At Home Places, Autumn 2023

Volume 10, Issue 5

ISSUE EDITOR

Glenn Garvie

DESIGN EDITORS/LAYOUT

Kathryn Biek, Princella Heath

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jacob W. Barr, Tara Bockstanz, Mary Ann Burke, Linda Harkcom, Susan Hurd, Paulette Lee, Sarah Nadeau, Tricia Lynn Strader, Matthew Wedd, Dr. Trevor York

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Gannett Creative Solutions

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Dawn Friedman

ADVERTISING SALES

Denise Bender, Michelle Horton, George Steinbraker

© 2023 Herald-Mail Media

AT HOME PLACES is published five times a year, featuring Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Holiday issues. Complimentary copies are available at area distribution sites. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT.

Prices, specials and descriptions are accurate as of the time of publishing. This magazine or parts thereof may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the editor. Advertising information has been provided by the advertiser. Herald-Mail Media does not make any representations as to the opinions or facts contained herein. All terms and conditions subject to change. The cover, design, format and layout of this publication are trademarks of Herald-Mail Media.

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Behind the Seams

The many ladies (and one man) of the Drapery Sewing Department pause at their machines for a group photo inside Leiter Brothers department store on West Washington Street, circa 1910. The Leiters – three brothers and one sister – first opened for business on June 1, 1908, in what was known as the Aughinbaugh building, and shortly afterwards expanded the premise to accommodate their fast-growing customer base. In 1912, the family opened a ladies’ apparel store in Chambersburg, followed by another in 1914 in Harrisburg, and yet another in Waynesboro. On the occasion of celebrating their 40th year in business, Roy A. Leiter, one of the original founders, was asked how the

firm enjoyed such continued success for so many years. His reply was simply that the old axiom still applies: The Customer Is Always Right.

These vintage images were preserved and provided courtesy of Washington County Historical Society. Enjoy hundreds more historic views from the society’s collection by visiting washcohistory.org.

Mary Poffenberger works behind the glove counter at Leiter Brothers during the company’s first few years in business.

THE FLOOR TRADER OUTLET

Quality Selection and Service for More Than 20 Years

WRITTEN BY LESLIE PERLMUTTER

Greg Meyers and Kacie Gelsinger are the father and daughter duo behind The Floor Trader Outlet, a locally owned flooring business, renowned for its quality, selection, price and customer service. The familyowned business has been around for over 20 years and is continuously growing to meet the incredible demand for new construction and renovations in Chambersburg and the surrounding areas. Their vision for the company was to provide a place for the community to purchase products that are the highest quality for the lowest price. Greg notes, “We really value the relationships we have gotten to build through this business, and we are excited to continue serving the community for years to come.”

Because they have ongoing relationships with their customers, the owners take particular pride in helping their neighbors achieve their desired outcomes. Kacie remarks, “We put tremendous focus on education and keeping up with what is happening in the industry to make sure we are offering our customers the best products we can! We know how important longevity is to any homeowner, and being able to give everyone the confidence in what they are installing in their homes is of the highest importance to us.”

LIVING IN PLACE

Floor Trader Outlet’s kitchen designs focus on functionality, storage and “living in place.” When redoing your home, keep these few factors in mind:

• Eliminate transitions if possible or find floors where there can be a smoother transition. With carpet, use a rubber ramp underneath to transition to hardwood or tile. Also, look at the subfloor to help to reduce height discrepancies from room to room.

• LVP is a great option. Luxury Vinyl Plank can change the look from room to room and keep the same height. This type of flooring is good in wet conditions and can go

393 Beddington Blvd, Suite 101 Chambersburg, PA (717) 264-9096

FloorTraderChambersburg.com

anywhere in the house. It is also easier to stand on than tile.

• Contrast is good. Contrast on your cabinets with pulls standing out from your cabinets so they are easily visible.

• Zero-barrier showers. Reduce trip points by installing a walk-in shower.

• Install grab bars in your showers, even if you don’t need them. They are great to have and look much better than they did 20 years ago.

• Pivoting toilet paper holders are a favorite as you will never have to worry about that pesky spring again.

• Cabinets with drawers! These are a favorite. A cabinet with drawers allows for you to reach everything without having to get on your knees and dig in the back of the cabinet. They are also great for containers and snacks, with the sides that let you fill each drawer up.

Even if you are looking to build, the team at The Floor Trader Outlet is happy to look over your blueprints and make recommendations to make sure you build a house that will be accessible for years to come!

THE FLOOR TRADER TEAM: Front row (left to right), Amber Meyers, Kacie Gelsinger, Nancy Kirkpatrick, McKenzie Scalia, Kayla Denlinger. Back row (left to right), Greg Meyers, Jeff Chapline, Perry Mentzer.

Uncovering the Hidden Histories of Antiques and Collectibles with Your Library’s Help

Written by Sarah Nadeau

Ilove antiquing and thrifting—it’s a treasure hunt for pieces full of character with untold stories. Auctions, flea market booths, and garage sales have timeless items just waiting to be discovered.

Decorating with antiques and collectibles around the home seems to give even contemporary design more depth with quality craftmanship, classic motifs, and fun conversation pieces. Breathing new life into preloved objects also keeps them out of the landfill and offers the opportunity to learn about their origins. That, you might have guessed, is where the library comes in.

Let’s say you found an amazing.... thing.... that will look fabulous in the living room, but you aren’t quite sure what it even is. Take a photo of the object against a plain background. That photo can be used in Google’s reverse image search to match it to similar-looking items online and can potentially give a general idea of an object’s origin or use.

As in any good detective novel, you can also look for clues, such as marks or signatures. Glassware, pottery, porcelain, silver, furniture, clocks and more often have the key to the manufacturer and age right on the item itself. Logos, trademarks, and stamps may offer you answers fairly quickly.

A trusted antique guide is a great way to get more information and the library has a wide-ranging collection of antique encyclopedias, price guides

and handbooks. Author Judith Miller is a leading expert on antiques and has written over 100 books about different collectibles, style periods and design. Terry and Kim Kovel’s guides are another wide-ranging source of information. The work of these experts will expand your foundational understanding of your treasures and point you toward more helpful resources.

Additional internet searches with more specific information about your object may yield additional information or give you an idea of the value of an item in the current market. The library’s premium digital resources and databases, like Gale, offer quick searches of magazine and journal articles for trusted information from specialized periodicals like Antique Trader and Country Living. For example, a search for “Hull pottery” brings

up several published articles by and for antique collectors.

If you’re still looking for answers, librarians love a good reference question. A complex question that takes some information science know-how is an absolute blast for us, so don’t hesitate to bring a picture of your mystery antique and ask for research.

Keep your library in mind the next time you are meandering the aisles of an antique store full of potential additions to your décor. An item with history as unique as your style may be just what your space needs.

Sarah Nadeau is the head of public relations at the Washington County Free Library.

