach at extension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/snap-ed/eat-smart/ recipes/italian-baked-lasagna.
Side Dishes
People like to grab a quick bite while socializing at the tailgate party so keep side dishes simple and easy to eat. Deviled eggs are always popular.
Instead of high-fat mayonnaise, substitute plain nonfat Greek yogurt for the filling. It keeps the creamy texture but adds a little more protein. Add some mustard for a zip of flavor and sprinkle with paprika to make them stand out. An easy way to make bite-size salad is to roll up your salad fixings into a wrap and slice into bitesize pieces and secure with a toothpick. Stuffed mushrooms work great at tailgate parties as another finger food. Think out of the box by adding some minced veggies and cheese or a quinoa blend for the stuffing.
Everyone loves a dip!
Instead of the usual store-bought dips, try creating your own. It’s easy to make simple substitutions to make them healthier. Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce the sodium, calories, fat and add more protein. Look for reduced-fat shredded cheese in the store as a substitute for whole milk cheeses.
Other healthy dips include homemade guacamole, beet hummus, and salsa. An easy dip to make combines equal amounts of frozen corn (thawed), canned black beans (drained and rinsed), and salsa. Mix together and add spices, if desired, and chill.
Dips can be served with whole wheat tortilla chips, veggies, or whole wheat crackers. You can save money and calories by making your own baked tortilla chips.
Desserts
When it comes to desserts, think about foods that are in season, like pumpkins, apples, and cranberries to create tasty treats. Make bite-size versions of brownies and muffins so people will not feel guilty eating more than one dessert. Check out this recipe for Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins (extension.umd.edu/programs/family-consumer-sciences/snap-ed/eat-smart/ recipes/cranberry-pumpkin-muffins).
Fruit trays are always popular. If you are creative, you can carve a football helmet out of a watermelon to make a serving bowl for your fruit. Make a dip for fruit like apple slices, pineapple spears by mixing one cup of plain low-fat yogurt with one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Chill the dip before serving.
Apples and peanut butter are a great pairing as well. A unique lowfat “football” dessert is a version the traditional Rice Krispies treat. Make them with Cocoa Krispies instead, add unsweetened cocoa powder to melted margarine and marshmallow mixture. Shape them into small ovals to look like footballs. Decorate with melted white chocolate for the strings and strips on the football.
Tailgating is not only a time to socialize with family and friends but a great way to use your creativity with your food and decorations.
The University of Maryland Extension Family and Consumer Science educators work with all Marylanders to make healthy and safe food choices and manage their money. Our work is based on the latest research from the University of Maryland and other institutions aimed to influence policy, systems, and environmental changes. The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity provider.
TAILGATING FOOD SAFETY TIPS
Tailgating should be fun so follow these food safety tips to prevent foodborne illnesses at your next tailgate party.
Keep It Clean
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and eating. Unclean hands is the cause of over half of all foodborne illnesses. If running water and soap are not available at your tailgate site, bring handwashing supplies with you.
Pack disposable hand and kitchen wipes to keep surfaces clean.
Keep Cold Foods Cold
Use coolers with ice to keep food cold. Be sure to check temperature throughout the day and keep it under 40°F. Make sure you know where to get extra ice, if needed. Store coolers in a shady spot and cover with a heavy towel or blanket for more insulation. Avoid opening the coolers with food so the inside temperature stays cold. Frequent opening of the lid lowers the internal temperature and puts food at risk of being in the “danger zone”, where bacteria can multiply rapidly in the food.
The food safety “danger zone” is 40-140°F. Foods left out after eating for 2 hours or more are in the “danger zone” and need to be thrown out to prevent foodborne illnesses. If temperatures are 90°F or higher, do not keep perishable food out for more than 1 hour.
Keep Hot Food Hot
If you have brought hot food with you from home, it is important to keep them above 140°F. Be sure to store hot foods, such as soup, sloppy joes, casseroles, in an insulated container to keep them hot. Check the internal temperature of the food before serving.
If electricity is available, consider bringing a slow cooker along to keep foods hot.
Serve It Safe
Don’t use the same plate for raw and cooked meats or poultry, unless you wash it between uses. The juices from the meat or poultry could contaminate the cooked food.
Bring serving utensils for food to deter people from using their hands and contaminating other food.
Disposable plates, cups, and silverware minimize clean-up and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Clean Up
Store leftovers in a cooler immediately after eating. Remember the 2-hour rule. Remember to clean up your tailgating space by bringing garbage bags and twisties with you.
