Hagerstown Magazine - The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond

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Extra! Extra! Nov/Dec '09
Catch Up on the News and Notes From Around Washington County and Beyond!

Popular Prize Awarded
Visitors and patrons to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown voted for the Popular Prize Award in the 2009 Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition, with Philip Colgan of Etters, Pa., receiving the most votes for his oil painting, “Bennett Run.” Currently in its 77th year, this juried show is a popular exhibition that is anxiously anticipated by local artists and the public. Sponsored by Howard’s Art Supplies & Frames, Inc. of Hagerstown, the award allowed Philip to select $100 in art supplies from the store on Dual Highway.

The Beat Goes On
The changing of the weather has not cooled the spirits of downtown Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District, and Bowman Hospitality is picking up the torch lit by Wind Down Fridays at The Maryland Theatre by offering Feet on the Street Fridays. Hosted in the Potomac Walk — the indoor cityscape connecting the A&E District Parking Garage to South Potomac Street and Bulls & Bears Restaurant & Pub — Feet on the Street Fridays includes live entertainment with no cover charges each Friday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Bulls & Bears will offer drink and appetizer specials during that time. “We had a successful summer downtown for Wind Down Fridays,” says Francine Donachie, corporate director of sales for Bowman Hospitality, “so we thought why not continue to have an inexpensive way to celebrate Friday’s without having to worry about the cooler weather! People can sit out on the patio with outdoor heaters or enjoy the music inside while enjoying great food and drinks from Bulls & Bears. We hope families will come out and enjoy this as well.” Organizers also are interested in partnering with local nonprofits and charities in hope of sponsoring fundraising events at Bulls & Bears and Potomac Walk as well.

PNC’s Artful Donation
The PNC Foundation donated $75,000 to the Weinberg Center for the Arts’ Capital Campaign, which is dedicated to raising money to improve the theater. “The Weinberg Center for the Arts is one of the jewels of downtown Frederick,” says Gordon M. Cooley, Regional President for PNC Bank’s Western Maryland region. “Supporting the Weinberg’s restoration efforts means that we’re supporting the historic character of downtown Frederick as well as our vibrant arts community –– one that is a key economic engine for this city.” The gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the Ausherman Foundation, which promised a two-year challenge grant to any donations made to the Capital Campaign through December 2010.

What’s in a Tweet?
Hagerstown-based High Rock Studios has launched a Social Media Toolkit, enabling clients to reach target customers as well as new audiences. This unique kit will create a Twitter account and Facebook page, as well as a template for other applications. “The Social Media Toolkit allows clients to easily update their social media outlets while updating their website news,” says Dave Schleigh, founder and creative director of High Rock Studios. “It saves time, lets the client provide up-to-date communications, and expands their access to a greater audience base.”

Moose Mingle in Hagerstown
Two hundred couples rode into Hagerstown to attend the Maryland/Delaware/D.C. Moose Association Convention in August. Held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, the convention included business meetings, a golf tournament and a banquet, with convention services provided by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Loyal Order of the Moose is a 130-year-old fraternal organization with nearly one million men across the United States, Canada, England and Bermuda.

Sleep Inn Celebrates
The Hagerstown Sleep Inn hosted a viewing party honoring the hotel chain’s television debut on the USA Network’s “Monk.” Festivities included a prize raffle, snacks and an opportunity for guests to see the Hagerstown Sleep Inn’s amenities. And Clear Spring celebrated the opening of the newly constructed Sleep Inn hotel in grand style with a ribbon cutting ceremony and high-profile guests. The mayor of Clear Spring and various Washington County Commissioners came to commemorate the new hotel on Houck Avenue, which features 79 guest rooms, a boardroom for meetings and special occasions and on-site catering.

Wal-Mart Gives to Walkersville
As part of their “Write to Change the Classroom” program, the Wal-Mart Corporation has honored Walkersville Middle School with $8,000 worth of school supplies. Walkersville Middle School teacher Rebecca Remsburg’s essay was among 20 selected by a panel to receive $4,000 worth of school supplies for her designated classroom and an additional $4,000 toward supplies for the entire school. The program asks teachers, parents and students across the country to write about the needs of their school.

Advancements at Orrstown
Orrstown Bank has promoted Chris Johnson to the position of vice president, controller and investor relations officer. Chris began his career with Orrstown Bank in 2002 and quickly moved up the ranks, achieving vice president status in 2007. Bill Feist has joined Orrstown as a vice president, business development officer and will serve the bank’s West Shore market. Bill is a graduate of Shippensburg University and the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking, as well as a 2004 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg.

Benjamin Walters has joined the company as a financial advisor, serving Orrstown’s Hagerstown, Greencastle and Chambersburg markets. With more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ben holds the Series 7 license in addition to accident, health, life, disability, property and casualty insurance licenses. And the bank also welcomes new Mortgage Originator Joyce Hafer, who will serve the bank’s Perry County market. Joyce brings 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry and 26 years of experience in the banking industry to Orrstown’s team.

Friday Art Exhibits
Coinciding with the popular “Wind Down Friday” events at The Maryland Theatre, Bridge of Life offered art exhibits for an extended time through September to the delight of the public. The art shows featured work by several Bridge of Life members and were shown in the lobby of its building, contributing to the art-inspired goals of downtown Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment district. Bridge of Life also hosts “Free Movie Nights in Downtown Hagerstown” every other Saturday night. For more information about the art exhibits or movie nights, visit www.BridgeOfLife.org or call 301-791-1674.

Blondy’s on the Move
Blondy & Company, a full-service beauty salon, recently relocated to 38 W. Baltimore St. in Funkstown with a private parking lot off of Chestnut Street. The beautiful new salon offers the same professional and experienced service that customers have come to rely on for their beauty needs. Call 301-766-0700 or visit www.blondyandcompany.com.

Mini-Grants for Heritage Programs
The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (HCWHA), a state heritage area encompassing parts of Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties, announced its FY10 mini-grant program offering competitive mini-grants of between $500 and $2,500 to heritage sites, nonprofit organizations and government units within the heritage area to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events and other heritage tourism-related initiatives consistent with the goals and priorities stated in the HCWHA management plan. The deadline is Dec. 1, 2009. Guidelines and applications are available at www.heartofthecivilwar.org or by calling 301-600-4042.

STaSIS Moves to Summit Point
STaSIS Inc., an automotive performance-enhancing company, recently expanded their operations and transfered their corporate headquarters to Summit Point Motorsports Park in Summit Point, W.Va. At a welcome ceremony in September, Governor Joe Manchin III and STaSIS President Paul Lambert shared their enthusiasm and guests enjoyed demonstrations and rides in STaSIS cars. In response to its continued growth, STaSIS is constructing a new facility at Summit Point, providing access to one of the finest automotive test facilities in North America. Visit www.stasisengineering.com.