COUNTER Intelligence

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SAGELYSTATED

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BRINGINGTHEOUTDOORSIN

(Above)ThishomeislocatedonwoodedacreagealongtheAntietam Creek,sowhenitcameto renovations,designerCollienDriscoll,of DriscollInteriorDesignin Waynesboro,decidedtoblendtheinterior withthesurroundings.Thatmeantselectingnaturalcolorsandmaterials, howevertheclientwantedmorethanjustneutralsandtoalsokeepitlight andopen.Driscoll removedthewallbetweentheoriginalkitchenand great roomwhichprovidedtheopportunitytohavenotonly agenerous island,butalso akitchentablewithseatingforsix.Thecustomcabinetry ispaintedBenjaminMooreSussexGreenfromtheHistoricCollection.The islandis aworkhorseandfeatures amicrowavedrawer,cooktop,pull-out trashand recycle,spicedrawers, rolloutshelves,storageforcookbooks onbothends,seatingforfour,andofcourse,anamazingamountof counterspace.ThecountertopisCalacatta Vicenzaquartz.

LOCALCOLOR

(Right)Colorandcopperwerefirstandforemostinthedesignofthis historicfarmhousekitchen,alsobydesignerCollienDriscoll,ofDriscoll InteriorDesign.ThecustomwoodhoodwaspaintedBenjaminMoore MidnightOil.Copperbandingandrivetswereappliedtothehoodto coordinatewiththeGECaféappliancesinMatteBlackwithbrushed copperknobsandhandles.CoffeeBrownLeatheredgranitecountertops achieve asimilarlooktosoapstonewithlessmaintenance.Custom RomanshadesinWilliamMorrisStrawberryThiefsoftenthe roomand addlightcontrol.

TOP-SHELFGOODS

Thepantryinthiscustom-builthomewasdesigned byCollienDriscoll,ofDriscollInteriorDesign,with veryspecific requirementsincludingwinestoragefor roughly150bottlesalongwith awine refrigerator Thedesignalsoincludedverticaltraydividers, roll outshelves, awindowseatwithunder-the-bench storage,linenstorage,andadjustableshelving. Thecustom cabinetryispaintedBenjaminMoore VanCourtlandBluewithblackwalnutcountertops.

TABLEFORSIX

ThisbrightandsunnycustombuiltkitcheninMercersburg boasts astrikingcenterisland, inadditionto aviewofthe rollinghillsofSouthCentral Pennsylvania,wasdesigned andconstructedby Woodcrest HomesIn Waynesboro.

Walkingfor Wellness of theMind,BodyandSoul

bythe Washington CountyHealth Department

We’veallhad someonesaythat thereisnobetter exercisethanwalking,butdid youknowthatscienceactually providesevidencethatwalking regularlyimprovesnotjust individualphysicalhealth, butmental healthandoverall communityhealthaswell!

Accordingtothe U.S. DepartmentofHealthand HumanServices,walkingis anexcellentwayformost ofustoincreaseouroverall movement.Itdoesnotrequire specialskills,facilitiesor expensiveequipmentandisan easyphysicalactivitytobeginandmaintain.Ithas alower riskofinjurythanmanyotheractivitiesandcanbeeasily adaptedtofit aperson’stime,needsandabilities.

Thephysical activityofwalkinghelpslowerriskfor heartdisease,stroke,type 2diabetes,depressionand somecancers,accordingtotheCentersforDisease ControlandPrevention(CDC).Regularwalkingcan improvesleep,memoryandtheabilitytothinkandlearn andalsoreducestressandanxietysymptoms.Infact, walkinghasbeenproventopromotehealthyaging–preventingmuscleloss,improvingbalanceandhelping maintainjointmobility -allwhichreducetheriskofinjury duetofalls.Italsolowersriskofhighbloodpressure, reducesarthritissymptomsandpreventsweightgain.

The WalkingtoWellnesscommunity,establishedby localnonprofitPrime Timefor Women –anactivemember ofHealthy WashingtonCounty –offers aweeklywalking activityon Wednesdays,startingatnoon,insidethe Athletic,RecreationandCommunityCenter(ARCC)at

HagerstownCommunityCollege.ForfounderandCEO BernadetteWagner,investinginthisgrowingcommunity wasimportantforthepopulationhealthoftheentire community.

“Positivesocialconnectionsplay agreaterroleindeterminingoverallphysicalhealthandsocialwell-beingthan dietandexercisecombined!”saysBernadette.

Recentneurosciencestudiessuggestthatindividuals withstrongsocialnetworksmaypreservetheirbrain structureandcognitiveperformancetohelpmaintaina healthybrainintolaterlife –perhapsevenpreventing dementia.

Thebenefitsofwalkingdon’tjustapplytoadults, though.With46%ofyouthin WashingtonCountyconsideredoverweightorobese,the Walkingto Wellness communityrecentlyexpandedtoinclude aSaturdayinthe Parkprogramwithintergenerationalwalksandactivities. OneSaturdayamonth, acommunityparkin Washington Countywelcomesparticipantsofallagestojointhelocal effortandmovemore!

Aschedule ofeventsfor Walkingto Wellnessprogramscanbefoundat primetimeforwomen.org orontheorganization’sFacebookpage.Additionalopportunitiesfor walkinginourcommunityareincluded onthe WashingtonCountyHealthDepartment’swebsite- washcohealth.org -andsocialmediapagesandon HealthyWashingtonCounty.com anditsFacebookpage.

Arecentphotoofparticipantsinthe Walkingto Wellnesscommunity,establishedbylocalnonprofit PrimeTimefor Women,withsupportfromthe WashingtonCountyHealthDepartmentandother membersofHealthy WashingtonCounty. SUBMITTEDPHOTO

TIMELESSACCENTS

Forthesetwoprojects,designerCarolinaSeidl ofWishKitchensandBathsincluded apopofcolor ontheislandandaddedwoodaccentstodressup thewhiteKraftmaidcabinets.The resultis atimeless kitchen.Thespacewasfurthercustomizedwithstorage solutions,floatingshelvesandtrims.Ineachcase,the wallrangehoodcreates aboldfocalpoint.

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Written by Linda Harkcom

Jon Cohen, owner of Beyond Comics, owns two stores, one located in Gaithersburg which he has had for 26 years and the Frederick, Maryland, store, located at 5632 Buckeystown Pike, which he has had for around 18 years.

“The Frederick location is our flagship store. It is one of the largest in the state with 4,000 sq. ft.,” Cohen says.

The shop sells comics, graphic novels, board games and card games. Cohen adds that they also have the East Coast’s largest supply of high-end resin statues, including those from Sideshow and Dental Giant. In addition, they also sell Hot Toys Collectible action figures of which, Cohen says, they are the largest dealer between New York and Florida.

“When we went out on our own, I wanted to make sure we sold the best stuff,” Cohen says.

Cohen has been in the comic industry since 1981 as an employee at a comic store.

“I came into it because I really liked the characters and the art and the stories. I was the guy at the store that

could tell you what I liked, and I would find out what other people like, and I would make recommendations on

what they might like.”