Wash down all surfaces and coolers after use.
ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder:
What It Is and How to Treat It
Written by ANDREA ALLEN
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a serious and sometimes misunderstood mental health problem. You may have heard people say things like “It’s my OCD” or “I’m so OCD” when talking about wanting to have a clean home or a consistent routine. While this is a common way of thinking about OCD, the disorder is much more complicated and serious than having a strong preference for order or cleanliness. OCD will affect 1.5% of women and 1% of men at some point in their lives, so while it’s not as common as some other mental health issues, it’s
very likely you know someone who has or will deal with OCD.
OCD involves two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are upsetting and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that pop into someone’s head out of nowhere. They usually happen over and over, and can cause the person to feel disgusted, like they have done something wrong, or like things are not complete. The thoughts can be very disturbing and feel overly powerful or important. They usually do not line up with the person’s beliefs, values, or normal way of thinking. These can even be thoughts of wanting to hurt oneself or others. The person will often
have the urge to stop the thoughts by ignoring them or doing something to cancel them out. This can turn into compulsions.
Compulsions are the rituals or actions a person does to stop the anxiety or distress that comes from obsessions. One person may feel compelled to wash their hands to stop obsessive thoughts about germs. Another person may need to rewrite a sentence until it “feels right” or flip a light switch three times to prevent something terrible from happening. Sometimes a person will have very rigid rules that they must follow. Compulsions can also be things a person does in their head, like counting, reciting prayers, or repeating words.
OCD can manifest a lot of different ways. People can have obsessions and compulsions about needing things to be in a certain order, fear of germs or dirt, forbidden or taboo thoughts or images, or the need to stop something bad from happening. The symptoms can become so severe that they take over a person’s life, making it very difficult to work and have healthy relationships. OCD usually starts in childhood or adolescence but can also start in adulthood. Symptoms can wax and wane throughout a person’s life, and may become worse during times of high stress, such as after a significant life change or loss.
While OCD can be overwhelming, both to the person who is dealing with the symptoms and their family and friends, the good news is that OCD symptoms can improve with treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, the first step in getting help is to meet with a licensed mental health clinician for an evaluation. Primary care providers can refer to local mental health providers who are trained in diagnosing and treating OCD. OCD is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or therapist. The clinician conducts a thorough interview and asks many questions to figure out what symptoms the person is having and how they are impacting their life. They may use screening tools, like the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale, to help gather information and determine the severity of symptoms. Clinicians diagnose OCD using the
criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition. Once a diagnosis is made, the clinician will work with the client to develop a treatment plan.
OCD is treated with a combination of specialized therapy and medications. Typically, a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed professional counselor provides therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be very effective for OCD and is a good place to start. Cognitive behavioral therapy for OCD includes education, exposure and response prevention, and cognitive therapy. During exposure and response prevention, the therapist exposes the client to situations that trigger obsessive thoughts while they practice stopping the compulsive actions. Sometimes a client is exposed to a mild version of the actual trigger and sometimes they imagine the trigger. Cognitive therapy is used to challenge thoughts that are making the OCD symptoms worse.
Medication is typically prescribed and managed by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The provider works with the patient to determine which medication is the best option for them. They will consider side effects, drug interactions and past medication responses. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine are medications that can help decrease symptoms of OCD. Adding neuroleptics, like risperidone, can boost the effects of the SSRIs or
clomipramine. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation are also possible treatment options for OCD if it does not improve with medications and therapy. It can take time to figure out the right treatment.
OCD can be a very challenging disorder to live with, and affects many people. Treatment helps decrease the obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions a person experiences and helps them respond to obsessive thoughts in healthy ways. Therapy can help decrease OCD symptoms by 50-70% and the combination of therapy and medications is more helpful than either one alone. The first step to schedule an evaluation is often the hardest. While it takes time and hard work, there is great hope for healing for those with OCD.
Andrea Allen is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working with clients in outpatient therapy and patients in the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program on Brook Lane’s main campus. She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a Master of Science in nursing for her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
While OCD can be overwhelming, both to the person who is dealing with the symptoms and their family and friends, the good news is that OCD symptoms can improve with treatment.
