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Thanks to readers

In keeping with this season of gratitude and appreciation, thanks so much to the readers and contributors who make this column possible. And thanks to all the individuals who offer their suggestions and comments. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Greeleys send thank you message to community

(Editor's note: David Greeley, 8, was hit by a car Aug. 27 and suffered serious injuries. His family sent the following note:)

"Counting blessings this year at Thanksgiving is simply overwhelming.

"On Aug. 27, our lives turned upside down. No one thinks these things can really happen, but accidents happen.

"With this being said, we have been truly amazed by all those who have gone above and beyond anything we could have imagined; the outpourings of cards and prayers, helping hands, the numerous fundraisers in David's honor and the generosity of all those who have donated and continue to donate to his benefit fund.

"David's accident has been a 'tragic adjust' for us. However, each day we continue to be amazed by the miracles we see. We especially remember our heroes from Fairplay Volunteer Fire Co., the Maryland State Medevac team and our neighbor, Barbara Leatherman, who were first on the scene to get our David stabilized for his next destination to critical care at Children's Hospital in D.C.

"We are so proud to feel so much love, care and concern from our community and so many others throughout the country.

"The gift of modern medicine and the power of prayer have kept our family going. Our eyes have opened wider to God's grace this year. We are eternally grateful for all the support we receive everyday. As a family we have learned to give thanks and to take time everyday to realize how blessed we truly are.

"God Bless you and yours this Thanksgiving,

- Scott, Tahnee, David and Elijah Greeley"

(David is at Kennedy Kreiger in Baltimore in the rehab center. His target date to come home is Jan. 8.)

Shop with a Cop program

Help provide a few children with a Christmas shopping trip. The "Shop with a Cop" program is coordinated by Deputy 1st Class Carl D. Witmer. Make check donations payable to the Sheriff's Office and mail them to Town of Williamsport, Attn: Carl Witmer, P.O. Box 307, Williamsport, MD 21795 or drop them off at Town Hall. Deadline is Dec. 11.

Potomac Garden Club enhances the community

The Potomac Garden Club not only enhances areas around us, its members also help with services and donations.

They have spruced up the grounds at Lockhouse 44, decorated at the Williamsport Library and done an amazing job with plantings at Town Hall for each season.

They also wrap gifts for the residents of Williamsport Nursing Home and contribute in-kind donations to the Red Cross.

Interested in martial arts?

Ron Hebb has found a unique way to give back to his community. He conducts martial arts classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at the Community Building in Byron Memorial Park. He donates a portion of the class fees to the town.

Hebb's interest in fitness began when he played varsity basketball at WHS. Then, while attending Shepherd University, he started taking private martial arts classes. He received a master of sports science in sports fitness from the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala. Hebb put his training to task working for the Marine Corps in Arlington, Va., where he worked as exercise and training program manager, ran a fitness program and taught martial arts classes.

Classes Hebb now teaches in the park include Bruce Lee's jeet kune do, Filipino kali and muay thai. Students range in age from adult to 13 years old. Three free lessons are offered to interested individuals. Call Ron at 301-223-7719 for more information.

Thanks from Park View Knoll

On behalf of the residents at Park View Knoll senior community, thank you to the volunteers who take care of their community flower garden.

Kim Boden, senior site manager, said the residents really enjoy the garden and are always saying how nice it is. Boden added, "We really appreciate and thank the volunteers for making it look so nice all year round."

Boy Scout building gets new coat of paint

Thank you to the United Way Day of Caring group from First Data. They painted the Boy Scout Troop 17 Building in Byron Memorial Park. The event was part of more than 70 United Way Day of Caring projects in Washington County.

Potpie dinner set

On Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., Calvary Temple, 147 S. Conococheague St., will serve an all-you-can-eat slippery potpie dinner. Tickets cost $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for those younger than 12. The dinner includes all-you-can-eat chicken and ham potpie, cole slaw, applesauce, drinks and desert.

The Missionettes Girls Club Christmas Craft Sale will be going on at the same time.

Spirit Night tonight at Cici's

Join the Williamsport High School choral department for Spirit Night at Cici's tonight. Just write the words WHS choral department on your receipt and place it in the box at Cici's.

The choral department will receive a portion of the night's collected receipts.

Choral group hosts holiday dinner and concert

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the WHS Choral Department will host its annual holiday dinner and concert at Williamsport High School. A dinner of turkey with whipped potatoes and gravy, stuffing, sauerkraut, peas, cranberry sauce and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream will be served. Also included will be iced tea, lemonade and coffee.

A concession table will be open before the show selling cookies, candies and other goodies. There will also be a raffle table and a 50/50 raffle.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for dinner and concert ($8 for seniors and students); $5 for concert ticket only. To order tickets, see a choir student or call 301-766-8433.

Blue Band news

The Williamsport Blue Band will be wrapping gifts Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. for the Red Cross in front of Old Navy and the Bon Ton at Valley Mall. Please stop by with your unwrapped gifts and help the Blue Band help the Red Cross with this fundraiser.

The Blue Band is hosting a Pampered Chef book party this month. Karen Long is hosting the party on behalf of the band. All rewards, discounts, half-price items and specials will be applied to the raffle prize list for the Pampered Chef raffle that will go on every day throughout the month of March 2010. Contact Long at 301-302-9526 or k.long@myactv.net for a catalog and order forms. She will be accepting orders until Nov. 28.

Have news to share?

If you have news of events, activities, or announcements for Williamsport and the surrounding area, contact Paula Green Shupp at 301-302-3878 or e-mail p.shupp@myactv.net.