Cohen says the characters that got him into comics were Conan the Barbarian and Thor but his all-time favorite comic is Cerebus. Cohen says Cerebus is an independently distributed comic that only had 300 issues, all of which had the same writer. John Mizzer, owner of Comics World, says he has always had an interest in comics over the years. “The art is what attracted me to it. The storylines and the artwork. It’s just like reading a book or watching a movie; it’s a way of escaping,” Mizzer says. “There is a community as well. You get to interact with people of all different backgrounds and get to interact with people you might not otherwise get to interact with and share thoughts and ideas and find a commonality in that.”

Mizzer had been a customer of the store located at 1670 Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He said when he lost his job at First Data, during a massive layoff, in 2001, Comics World was available, so he decided to purchase it from the company that owned it.

For local comic book store owners, a love of art is at the heart of their business

Jon Cohen, owner of Beyond Comics, displays some of the comics he sells in his two stores, one located in Gaithersburg which he has had for 26 years and the Frederick, Md., store, located at 5632 Buckeystown Pike, which he has had for around 18 years.

He says his store sells comic books, graphic novels, action figures art prints of comic characters as well as different types of games like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer 40K.

“Our biggest sellers are Marvel and DC Comics, but we do stock a lot of independent publishers as well,” Mizzer says.

For Lori Haberlein at Atomic Comics, it wasn’t her personal love of comics that led her to own and run the store located at 18 W. Franklin St. in Hagerstown, but her love for her husband. Lori’s husband, William (Bill, Billy or Luke depending on how people knew him) Haberlein, was an avid comic book collector. The couple originally opened the store in 1984.

“The artwork is what drew his attention,” Lori Haberlein says. “It started out as a collection and turned into a business. It has now been 40 years.”

When Haberlein’s husband passed away in September 2021, Lori, with the help of their two children, decided to keep the family-run business open to carry on his legacy.

Haberlein describes the store as a comic book and collectible shop.

“We sell both Marvel and DC books. There are a variety of Hot Wheels, posters, Funko Pops and figures,” she says.

All three store owners agree that Spider-Man and Batman are the best-selling or most popular comics out there.

“They are some of the most recognizable with movies, action figures, etc. People recognize them at a very young age from pop culture. SpiderMan has been a more fallible character who makes mistakes, and people can see themselves in him. And Batman, people like the idea of someone who is in a position of wealth and, based on his circumstances, has decided to make the world a better place. He is someone people can look up to,” Mizzer says.

Other popular offerings mentioned included Carnage, Venom, Superman, and the Joker.

John Mizzer owner of Comics World in Chambersburg, Pa., holds two of the comics that he says are trending right now, the Masters of the Universe miniseries and Stranger Things.

Comics World, located at 1670 Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg, Pa., offers a wide variety of comics including books from DC , Marvel and several independent publishers as well.

When Cohen looks for comics to sell at his store, he said there is one big thing he looks for.

“I ask what is it about this book that will make someone come in and get the next issue,” Cohen says.

Cohen says graphic novels are also very popular.

“A graphic novel is a comic book in long form designed to sell as a traditional book to a traditional book reader. Comics are periodicals that come out regularly, usually monthly,” Cohen says.

Some of the most popular graphic novels at Cohen’s stores are the book series of “Dogman” by Dav Pilkey and “Max Meow” by John Gallagher, as well as “Smile” and “Sisters,” both by Raina Talgamire.

Some of the comics the owners say that are trending right now are “Something Is Killing the Children” by Boom! Studios, “Stranger Things,” Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” and the Masters of the Universe miniseries. Cohen says Spider-Man is also trending due to rumors of speculation of a death of a major character.

Cohen says sometimes the comic book publishers will restart the story of a character from the beginning and that will cause the comic to trend. He says that has happened with both Superman and Green Lantern, and he expects that to happen with Wonder Woman, which is going to restart soon.

Some comics are more valuable than others.

“There are comics that are worth $40 or $50 up to several thousand dollars,” Mizzer says. “Some of the most valuable are Action Comics No. 1, the first appearance of Superman, and

Detective Comics issue No. 27, the first appearance of Batman. Some of the highest-grade copies have sold for several million dollars.”

Mizzer says both editions were printed in the late 1930s.

“Even low-grade copies have sold for thousands because of the age and scarcity,” Mizzer says.

While there are those who collect comics because they enjoy them, others choose to buy them as an investment. Cohen says he doesn’t recommend comics as an investment because of price fluctuations.

“One could be valuable, but then not be worth the same amount of money later. It varies like the stock market. Supply and demand drives the price,” Cohen says.

Haberlein says price guides are put out monthly to help determine how much the comics are worth.

Cohen says that “Blue Chip” comics hold their value better than others, noting that “Blue Chips” usually feature the more iconic the character’s important comic issues such as a first appearance of that character in another story, first issue of that character or an origin story.

While most comic book customers buy comics for the enjoyment, Cohen says, not as an investment, likewise, most comic store owners are in it just because they liked comics.

“Support that local store because that guy did open that store on a dream and a passion for what he is doing, not because he was trying to make a ton of money. We don’t get the margins that Amazon does, and small businesses are fighting for their lives right now,” Cohen says.

Atomic Comics located at 18 W. Franklin St. in Hagerstown, has been a family-run business since 1984. Owner Lori Haberlein took over running the store after her husband, William (Bill, Billy or Luke depending on how people knew him) Haberlein, passed away in 2021. A photo of William Haberlein hangs over the desk where he can look out over the store he loved.

Hagerstown’s Atomic Comics offers a selection of comics including those published by DC and Marvel.

Cumberland Is Calling

Wind Your Way to Maryland’s George Washington Country

Written by Tricia Lynn Strader

When people think of our nation’s first leader, George Washington, many will think of his beloved Mount Vernon in Virginia, or his time as a military leader during the Revolution in places like New York, New Jersey, or eastern Pennsylvania. But as a young man, Washington spent much of his early years traversing the hills and Native American trails of what is now West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and western Maryland. Some of his most formative years or experiences occurred in western Maryland near Cumberland and western Pennsylvania. And he returned during his presidency to put down a “whiskey rebellion” in nearby Pennsylvania.

Fort Cumberland, built in 1754 at the confluence of Wills Creek and the Potomac River, was located in what is now Cumberland, but then was called Mount Pleasant. The fort was important in the early years of George Washington, while he was first a land surveyor and later a military man— before the American Revolution.

The Cumberland Heritage Days Festival is over 50 years old, and it celebrates much of the early heritage and Washington’s connection to Cumberland both as a young man and later as President. Over time, it became known as an arts and crafts festival, but Allegany County Historical Society President Dave Williams says that, in 2015, there began an effort to promote Cumberland’s

history more heavily. Recently, the Whiskey Rebellion & Wills Creek Muster were added, which takes place in September.