Get Ready for Medicare Part D Open Enrollment
Written by SUSAN HURD
Reviewing your Medicare Part D plan during open enrollment is crucial for maintaining affordable medication coverage, much like regular vehicle maintenance ensures a safe ride. Individuals with traditional Medicare should proactively review their 2025 Medicare Part D plan, which covers prescription costs. This annual assessment helps determine if last year’s plan remains the best choice. The Medicare Part D open enrollment period runs annually from October 15 to December 7, offering the opportunity to review your plan and potentially save thousands of dollars. Last year, one of our dedicated staff members saved a client $60,000 on life-saving medication during open enrollment.
If you’re comfortable navigating the web on your own, you can visit myMedicare.gov and enter the requested information to explore your Medicare Part D prescription plan options.
If using the web independently raises your stress levels, don’t worry. The Washington County Commission on Aging offers plan assistance through the Senior Health Insurance Program. Simply give us a call, and we’ll help you set up an in-person or telephone appointment with one of our dedicated staff members. During the appointment, our staff will guide you in finding the Medicare Part D plan that best suits your budget and situation. We’ll also help you compare plans and complete the enrollment process for your chosen 2025 Medicare Part D plan. To get additional help reviewing your Medicare Part D plan, call us at 301-790-0275.
If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare, you can participate in
the “New to Medicare Workshop,” which takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. The workshop is available in-person from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact our agency at info@ wccoaging.org or call 301-790-0275.
The Washington County Commission on Aging provides various informational and educational offerings to support you and your loved ones. You can find details about these programs on our website wcoaging.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/WCCOAging.
These are just two of the many valuable programs the Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. offers the community. The Commission on Aging plays a vital role in helping our community navigate the complex support and service systems you or your loved one may be eligible for. However, due to high demand, several programs and services currently have waiting times of four months or more.
Understanding that funds may be limited, our team continually strives to
provide access to vital programs and resources for caregivers, those living with disabilities, and the aging community. If you need assistance, call for an appointment today at 301-790-0275. Supporting crucial programs and resources incurs significant expenses. If possible, kindly consider prioritizing the Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. for your charitable contributions. Your generosity will help fill funding gaps and enable us to aid more seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Should you have any inquiries about donating, feel free to reach out to us at 301-790-0275 or visit wccoaging.org.
Susan Hurd is an RSVP Project Manager, Guardianship Care Manager and Community Educator for the Washington County Commission on Aging in Hagerstown.
Developing a Personal
Style
Written by PAULETTE LEE
Recently, while at my favorite local café, I noticed two groups of women about my age (“seniors”), and was struck by their personal sense of style. The weather was still warm, so they were wearing white pants (of varying lengths but no shorts) and colorful tops, all of which were fashionable but adapted to our generation’s changing bodies. They had all elected to let their hair become naturally gray, but they all had becoming, short hairstyles. Some wore subtle makeup, some wore subtle jewelry. What struck me was: they looked their age, they were dressed “appropriately”, they had individual style, and they all looked great.
On the other hand, I have seen many senior-age women (and men) who seem to have given up – not just the battle with the bulge (that I am also fighting), but with trying to appear attractive or just wellgroomed. Others convey, “All I care about is comfort.” Then there are those who seem to have embraced the adage, “When I’m old, I’ll wear purple” (personal note: I’ve always worn purple!), as in “I’m old, so I can express my more outrageous, nonconformist self!” Perhaps the most cringe-worthy senior style is the one that screams, “I’m still young at heart!” (Question: Just because you can wear a pre-teen size, should you wear their clothes?)
If we stayed in our houses alone all day, it wouldn’t matter how we look, right? But if there are others around us, and/or we actually leave the house, should we care how we appear to them? I say yes. Not because I’m particularly vain (that day in the café I did NOT look as good as those other women), and definitely not because I’m a” fashionista”, but because I understand that our appearance is a form of communication. In my opinion, it’s even more than that: it’s a form of costuming. It’s a way of expressing a character, of how you want to appear.
In his book, A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, stylist Tim Gunn writes, “How we dress is a personal form of language; it is highly informed by our society and culture. (After you dress for the day) how will people respond to that image of you, and what assumptions will they make about who you are? You are sending a message about who you are!”
