EVENT

Tri-state holiday shoppers have a distinctive venue to get a great deal on unique items thanks to four local United Way chapters.

In an effort to diversify funding in these economically tumultuous times, the United Ways of the Eastern Panhandle (WV), Franklin County (PA), Frederick (MD) and Washington County (MD) are teaming up for the Tri-State Lives United Auction (www.unitedwayauctions.org). This online auction works much like eBay and can offer a great deal, while raising funds for each of the United Way campaigns.

In addition to overnight getaways, plane rides and children’s items, the auction will also feature items like a men’s Rolex watch courtesy of R. Bruce Carson Jeweler’s in Hagerstown and a spa and outdoor kitchen from Spa Warehouse in Hagerstown.

The auction is slated to start on Saturday, November 29, 2008 and go through Monday, December 8, 2008.

The auction web site will be available at www.unitedwayauctions.org or through local United Way web sites. 

Any questions should be directed to Addie Staebler at United Way of Washington County. She can be reached by phone at 301-739-8200 Ext. 12 or astaebler@unitedwaywashcounty.org. 

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN ADVISORY GERMAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AT HAGER HOUSE

The Jonathan Hager House and Museum presents its annual “German Christmas” tour.  According to Historic Sites Facilitator, John Bryan, “Germany, probably more than any other country, has the longest history and widest variety of Christmas traditions.”

“Because of its many varied religious and political beliefs, some Christmas customs were celebrated and popular in one region of Germany, but completely unknown in another. It is appropriate that the Hager House puts on a ‘German Christmas’ display since Jonathan Hager, founder of Hagerstown, was a native of Germany. Hager himself more than likely participated in or heard of many of the customs and superstitions featured in this tour,” said Bryan.

Visitors will hear stories that range from how the Christmas Tree and the Yule Log got their start to tales involving the Wise Men and a myriad of holiday gift givers.

In addition to highlighting the many holiday customs, the Hager House will be decorated for the holiday season in traditional German fashion. Built in 1739, the Hager House is the original home of Jonathan Hager, who laid out the city bearing his name in 1762.

“German Christmas” will be featured daily December 2 through December 28, excluding Mondays and Christmas Day.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p. m., and Sundays, 2 to 5 p.m.  Admission for adults is $3.00, senior citizens are $2.00, children 6 to 12 are $1.00, and children under 6 are admitted free of charge.  Please plan to bring the whole family and experience how many of our early ancestors celebrated Christmas!  The Hager House is located in Hagerstown City Park opposite the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. For more information about German Christmas and all of our programs and events please call (301) 739-8393, or email: hagerhouse@hagerstownmd.org.  

Winterfest

9am-4pm

Craft Items, Baked Goods, Baked Goods, Soups, Sandwiches, and More!

Students will participate in a Walk-a-Thon to support the canned food drive.

All proceeds benefit students

Please come out and support the students and BRING A CANNED FOOD ITEM which will be donated to Food Resources, Inc.

The Williamsport High School Sophisticats Show Choir will present a holiday dinner and show, “Cool Yule,” on Saturday, December 13, 2008.  Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Ticket sales for the dinner and show continue through Monday, December 8th.  That ticket price is $14 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students, and $6 for children under eight years old.  Tickets for the show only go on sale Monday, December 8th.  That ticket price is $9 for adults and $6 for all others.

For advanced reservations and more information, call:  301-766-8433. 
 

2pm

A supper in the Social Hall will be provided for the carolers

• There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, December 15th from 1 - 7 PM at Rehoboth United Methodist Church - 30 East Salisbury St. Williamsport, MD 21795.  Please call the church office to schedule an appointment:  301-223-9554 ext 101/102

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT FREE LIBRARY IN BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2008 

 4 TO 7 P.M. 

CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO MAKE A
TAKE-HOME BIRD FEEDER FROM 4 TO 6 P.M. 

 A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT 6 PM  

PARKING IS AVAILABLE
ADJACENT TO THE LIBRARY OFF MONTEREY LANE. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE
LIBRARY BRANCH MANAGER, NANCY BERT, AT 794-2240.

If you pack a Gift-filled Shoebox, Operation Christmas Child will deliver it to a needy child.  Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse and has hand delivered over 61 million love-filled shoeboxes since 1993.  To get started, call Samaritan's Purse at:  (800) 809-3882 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ

• FREE Christmas Day Dinner:  (1) Rehoboth United Methodist Church - 30 E. Salisbury St. Williamsport, MD serving from 11 AM - 2 PM.

• FREE Christmas Day Dinner: (2) LIFEhouse Church Bethel - 515 East Wilson Blvd. Hagerstown, MD 21740:  serving from Noon - 2 PM.  Meal delivery is available within the Hagerstown City limits only.  Please call the church office 301-739-1167 ext. 201 or ext. 203.

10:30am to 11:30am

A time of celebrating Christmas through singing and sharing.

Comfortable dress is encouraged!