“Cumberland began during the French and Indian War,” Williams says. “Washington was here as a surveyor at 18. He was an active diarist, writing in his journals about the area. That gives us a lot of information. By 1753, he came back in the employ of the Ohio Company. It was formed in Virginia by elite residents who were friends of the Crown. His brother Lawrence was a member. James Madison was the treasurer. The intention was to trade English goods for furs and try to prevent French incursion into the fur trade. There was a huge economic and political push to get English traders into the western frontier.”

Fort Cumberland was the western-most fort at the time, established for sale of land to settlers and the fur trade for the Ohio Company. It was the jumping-off point for British General Braddock’s disastrous expedition against the French at Fort Duquesne.

Washington was an officer in the Virginia Militia. Washington wanted a military career but never received a British officer’s commission. Little did he know where his future would take him. In 1753, Major Washington was in the area to tell the French they were encroaching on British soil at a place called Fort LeBoeuf in what is today Pennsylvania. The French rebuffed him.

“Washington moved from fort to

fort, but spent a great deal of time in a little cabin in Cumberland,” says Washington historical interpreter John Koopman III. Koopman has been researching Washington for years and began actively reenacting in 2006. He can be seen in a film at Mount Vernon and has worked with the National Park Service, and in 2015 wrote George Washington at War-1776.

“Washington was impressed by the area when he’d surveyed it,” says Koopman. “He was first sent by the Virginia Governor Dinwiddie in 1753. In 1754, he was sent by the governor to reinforce an effort to build a fort at the forks of the Ohio River, present-day Pittsburgh. The fort was under construction. The French and their Indian allies pushed the work crew out before Washington got there. Instead of just turning around and going back, Washington built Fort Necessity to see what would develop.”

“Washington built Fort Necessity [in Pennsylvania], out of necessity,”

Dave Williams says. He was then given the rank of lieutenant colonel of the Virginia Regiment, 2nd in command. Colonel Fry died in a horse accident. That gave command to Washington. He lost in a clash against the French. The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and Native American cultures and was known as the Seven Years’ War in Europe. It ended with the removal of French power from North America, and the stage was actually being set for the American Revolution.

Koopman said Washington was offered a demotion in rank. He would not accept and resigned.

In 1755, Braddock went to remove the French from Fort Duquesne (later Pittsburgh). Starting from Fort Mount Pleasant/Fort Cumberland, General Braddock ordered a large group of men to cut a military road over Haystack Mountain. According

to “Washington’s Road” by Archer Butler Hulbert, the road followed an ancient Native American trail known as Nemacolin’s path that had been improved by Washington, Delaware tribe Chief Nemacolin, Maryland frontiersman Thomas Cresap, and others for the Ohio Company. It then became known as the Braddock Road.

Barbara Crane is a member of the Heritage Days planning committee, and a volunteer at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, which stands on the site of Fort Cumberland. The fort’s old earthworks are visible at the church.

“When General Braddock brought George Washington on his ill-fated expedition in 1755, Braddock named it Cumberland after the Duke of Cumberland (commander-in-chief of the British Army,” Crane says.

As a “gentleman volunteer,” he was a guide and aide-de-camp for Braddock. Braddock met defeat east of Fort Duquesne and was fatally wounded. Washington led the troops

back to Fort Cumberland, saving many lives in the process.

Braddock was buried in the middle of the road he built, and his soldiers marched over the grave, with the hope of concealing the grave’s location from the Indians. The grave was found years later by road workers and the grave was moved. The site is now marked by a marble monument erected in 1913.

Parts of the National Road/U.S. Route 40 roughly parallels the Braddock Road between Cumberland and Uniontown, Pa.

“After the failed Braddock expedition, Washington was given command of the Virginia Regiment as colonel,” said Koopman. “His task was to defend the Virginia frontier. He tried to do this by building a series of forts.”

Washington’s return to Cumberland as President

“Some people have heard of the Whiskey Rebellion,” Dave Williams says. “That did happen nearby in

Pennsylvania. Washington’s Whiskey Rebellion headquarters cabin still stands in Cumberland.”

Due to debt incurred by the Revolution, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton suggested a whiskey tax. Washington was opposed to Hamilton’s suggestion, and in 1791, Washington journeyed through Virginia and Pennsylvania to speak with citizens about their views. Local officials were enthusiastic, and it was passed by Congress. Protests began popping up and incidents escalated. The residents of western Pennsylvania refused to pay. Washington sent a peace envoy, but the efforts failed. Troops were dispatched in 1794, many of whom were Revolutionary War veterans.

Koopman says he was intrigued to become involved when asked by the organizers to play Washington for the Whiskey Rebellion. It is part of the Cumberland Heritage Days Festival in September, along with the Wills Creek Muster.

“In Washington’s presidency, it’s a little-known footnote,” says Koopman. “But he was the only President to put a uniform on and lead troops. Word got back to them that an army of 13,000 and Washington were coming. So, the people decided not to go up against him. He was definitely respected and even loved. But he was also feared.”

Washington stayed in Cumberland at that little cabin. Some of the ring leaders of the “rebellion” were arrested, and two would have hanged if not for being pardoned by Washington. He was the first President to issue a presidential pardon.

When Koopman began detailed research for his book on Washington, he thought he’d find a few skeletons in the closet, but he said the more he got into it, the more he was impressed by Washington. Washington felt a real duty to help the young country when called upon to serve. His early days were a time of making mistakes or being in the wrong place at perhaps the right time.

Washington’s final visit to Cumberland

Washington returned to Cumberland in 1794 for a review of the old Whiskey Rebellion troops at Fort Cumberland at Will’s Creek, which was a kind of reunion. Another famous man of the region, Daniel Morgan of Virginia, came out of retirement along with Light Horse Harry Lee and others to reunite veterans.

“He was the president of the Constitutional Convention, and didn’t want to continue with some of it, but accepted it to sacrifice for his country,” says Koopman. “He really wanted to be a farmer and was hesitant to be President. But, he felt it was his responsibility. He was reluctant for a second term. He decided on two term, and that was it. He went back to his beloved Mount Vernon and retired in 1797.”

July “Washington’s Collation’ & Cumberland Heritage Days Festival, September

Koopman also portrayed Washington in July in Cumberland. “When I first did it in Cumberland a couple years ago, it was just me,” says Koopman. “Now there are more reenactors, and a group that portrays Anthony Wayne’s legion.”

In July, Koopman presented what Fort Cumberland was like, and talked about the Whiskey Rebellion at a dinner reception. Collation is an 18th-century term for a meal.

The Fall Heritage Days is based around Washington Street and Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Heritage Days has free live entertainment, children’s activities, and arts and crafts, and antique cars and trucks just to name a few attractions. Tours will be held of historic sites like Washington’s headquarters which was moved from its original site to Riverside Park.

Wills Creek Muster was created in 2021 to bring more historical interpreters into the Heritage Days festival. Wills Creek Muster features military muster walkabouts through Prospect Square and back, President Washington’s Whiskey Rebellion review of militia, free Saturday period-style meal, and the Sunday 18th-century in-kit service at Emmanuel.

Emmanuel boasts Gothic Revival-style architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. View remains of the ancient earthwork tunnels of the fort.