I absolutely agree that our style – as in appearance – is informed by our society and culture. I travel a lot and see it everywhere, even among Muslim women who cover their heads and bodies completely, yet often manage to convey a strong sense of style – that is, a strong statement of how they see themselves and want to be seen. Many urban French women have an elegance about them because they know how to mix quality with affordability. African
colors, fabrics and styles – for men and women – reflect an innately joyful spirit. I don’t think it’s shallow or superficial to care about appearances, even if I do sometimes go out…uh, not looking my best. I think it’s empowering to recognize that we have the ability to convey to others how we see ourselves, and how we want them to see us, though we can’t always guarantee the reaction. Take, for example, ripped jeans or tattoos: is the sender’s message of “I’m cool” being received that way? (One day, that walking ink canvas will be a “senior citizen” and I wonder if it will be cool then…)
Appearance as a statement of who you are and what you care about is not limited to the “fashionable” or the wellto-do, and it’s not limited to how you dress. Developing a personal style isn’t just about how we look; it’s also about how we act. I know what my personal style is; I also know it’s not completely me. It’s how I choose to present myself and truthfully, it’s often more of a role than an authentic presentation of the complete me.
No matter what our age, circumstances or budget, we all have personal styles and we all have the opportunity to develop them. If you look/act as if you don’t care, what message are you sending? If you insist on designer labels and expensive baubles, what is that message? If you wear loud prints…dark, monochromatic colors…colorful golf shirts…torn jeans…”ethnic”/bohemian clothes…what are you saying about yourself? And are you being received as you want to be?
If not, no worries. The great thing about personal style is that it’s a matter of choice, and we can always change the character we want to portray!
Paulette Lee is a former award-winning broadcast journalist and retired nonprofit and international development communications consultant. She lives in Hagerstown, MD and is host of the audio podcast, “WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60”, named by AARP as one of “The Five Best Podcasts for Older Women”, online at womanworthy.podbean.com, or on most podcast apps.
Quench your Thirst
WITH HISTORY
Written by Matthew Wedd
As the summer season draws to a close, we find ourselves yearning for a break from the relentless heat, eagerly anticipating the cool drinks and the crisp evenings of the fall. Fortunately, this time of year is the perfect backdrop for community events in our region, with every weekend brimming with harvest festivals, fairs, concerts, and Oktoberfest celebrations, among other events.
At the Conococheague Institute, the end of summer signifies the start of another bustling season for education bookings, as students return to school, eager to delve deeper into the rich history of the 18th century and our natural surroundings through CI’s captivating programs. This spring, we set a new record with thousands of students
Matthew Wedd picks grapes on the grounds of the Conococheague Institute.
Molly demonstrates the historic art of Pigeage, the stamping down of grape skins during winemaking.
Local Wineries and Cideries in the region:
• Stone House Urban Winery, Hagerstown, Md.
• Big Cork Vineyards, Rohrersville, Md.
• Adams County Winery, Orrtana, Pa.
• Jen Zell Wines, Chambersburg, Pa.
• Big Hill Ciderworks, Gardners, Pa.
booking, and we are hopeful to surpass that achievement this season.
While we offer free Saturday programs year-round, in addition to private bookings and summer camps, the start of the school year means we can expect a steady stream of students on site each week from September until the weather becomes too chilly for outdoor activities…when we then do outreach in the classroom itself.
Our programs encompass a wide range of topics, from colonial life skills and militia musters to social studies, crafts, nature conservation, and even STEM with our medicine and surgery programs, offering a wealth of historical knowledge to explore.
By making education engaging and interactive, we’ve crafted an immersive experience that brings history to life, encourages children to appreciate the natural world around them, and prompts reflection on their own lives.
If you have a group interested in an education program book today by contacting us.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Conococheague Institute is able to deliver these award-winning programs, thanks to the generous support of our community. Members, annual donors, and supporters of our projects play a crucial role in making this possible.
While we are primarily known for our programs for children, we also offer exhibits and workshops for adults, ensuring there’s something for everyone. As we approach the season of cider and wine making, we thought it would be interesting to share some fascinating facts about these industries that many will be enjoying this fall.
Cider
Ben Franklin famously quipped, “It’s indeed bad to eat apples, it’s better to turn them all into cyder.” and cider consumption and production were integral parts of
daily life. In the autumn, apples were harvested before they were “too ripe,” left to ferment for a few days, ground in a heavy cider mill, and then pressed. The press could be a simple contraption or more sophisticated, and the juice was often filtered through layers of straw. The natural sugars in the fruit, combined with several pounds of raisins, were often sufficient to ferment a hogshead barrel of cider. After racking off, it could be bottled in March. Today, we strive to recreate these historic recipes, preserving a tradition that has spanned 300 years.
By the 18th century, planting apple orchards on new lands and trade routes was a common practice. The high-yielding fruit provided a valuable source of nutrients and was a staple in many recipes. One of the oldest apple trees at CI is a Newtown Yellow or Albemarle Pippen, located at the end of the pathway to the Cabin. It is at least 200 years old, and several grafts of it have been planted in the area now standing tall themselves. Come visit our programs and try tasting one for yourself!
Wine
Wine production in the region hit many historic hurdles before reaching the varieties we have today, and that was due to the grapes that were available.
Captain John Smith wrote about native vines in Virginia, saying that the plants were “in great abundance in many parts that climbe the toppes of the highest trees.” Indeed, these Wild Grapes are often seen in woodlands still today, climbing 50 feet high (and are often a reason for trees falling from their weight), but the Colonist’s failed to make a palatable wine out of them, describing them as ‘foxy’.
Centuries of attempts to cultivate Portuguese, French and other European grapes were stalled by disease, climate and the occasional Revolution! George Washington lamented after the war
Grape vines are ready for harvesting at the cabin at the Conococheague Institute.
that his eight-year absence from Mount Vernon prevented the completion of this experiment to cultivate 2,000 cuttings of local wild grapes.
Improvements in grape varieties and growing techniques led us to the wonderful local grapes we enjoy today, and at CI we are proud of our vines which we use to demonstrate the historic art of Pigeage: The stamping down of grape skins that float to the surface during the fermentation process in winemaking. Our team (wearing 18th-century clothing at CI’s homestead) lead visitors in picking the grapes, preparing them in a tub, and then encouraging everyone to slip off their shoes and start stomping. The human foot is strong enough to crush the fruit but it’s soft enough to ensure the grape’s seeds don’t burst open. It’s entertainment, education and an incredible foot massage, though we don’t end up drinking the result!
If you’re interested in experiencing pigeage like your colonial ancestors or recreating the famous scene from “I Love Lucy,” come visit us during our Saturday programs this season, for this and other historic crafts and skills.
Be sure to check what programs are happening, as each week brings a new program experience on different changing themes. Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date program information. Or if you’re looking forward to a larger event, our special Bonfire Night this year will be held on November 9.
Visit cimlg.org for more details, email info@cimlg.org, or call 717-328-2800..
Matthew Wedd is executive director of The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg.
Class #37 displays their graduation plaques.
Leadership Washington County
Wraps Up Its 37th year
Written by Tara Bockstanz
On May 30, the Leadership Washington County Class of 2024 traveled to Rocky Gap Resort for their highly anticipated Closing Retreat. The class engaged in reflection activities in which they were able to debrief their Program days and commit to giving back to our community. They then celebrated with a class dinner at Rocky Gap State Park right next door to the resort. Congratulations Class #37! We are so excited for you to continue your LWC journey as Graduate Members. In addition, LWC Graduates & class members joined together to celebrate the conclusion of the 37th year with a Happy Hour at Antietam Brewery sponsored by F&M Bank.
Saying good-bye to Class #37 means we are also welcoming Class #38. We are excited to begin the new program year in September with 35 class members who will convene at Rocky Gap Resort for their two-day Opening Retreat. To see a list of the LWC Class of 2025, please visit leadershipwashingtoncounty.org/class-38. Programs days will explore topics such as Human Services, Education, Local Government, State Government, Health, Board Governance, Economic and Workforce Development, Art and Culture. These topical days will be planned by Class 38 (with the exception of Human Services, Board Governance and State
Members of Class #36 at the happy hour.
Government) with consideration of the five regions of Washington County and will highlight organizations within those areas as appropriate.
We encourage all of our graduates to stay engaged and connected with Leadership Washington County through our Graduate Events. Each month LWC will plan an event that will highlight an organization within the county. These events range from Behind the Scenes tours to educational lunches and Happy Hours at locally owned establishments. To participate in most of our Graduate events we offer a graduate membership that is renewed each year. The membership allows participants to continue their LWC journey by elevating their access to events, expanding their network and amplifying their connection to the community.
This year we had a record number of graduates donate a record amount of money by joining as Graduate Members. Membership is our largest fundraiser and we are very thankful that our graduates continue to give back to LWC each year.
Graduate programming for the upcoming year will kick off in September with our first Behind the Scenes tour featuring the Flying Boxcars at Meritus Park. In addition, we are also planning to continue a few of our most popular events including the Best Lunch Ever, LWC Presents Series and our Holiday Party. We will continue our monthly Brew Crew Coffee Talk at Free Range Café and our Lunch Bunch at Foster’s on the Point that will resume in September as well.