For more information on Heritage Days 2023, visit heritagedaysfestival.com, Heritage Days Festival on Facebook or call (301) 777-8678. For more historic site information, visit mdmountainside.com or visitmaryland.org.

John Koopman and his book information can be found on Facebook or at johnkoopmaniii.com.

COURTESY OF JOHN KOOPMAN III

Author and re-enactor John Koopman III, atop his horse, portrays General George Washington during the Cumberland Heritage Days Festival.

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How Body Image Affects Your MENTAL HEALTH

Written by Dr. Trevor York

When you first wake up in the morning, what do you typically see? For most of us, we see the bright screens of our phones. Displayed on our phones are several images, videos, clips and pictures of our most idealized selves and the idealized versions of others. We try our hardest to put the best image of ourselves out there, but, at what cost? We have days in which we do not feel the best. There are times when we are having bad hair days. All that is to say, that we are not super models 100% of the time, nor should we be. However, what usually is projected in the media, social media, and advertising are individuals who have Herculean physiques, enhanced facial and body features – often through a filter with heavy editing. Upon looking at the research, the impact that social media has on our body image becomes

clearer. A study by Saiphoo and Vahedi (2019) found an association between social media usage and body image disturbance, though further research is needed.

Most of us can say that there are certain aspects of ourselves that we would like to see changed or improved. However, when those pursuits interfere with our functioning, or our health, those desires have become detrimental. There are several conditions in which disturbances in how we perceive ourselves can lead to disorders. Some of these disorders include body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Per the DSM-5 (the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S.), body dysmorphic disorder is when an individual is excessively concerned about, and preoccupied by, a perceived defect in his or her physical features, which causes a disturbance in functioning.

The DSM-5 defines anorexia nervosa as a disorder that includes behaviors that result in a body mass index being critically low due to restrictive eating patterns, purging, or excessive exercise to lose weight. According to the DSM-5, an individual with bulimia nervosa has a normal body mass index, however, they engage in binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as restricting, purging, or excessive exercise to lose weight. Per the DSM-5, binge eating disorder is a condition in which an individual will eat an amount of food in a short period of time that is larger than most individuals would eat in a similar period, and having a sense of lack of control, and compensatory behaviors.

Though these disorders are infrequent in the general populations, their impacts on individuals, families and communities can be great. If you feel that you are losing or gaining too much weight, please reach out to your health care professional.

Dr. Trevor York is a psychiatrist working in Brook Lane’s inpatient unit on the main campus. He received his medical degree from University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, in Buffalo, NY. He completed a child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University in Washington, DC and an adult psychiatry residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. Dr. York joined the medical staff in early 2023.

Here are several things that you can do to improve the image of yourself in order to thwart the, often unrealistic, standards promoted by the media and idealized on social media.

• Take a break from your phone: It can be hard to disconnect from our phones, but try it. Attempt to limit your exposure to social media platforms to no more than one hour per day.

• Knowledge: There are several resources online that you can use to learn more about implementing a healthy lifestyle (health.gov and fda.gov are great starting places).

• Balance: Take time to assess what is important for you. Make a list and understand that you do not have to address everything. If it is increased physical activity, start with walking (you do not have to do a marathon), and gradually increase intensity. When it comes to diet, try to eat only until you feel full and eat high-fiber foods. Staying hydrated is a great way to keep you satisfied in between meals. If you want to start a diet, you do not have to start immediately. Gradual steps are key to long lasting change. If you are a soda drinker, try to replace one soda daily with water (or even low-calorie flavor enhanced water). It can go a long way.

• Acceptance: There is no one who is like you…you are uniquely you! Yes, there are things that we can all can improve upon, but know, for example, if losing weight is an issue, exercising, even without losing weight, is better than not exercising because positive changes will be happening internally. As you exercise, you will become more capable and that can provide a serious self-esteem boost.

• Talk with your doctor: If you have concerns about your body image, it may be time to speak with your doctor. They can develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs – whether that be a referral to a mental health professional, dietician, or weight management coach.

Colonoscopies

It’s Time to Review your Medicare Plan

Written by Susan Hurd

Medicare Part D plan open enrollment time is approaching. During this period, all individuals with traditional Medicare should be proactive and take the time to review their 2024 Medicare Part D plan, which helps cover prescription costs. It’s essential to assess whether last year’s plan is still the best option for you. The Medicare Part D open enrollment period runs annually from October 15 thru December 7. By reviewing your plan annually, you can potentially save thousands of dollars, benefiting you and your loved ones. Just last year, one of our dedicated staff was able to save a client over $24,000 on life saving medications.

If you’re comfortable navigating the web on your own, you can visit www.myMedicare.gov and enter the requested information as prompted 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 its Senior Health Insurance Programs. Simply give them a call, and they’ll help you set up an in-person or telephone appointment with one of their dedicated staff members. During the appointment, their staff will guide you in finding the Medicare Part D plan that best suits your budget and situation. They’ll also help you compare plans and complete the enrollment process for your chosen 2024 Medicare Part D plan. To get additional help reviewing your Medicare Part D plan, call them 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 pm to 3 pm or virtually from 6 pm to 8 pm. 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 their website www.wcoaging.org or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ WCCOAging.

These are just two of the many valuable programs that the Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc. offers to the community. The Commission on Aging plays a vital role in helping those they serve navigate the complex support and service systems they may be eligible for. However, due to high demand, several programs and services currently have waiting times of six months or more.

Understanding that funds may be limited, our team continually strives to provide access to vital programs and

resources for the aging community. If you need assistance, call for an appointment today, 301-790-0275. Delivering these life-sustaining and highly valuable programs and resources entails significant expenses. If possible, kindly consider the Washington County Commission on Aging as your primary option for making a charitable contribution. Your generosity will play a vital role in closing funding gaps and enabling us to serve a greater number of seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Should you have any inquiries regarding making a charitable contribution, please feel free to call us at 301-790-0275 or visit our website at www.wccoaging.org.

Susan

Hurd is an RSVP Project Manager, Guardianship Care Manager and Community Educator for the Washington County Commission on Aging in Hagerstown.

Parenting Adult Children

Written by Paulette Lee

My 26-year-old grandson recently came to live with me after going through a relationship breakup. He was lost and needed stability and a safe place to regroup and get back on his feet, both emotionally and financially. In turn, I felt I could benefit from the company of a grandchild with whom I’d always been close, though we’d been apart for the past few years. After a couple of months, though, it was clear it wouldn’t work out, and I asked him to leave. He got what he needed (and was very appreciative), but I didn’t get what I needed.

Parenting or grandparenting an adult is a challenge. Some of it is our ages, some of it generational differences, some of it circumstantial difficulties, some of it is historical baggage, but the upshot is we had different expectations of what the relationship and situation would be.