The LWC Staff and Board of Directors happily welcomes four new board members this year, Erin Clark, CPA, MBA, Class of 2022 #35, Member of the Firm at SEK CPAs & Advisors, Julie Herman, Class of 2023 #36, Director of Marketing at Brook Lane, Holly Meyers, SPHR, Class of 2023 #36, Director of Human Resources for The Bowman Group LLC, and Kris Miner, SPHR, Class of 2022 #35, Director of Sales & Marketing for Audio Video Group LLC as well as several new committee members. From our most recent group of Graduates, Class #37, we
welcome Karla Tellez, Jess Miller, Toby Long, Christina Willson and Devan Zeger to serve on our Program and Alumni Committees. We are looking forward to working alongside these wonderful individuals as they share their time, talents and treasures with LWC.
So many exciting things are on the horizon for Leadership Washington County! To stay up-to-date with all things LWC, follow us on social media at facebook.com/leadershipwc or instagram.com/leadershipwc.
Members of Class #33 enjoy the year-end happy hour at Antietam Brewery sponsored by F&M Bank.
Members of Class #37 at the happy hour.
LWC’s newest Board Members: Holly Meyers, Julie Herman, Erin Clark and Kris Miner.
Tara Bockstanz is the director of graduate engagement at Leadership Washington County.
Museum Myths Debunking the
Museum benefactors are exposed to special behind-the-scenes
Written by CRYSTAL SCHELLE
When I was a student at Bester Elementary School in Hagerstown, one of our field trips was to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
Chances are, if you grew up here, you had to have visited the museum at least once for a school field trip. Or maybe a second time when your artwork was part of the spring Washington County Public Schools exhibition.
Now, as an adult, I work here, and it amazes me how often I stop to chat with visitors—ranging in age from teens to 80s—and hear, “I haven’t been here since I was a kid.”
But what keeps visitors away so long? I don’t think there’s just one answer, but a combination of some misunderstandings. So, let us separate fact from fiction.
Claim: Going to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is expensive.
Rating: False! We offer free admission. Now, if you feel like dropping a buck or
two into the donation box, we can’t stop you, but once you walk through those doors, there is no charge.
Claim: I won’t fit in because I have to dress up.
Rating: False! The idea you have to dress up has gone the way of poodle skirts and parachute pants. We ask that you wear something to cover your body and feet, but other than that, our mantra is “Come as You Are.” However, if you have an inner fashionista trying to break out, go ahead and dress to the nines.
Claim: The museum never changes. I already saw most of that stuff when I was in fourth grade.
Rating: False! Like any museum, we have objects from our permanent collection that remain on display. For instance, Diana of the Chase is still in our portico, looking longingly over City Park Lake, and many of the paintings are familiar in our Schreiber Gallery. There is only so much room for our 7,000 objects in our collection. Putting them all out at once is impossible, which means some visitors’
Pianist Thomas Pandolfi, who performs classics, is a fan favorite at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
tours like this one in the museum vault.
Adults enjoyed a rosemailing class over a glass of alcohol in 2023 that was inspired by the exhibition “Landscapes & Legends of Norway.”
Claim: I need to be an art historian to know whose work I’m looking at or to understand it.
Punk music was part of the July Tattoo Expo at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, inspired by the exhibition “Art, Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today.”
favorites are constantly changing. For example, works on paper often “take a nap” in our vault to protect them from light exposure. Often we bring objects out of storage for a specific theme such as Women’s History Month or the holidays. A large portion of our gallery spaces are dedicated to special exhibitions that are changed on average every four months. Our current special exhibitions are Art, Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today, which runs through Oct. 13, and Floating Beauty: Women and the Art of Ukiyo-e, which runs from Sept. 21 through Jan. 12, 2025.
Claim: The museum doesn’t have any art I’d like anyway.
Rating: False! There is something for everyone here. Try the Schreiber Gallery to see European Old Masters. Enjoy a good cow painting? Find several in the Singer Gallery. How about a beautiful fall day in 19th-century America? Find it in the Smith Gallery and The Mason/Theiblot Galleries. Or you might be smitten by the delicate art glass in the Rhinehart Gallery. The more you explore, the chances are you will find something that you like.