In her article, “Anyone Out There Parenting Adult Children?”, as reprinted in “The Ethel”, AARP’s weekly newsletter for older women, one family therapist is quoted as saying, “These relationships come in so many flavors, there can’t be a common formula. … Parenting adult children challenges us to tolerate, even welcome, a delicious

tension between yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s evolution of what it means to be in a family.” Another therapist encourages practicing “thoughtful parenting”, which focuses on “robust dialogue and a sensitivity to the challenges our adult children (including grands) face.” The problem with this approach, I found, is that in order for it to be effective, both sides have to have empathy. My 26-yearold grand paid lip service to it, but in practice, not so much. I think when you’re 26, it’s hard to realize your grandparent is a person with needs and feelings, too; and when you’re 76, it’s hard to let go of the behavioral standards you’ve long held.

Nearly a third of Americans from 18-to-25 live at home with their parents or other relatives, including, increasingly, their grandparents. Generations United – a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. –

takes a positive view of what it terms “skipped generations”:

“Grandchildren and grandparents have their own discrete needs. The grandchildren, still in school or in low-paying, entry-level jobs, are looking for deeply affordable housing with very tolerant landlords. The grandparents …may be contending with decreased mobility, health challenges and isolation… Both sides of the age divide come to the table

armed with their own skill sets. The grandchildren can de-mystify (technology). In turn, their grandparents can share family lore and recipes, give the grandchildren a sense of their roots — and a sense of perspective.”

My grandson and I did do some of that, but his need to fly was greater than my need to tether him to his roots. Sad though that made me, I know that’s the way it should be.

Paulette Lee is a former award-winning broadcast journalist and retired marketing and public relations consultant. She lives in Hagerstown, MD and is the host of the podcast, “WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60” online at womanworthy.podbean.com, or on most podcast apps.

Frolic at the Conococheague Institute to Support Local History

Written by Matthew Wedd

As the summer winds down, we are all looking forward to a break from the heat and all the festivities that fall brings. It seems every weekend in the region is backed with harvest festivals, fairs, concerts, and more.

At the Conococheague Institute, the end of summer also means the beginning of another busy education booking season. Though we host free programs year-round each Saturday and bookings and summer camps do occur, when schools are in session we can expect several hundred students on site every week from the start of the school year until it gets too cold to be

outside. With programs that include colonial life skills, social studies, nature conservation and even STEM with our medicine and surgery programs, there are centuries of stories to learn.

By making education fun and hands-on we’ve created an immersive experience to bring history to life, and were awarded the 2023 Non Profit of the year from the Tuscarora Chamber of Commerce, and a 2023 PA Museums Institutional Award for our programs.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Conococheague Institute is able to offer these award-winning programs thanks to the support of our amazing community who join as members, donate to our annual operating funds,

Jamie frolics at last year’s “Fall Frolic Fundraiser” at the Institute. COURTESY OF CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE

Mary Poscover displays her dessert creation, fresh out of the bake oven. COURTESY OF CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE

and who support funded projects. The site recently installed 11 new interpretive panels supported by the Kermit and Clarisse Hicks foundation that tell everyone’s story, ranging from women’s history, a focus on the enslaved people on the frontier, lost fauna, religion and a indigenous land acknowledgement too.

Grants also allow the site to grow in new ways, such as the children’s playground and picnic area that was funded by a Franklin County IMPACT! Grant this spring.

On September 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Conococheague Institute will be hosting an evening event, the “Fall Frolic Fundraiser” to raise money for its education programs, and to celebrate this year of accomplishments with ribbon-cuttings on these new additions.

This event is a ticketed fundraiser (prices start at $35 for members, $45 for non-members) that combines both our beautiful natural setting, our historic ambience and charm with live entertainment, food and drink.

The location will be our tavern at the Conococheague Institute, where Michaux Brewing Company will be providing ticket holders with two 5-ounce beer samples and having several of their varieties available to purchase. Michaux is located in Waynesboro, and their drinks are often

named after trees and conservation themes which perfectly matches CI’s own environmental efforts.

Entertainment will be provided by Cormorant’s Fancy, who focuses on music from Ireland, Scotland, and the Celtic nations, as well as Appalachian, Old Time, and other traditional American folk music.

Food for the Frolic will be from Hicksville BBQ, who last year impressed everyone with a huge hog roast and sides. The smell of slowroasted meat, beer, and the sounds of music and laughter is the perfect accompaniment to a tavern.

New for 2023: Children’s Tickets

As we focus on children’s education, we are happy to have families attend. Children’s tickets do not include beer samples, and are not tax-deductible, but will allow your whole family to help support CI without the need for a babysitter.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., we’ll be encouraging families to explore our historic areas, and there will be activities and games for young and old to enjoy. Try your hand at nine pins, play a round of whist with a frontiersman, or test your aim with some archery.

Then from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the food, music and drink will be in full swing, with plenty of opportunities to both donate and win with raffles, silent auc-

tions and more.

We’d like to thank businesses that have chosen to financially sponsor this event: Mercersburg Academy (whose student participation is one of our greatest partnerships), Visit Hagerstown - Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (who promote our events in the Tri-State), and Liberty Auto and Tire (one of the many great local businesses that are also annual members).

If your business would like to become a sponsor, or would like to pledge to our annual operating costs for education, contact us. All contributions are tax deductible!

Tickets are limited to 150, and are on sale now at Eventbrite, or by contacting the Conococheague Institute. Email info@cimlg.org, phone 717-3282800 for more information, or stop by any Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Order your tickets now directly at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2023-fall-frolic-fundraiser-tickets-674262095077?aff=oddtdtcreator

Matthew Wedd is executive director of The Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg.

Archery skills, just one of many activities, are tested during the annual Frolic. COURTESY OF CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE

Erica Delp teaches a game to young frolicker. COURTESY OF CONOCOCHEAGUE INSTITUTE

Saying Goodbye, and Saying Hello Leadership Washington County Starts Its New Program Year

Written by Tara Bockstanz

On June 2, the Leadership Washington County class 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 luau-themed dinner at Rocky Gap State Park, right next door to the resort. Congratulations, Class #36

Saying goodbye to Class #36 means we are also welcoming Class #37. For the second year in a row, Leadership Washington County received a record-breaking number of applications for the Class of 2024, the 37th class. 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 2024, please visit leadershipwashingtoncounty.org/class-37.

This year LWC’s programming will return to topical days as compared to the regional format that we followed for the last two years. 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 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.

Graduate programming for the upcoming year will kick off in September with our first Behind the Scenes tour of Horizon Goodwill.

Above, the entire outgoing Class #36 gathers for a photo during the luauthemed dinner at Rocky Gap State Park.

The women of Leadership Washington County’s outgoing Class #36.

There are also plans to bring back a fan-favorite, a Farm to Table Dinner in October featuring District Supply & Provision Co. in Downtown Hagerstown. The dinner will promote Agriculture in Washington County by using fresh ingredients grown and raised right here in our own backyard. The dinner will be a multicourse meal each paired thoughtfully with a complimentary beer or wine from one of the many fabulous local breweries and wineries.

In addition, we are also planning to bring back 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 we will add a new networking group called the Lunch Bunch that will kick off in September as well.

The LWC Staff and Board of Directors happily welcomes two new board members this year, Mary-Jane Bowyer-Class of 2019-#32 of CNB Bank and Kelli Cobb-Class of 2020-#33 of SEK CPA’s and Advisors as well as several new committee members. From our most recent group of Graduates, Class #36, we welcome Matthew Andrews, Annaston Cree, David Brooks, Samantha Mellott and Nicole Myers 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, you can follow on social media at https://www.facebook.com/leadershipwc or https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwc/

Tara Bockstanz is the director of graduate engagement at Leadership Washington County.

The men of Leadership Washington County’s outgoing Class #36.

In celebration of Maryland ‘Treasures

of State’ continues through October 22

Written by Crystal Schelle

When I was in fourth grade, part of our curriculum was Maryland history.

We learned about Queen Henrietta Maria, from whom the state was named, and how it became one of the original 13 colonies. We learned about the tobacco on the Eastern Shore, the blue crabs and oysters fished from Chesapeake Bay. We marveled at our truly interesting flag, which bears the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. We went on local field trips.

We were exposed to so many things that made Maryland such an unusual place, I would beam with pride every time I would say I was a Maryland native. I still do. So, you can only imagine my excitement when we started discussing the exhibition “Treasures of State: Maryland’s Art Collection.” The show opened in June and will continue through Oct. 22, 2023.

“Treasures of State” is jointly presented by the museum and the Maryland State Archives, highlighting both the museum’s collection as well as that of the archives. More than 90 American and European paintings, works on paper, furniture, and decorative arts are part of the exhibition.

The exhibition is organized in a loose chronological order and focuses on key themes such as the Colonial and Federal eras, antebellum America and the Civil War, Maryland landscapes, notable Marylanders, scenes of daily life, and the Peabody Collection.

Two of the paintings in the exhibition are by a father-son duo, Charles Willson Peale, and his son, Raphaelle. Both Peales created portraits of Maryland Gov. Samuel Sprigg who was

born in Washington County. Raphaelle painted Sprigg in 1819, and in 1824 his father painted Sprigg as well.

It’s interesting to see how they both interpreted the governor in these portrait paintings. Personally, I like Raphaelle’s approach to Sprigg. But visitors can make up their own mind as they are on display on the same wall.

One of my personal favorite objects in the exhibition is a Maryland state flag created by Bearclaw of the Cherokee Nation. Beading has been a long-standing Cherokee artform that has been passed down through the generations. Bearclaw used 74,592 beads to make this flag and presented it to the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs to the Maryland secretary of state on Nov. 28, 2008, in honor of the state’s establishment of American Indian Heritage Day.

Civil War enthusiasts can see the work of photographer Alexander Gardner at the Battle of Antietam. Or the sculpture by John Rogers called “The Council of War.” In the center, sitting in a chair, is President Abraham Lincoln, with Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to his right and Edwin M. Stanton, secretary of war, to his left. The piece was completed in 1873, nine years after the war’s end.

One of the more unusual and slightly opulent objects is a sterling silver vegetable dish by the Baltimorefirm Samuel Kirk & Sons. In 1904, then-Maryland Gov. Edwin Warfield commissioned the creation of a silver service to be placed on the new armored cruiser Maryland. Two years later the set was complete. The entire set has 167 scenes from the history of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. This one dish on display represents Washington County.

Not all the objects included in the exhibition are about Maryland. Some depict other countries and were given to Maryland as gifts. There’s a section about artists traveling abroad and a special area devoted to works on paper that are part of the prestigious Peabody Collection owned by the state. In all sections of the exhibition,

A 1906 sterling silver vegetable dish representing Washington County, produced by Samuel Kirk & Sons.

Oil-on-canvas portrait of Maryland Governor Samuel Sprigg, painted by Raphaelle Peale in 1819.

A Maryland state flag that incorporates 74,592 beads was created by Bearclaw of the Cherokee Nation, and presented to the Maryland Secretary of State in 2008 to honor American Indian Heritage Day.

works from the state are shown alongside representative examples from the museum’s collection. One such example is the museum’s etching “View of the Arch of Constantine” made by Giovanni Battista Piranesi around 1747-78. The etching was published in a series called “Veduta di Roma” or “Views of Rome.” Etchings like this provided fitting souvenirs for early tourists, by capturing the charm of Roman landmarks and ruins. Piranesi would later be known for his architectural etchings.

Plan a trip to see “Treasures of State” before the exhibition ends. Maybe you won’t crave Old Bay

WHAT NOT TO MISS

As summer comes to an end there are plenty of things to experience at the museum.

• “Landscapes and Legends of Norway: William Singer & His Contemporaries” closes Sept. 17. Hurry in to see these beautiful depictions of the Nordic landscape that our founder William Singer, and his wife Anna Brugh Singer, fell in love with.

• Paint and Sip, Friday, Sept. 8 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Learn how to create traditional Norwegian Rosemaling with Lise Lorentzen. Lise will lead guests in painting a wooden heart-shaped project in the Hallingdal style of Rosemaling. Inspired by “Landscapes & Legends.”. All supplies will be provided. $70 museum members; $80 for general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-7395727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.

• “Sounds of Landscape”: Concert with Hiroya Tsukamoto, Saturday, Sept. 9, 4 to 6 p.m. Composer and innovative acoustic guitarist Tsukamoto will take the crowd on a musical journey inspired by landscapes, forests, and cultures. $15 museum members, $20 general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-7395727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.

as much as the rest of us, but you might be able to leave with some Maryland pride of your own.

Crystal Schelle is director of marketing and communications for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and major holidays. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

• “The Hidden History of Claire McCardell: Modern Design and the Birth of American Fashion,” Thursday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. Author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson discusses fashion icon, designer, and Frederick native McCardell who made revolutionary designs that helped women live independent lives. From the 1930s through the 1950s, McCardell pioneered ingenious new designs that remain staples of our wardrobes today. Dickinson is currently writing a book about McCardell. $8 museum members $10 general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@ wcmfa.org.

• “The Fashion of Claire McCardell” is an intimate display of 12 fashions by the iconic fashion designer. McCardell was a Frederick native. The display continues through Nov. 12.

Re-Visiting The Hagerstown Cultural Trail

Connecting and Growing With the Future

Written by Mary Anne Burke

Slated for a first pitch in Spring 2024, Hagerstown’s new baseball team, and the Downtown Stadium & Event Center, bring fresh excitement to downtown Hagerstown and its home-plate neighbor, The Hagerstown Cultural Trail.

As you see in the accompanying photograph, dirt is being moved and steel girders rise daily for the home of Hagerstown’s newly named team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. You can watch livestreamed daily stadium progress through a time lapse video cam provided by Visit Hagerstown, Powered by Magic Lantern Productions and TRUELOOK at www.visithagerstown. com/hagerstown-ballpark-project-time-lapse

The Mural of Unusual Size is a centerpiece of the Hagerstown Cultural Trail.