Rating: False! You would be amazed at the names you’d recognize, like Norman Rockwell, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and more. Our collection also includes many highly respected artists whose names might escape you, but you’d be surprised you are already familiar with their work. But names aside, art is about how you react to a painting or sculpture. Maybe the painting reminds you of where you grew up. Or the woman in the painting looks like your grandmother. Or a trip you took. Or makes you feel enveloped in a warm hug. You see, those reactions have nothing to do with a fancy art degree they are part of our human condition. But if you want to learn about some of our collections and expand your mind, sign up for one of our guided tours. The tours are $5 a person or $7 with an activity. During the tour, you’ll have access to our knowledgeable staff, who can tell the stories behind some of our objects.
Claim: You have to be rich to go to any of their exhibition openings.
Rating: False! Our preview parties are called parties for a reason. We charge $15 for museum members or $25 for the general public. They usually include remarks about the exhibition, an opportunity to preview the new exhibition before it opens to the public, some light refreshments, and adult beverages. We also encourage our guests to dress according to the appropriate theme: from art nouveau to punk rocker and everything in between. (But again, come as you are is just fine. Jeans? OK. After work? OK. Bring the kids? That’s fine, too.)
Claim: The museum only offers art classes for kids.
Ratings: False! We offer several classes aimed at adults throughout the year. Find them on our website at wcmfa.org, at the top bar under the Learn drop-down menu. We also have a free online art discussion called Let’s Talk Art every other month and an online discussion called Art Social
Hour just for our museum members.
Claim: Museums are boring.
Rating: False! Do you call a museum that created a tattoo exhibition, a tattoo expo, and had a punk rock takeover boring? I didn’t think so! We also hosted Garden Night at the Museum this summer, during which people were encouraged to bring a picnic and listen to music for free. The first three Fridays in December will be Holiday Events at the Museum, during which we host holiday-themed evenings in Kaylor Atrium, one night for just kids and the other night geared toward adults.
Claim: There is no reason to pay for a museum membership because it’s free to get in.
Rating: False! Membership allows you to receive special discounts for events and classes. The average $40 membership pays for itself if you attend your first two openings. Members at a benefactor level receive one-of-a-kind experiences with behind-the-scenes tours and talks. Contact us at 301-739-5727 to find out how to become a member.
Claim: The museum is the best fine arts museum within a 65-mile radius of Hagerstown.
Rating: True! You would have to drive to a major metropolitan area to find a fine arts museum, and chances are they don’t have free parking, sit in a beautiful park near a lake, or have gaggles of Canada geese (and a bevy of swans).
To learn more about our upcoming events, check out the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ website at wcmfa. org or follow us on social media.
Crystal Schelle is director of marketing and communications for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. The museum 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. The museum is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day. Go to wcmfa.org or the museum on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Shopping for Local Art
Written by Mary Anne Burke
In January 2020, Tamela Baker a reporter for the Herald Mail, wrote that “Mary Anne Burke works surrounded by pretty things.”
How right Tammy was and to this day the Gallery at the Washington County Arts Council (WCAC) remains in downtown Hagerstown, supporting over 175 regional artists in both The Gallery Shop and the exhibition halls. And what beautiful original, one-of-a-kind art, there is in the rooms of 34 S Potomac Street!
In the late 1980’s, the WCAC Board and volunteers opened its own art gallery in downtown Hagerstown, at first on West Franklin Street, then moving to South Potomac Street, then to West Washington Street and finally to its current South Potomac Street location near The Maryland Theatre and the Barbara ingram School for the Arts, both which have gone through downtown transformations.
In those early days, the WCAC focused on community-directed programming and the Community Arts Development Program was developed and continues to this day. The Community Arts Development Program grants funds to support culturally and educationally significant projects of local arts organizations.
Some years later, the WCAC Board announced its goal to support and
promote local artists with exhibition space and a shop gallery. “The Gallery Shop: New Initiative for the Washington County Arts Council, Inc.” was an action research project conducted in 2009, aiming to give confirmation to the direction being taken by WCAC; to confirm its presence in downtown Hagerstown; to become a strong player in the economic development of the area; and to become “top of mind” for artists, consumers, and visitors.
The Gallery Shop was the result of that initiative and continues to this day. All work is original, created locally and entrusted by the artists who consign their work with the Arts Council which displays, markets, and sells the art. Work is juried by local artists through established procedures.
That 2009 Project distributed a Survey Monkey tool that reached more than four hundred individuals; response rate approximated 23%. Several individuals contacted WCAC to ask if the survey was only SPAM. When they learned the study was legitimate, each promised to respond and thought it was a good exercise for the organization. “A good survey” and “good questions” were just two antidotal comments that were received.