Work progresses on the development of the Downtown Stadium and Event Center

The widely acclaimed Hagerstown Cultural Trail, dedicated in July 2017, sits adjacent to the new multi-use Sports & Event Facility. Anchored by The Mural of Unusual Size (“Building Blocks” by Hense), the Arts Trail links the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District with City Park and the Museum of fine Arts.

The City Center Development Plan outlines Hagerstown’s vision of Downtown as “the commercial, institutional, and cultural center of

the region.” The plan includes eight Catalyst Projects of which “Linking City Park/Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) and A&E District with Trail and New Housing” was prioritized as number five of eight efforts.

Hagerstown’s Cultural Trail has become a key attraction for visitors and residents alike. Originally envisioned as a “connector,’ the trail is a major focal point of Hagerstown’s Community’s City Center Plan developed more than 10 years ago. Phase One was met with local and statewide recognition.

Through the years with support from the City of Hagerstown, the Maryland State Arts Council and the Washington County Arts Council, Hagerstown’s Cultural Trail has added multiple pieces of public art, including “Faces” of local residents, floral gardens, and a walking path as well as a butterfly garden.

Following the completion of Phase One of the Cultural Trail and the expansion of both the Maryland Theatre and the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, it was time to move forward. The City of Hagerstown and the City’s Public Art Commission began Phase Two.

Additional “Faces” by local photographers have been added both to the Trail and Artists Alley. A street facade as a remembrance of a long-ago business was constructed according to historical accuracy and a new ariel sculpture has been commissioned and installed. This continuation of the Trail travels north to University Plaza, a community park

often used for music, artisan markets, and children’s activities.

According to an Americans for the Arts Green Paper, “Cities gain value through public art – cultural, social, and economic value. Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our evolving culture. It reflects and reveals our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. Public art humanizes the built environment and invigorates public spaces. It provides an intersection between past, present, and future, between disciplines, and between ideas.”

The Green Paper emphasizes that public art is freely accessable. “Public art does something that neither a public space without art nor even a museum with all its art can do: it can capture the eye and mind of someone passing through our public spaces. It can make us pay attention to our civic environment; it can encourage us to question what’s around us.”

Hagerstown and Washington County are a perfect example “10 Great Reasons to Support Public Art” from an Amherst, Md., publication. “It boosts local economies. Businesses supply materials and labor; restaurants, hotels and transportation companies benefit from a site that attracts visitors.”

Play Ball! and Celebrate the Arts Trail!

Mary Anne Burke is the executive director of the Washington County Arts Council.

 There are currently 14 exhibits along the Hagerstown Cultural Trail.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARY ANNE BURKE

Artist Richard Deutsch’s “Pod” sculpture was carved from solid, white granite harvested from Italy.

A Guide on Saving Money for Home Improvements

Written by Jacob W. Barr

Home improvements can significantly enhance the comfort, functionality and value of your property. However, these projects often require substantial financial investments. Saving money for home improvements is a prudent approach that allows homeowners to achieve their renovation goals without falling into financial strain. Let us look at various strategies and tips to help homeowners save money effectively for their home improvement endeavors.

Set Clear Goals and Prioritize

The first step in saving money for home improvements is to set clear goals and prioritize the projects. Determine which areas of your home need the most attention and rank them based on urgency and significance. By having a well-defined plan, you can allocate your resources efficiently and avoid overspending on unnecessary projects.

Create a Realistic Budget

Before embarking on any home improvement project, create a realistic budget that outlines the estimated costs for each task. Research the materials, labor, and equipment required and obtain quotes from multiple suppliers and contractors. Having a detailed budget helps you stay focused on your financial objectives and reduces the chances of overspending.

Establish a Dedicated Savings Account

To ensure that your home improvement savings are protected and separate from your regular expenses, open a dedicated savings account. Look for a high-yield savings account to maximize the interest earned, which will boost your savings over time. This account will also make it easier to track your progress and avoid accidental spending.

Implement a Monthly Budget

Creating a monthly budget is an essential aspect of saving money for home improvements. Analyze your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back or make adjustments. Allocate a portion of your income specifically for home improvement savings. Minor lifestyle changes, such as reducing dining-out expenses, can have a significant impact on your monthly savings.

Adopt a DIY Approach

For those with basic handyman skills, adopting a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach can substantially reduce labor costs. Simple tasks like painting, minor repairs, and landscaping can be completed independently. However, be cautious not to take on complex projects beyond your expertise, as mistakes can be costly to rectify.

Research and Compare Prices

Thoroughly research the materials and products you need for your home

improvements. Compare prices from various suppliers, both online and offline, to get the best deals. Keep an eye out for discounts, sales, and clearance events, which can present opportunities to buy high-quality items at a fraction of their original price.

Renovate in Phases

If your home requires significant improvements, consider renovating in phases rather than tackling everything at once. Breaking the project into manageable portions allows you to save money incrementally, making it easier to maintain your regular budget while working towards your home improvement goals.

Consider Home Improvement Loans or Financing

If your savings alone are insufficient for your desired home improvements, consider exploring home improvement loans or financing options. Research different loan types, interest rates, and terms to find the most favorable option for your financial situation. Be cautious with borrowing, and only take on what you can comfortably afford to repay.

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

Potomac Riverfront Community

For the person who has longed for a waterfront country escape that is both private and convenient, with woods and paths for nature walks, where deer, foxes, wild turkeys and eagles are abundant; this is the proverbial once in a lifetime opportunity.

Gated community of large private lots. Small community of 19 home sites. Enjoy the beauty of nature in the wooded setting. Hiking trails and biking paths. Boating, fishing, swimming, kayak and canoe. Marina with individual dock space available. Cress Creek club initial membership provided. Private access to 12 navigable miles deep water of the Potomac River.

Community Pavilion overlooking the Potomac with outdoor kitchen, picnic gazebo, barbecue and fire pit. Bocce court and putting green.

Away from it all yet convenient location. Minutes to downtown Shepherdstown, Shepherd University, boutique shops, good restaurants. An area of interesting folks and cultural activities 15 min to Marc DC Commuter Train.

Great Established Business Opportunity & Great Life Style

HISTORIC

INN Premier Bed and Breakfast

With its unique country setting at the edge of the Gettysburg battlefield and close proximity to the restaurants and attractions in town, the Baladerry Inn offers Gettysburg’s most charming blend of comfort and convenience. Open year round, the property features spacious landscaped grounds, romantic terraces, a majestic great room, and finely furnished and tastefully appointed guest rooms, all including private baths.

Exceptional In Every Way:

• Turnkey - Furnishings Convey

• Private Innkeepers Quarters

• 10 Luxury Suites, Accommodates 27 Guests…Finely Furnished and Tastefully Appointed Facilities for 60 person events

• Consistently awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award, Rated and Approved by Forbes Travel Guide and AAA

• Centrally located, close to Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City

Camille Easterday Janet ThompsonTracey RotzCynthia SullivanMary Beth HerreraLyndsay Nave