The survey had only garnered one “negative” responder. The artist, who was known to WCAC, had been adamantly opposed to redirecting some of the focus on use of the Arts Council space for anything that would not be
purely “exhibition,” but a strong survey outcome confirmed that artists could not find or afford such free ‘open space’ for art sales elsewhere.
“Gallery Shop: New Initiative for the Washington County Arts Council, Inc.” demonstrated that artists had a strong need and willingness to consign artwork to The Gallery Shop and believed that the WCAC had a good jury process.
In 2012, and again in 2023, the Sage Policy Group conducted assessments of Washington County’s arts, entertainment, and related education sector concluding, “that while there is additional work to be done, Washington County has progressed tremendously over the past decade in terms of bolstering its cultural offerings despite an intervening pandemic.”
Since its opening, the WCAC Gallery has displayed visual art by more than 330 local artists and has been visited by thousands of local and visiting patrons, giving artists opportunities to both show and sell their work.
Exhibit Proposal Main Gallery –Solo or Small Group Shows
WCAC’s goal continues to advocate for the arts by creating opportunities to make connections between the finest of local arts experiences and the community.
Monthly, each year the WCAC Gallery hosts exhibits that are open to the public. These exhibits are usually juried and anyone in the community is invited to submit their work.
WCAC is open to solo, dual artist, and small group exhibits. Yearly there are calls for community group exhibits. Examples include “Washington County Art Educators;” “Washington Goes Purple Exhibition,” an awareness campaign to educate our youth and community about the dangers of prescription painkillers; and the “Annual Community Exhibit…the Best of Local Art,” inviting local artists working in any medium to submit their best new works for WCAC’s Juried Art Show.
The WCAC proposal procedure is simply a way for WCAC to keep a fair and organized method of granting exhibit
opportunities to the local growing arts community. There is no charge for gallery exhibitions. Exhibit selections are made by a panel of artists, arts administrators, and art patrons convened by WCAC. washingtoncountyarts. com/procedure
Gallery Shop Proposals
Inventory for The Gallery Shop is reviewed and selected by the Executive Director, and a team of Gallery Advisory Committee members. The Gallery Shop is always looking for unique oneof-a-kind pieces. Craftsmanship, mastery of technical skills, consumer demand, and presentation are a few of the e criteria considered. washingtoncountyarts.com/ gallery-shop-procedure
To highlight community artists, The Washington County Arts Council shares artists’ profiles on the Artist Registry page (washingtoncountyarts.com/artist-registry) and showcases the Gallery Shop artists of the Washington County Arts Council via Artist Journey page (washingtoncountyarts.com/artist-journey). Looking back at the exhibits of the Washington County Arts Council can be found at washingtoncountyarts.com/turn-back-the-clock. These pages all promote the talents of regional artists.
Please come see us and enjoy the work of our community’s talented artists at the Washington County Arts Council, at Just Lookin’ Gallery of African American Art and at Valley Art Association.
You may find just the right treasure to take home.
Mary Anne Burke is the executive director of the Washington County Arts Council.
NEIGHBORING ART SHOPS
Just Lookin’ Gallery of African American Art
Bolstering and complimenting the art gallery experience in Hagerstown, displaying original African American Art, is Just Lookin’ Gallery of African American Art, located at 40 Summit Ave. Approaching its 30th anniversary in Hagerstown, Just Lookin’ Gallery “is the gallery you ‘come home to’ and take home with you.” The gallery has one of “the largest selections of original art by Black American Artists in the United States.” Just Lookin’ is “a multi-media art and framing gallery specializing in original art, handpulled prints and sculpture by over 50 living Black American, African and West Indian artists.” Visit justlookin. com for more information.
Valley Art Association
Originally formed in 1938, Valley Art Association (VAA) visioned as a” permanent organization of local artists,” is a regional membership organization of those “who love and support visual arts.” “The group creates an awareness and appreciation of art with the community by hosting special art exhibits, art workshops, classes, demonstrations by moted artists and art related field grips.” Additionally, VAA oversees the historic Mansion House Art Center, located at 480 Highland Ave. in Hagerstown, where “members may display their artwork and one can view and purchase the works of over 20 local artists. Visit valleyartassoc.org for more information.
classes, Ave. where over 20 local artists. Visit valleyartassoc.org
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