Ipsan to give talk to Watershed group

June 11, 2013

Antietam Creek Watershed will host a guest speaker Thursday at 7 p.m. at Funkstown Town Hall. The topic is Becoming Bay Wise: Creating Healthy Sustainable Gardens. The presenter will be Annette Ipsan, horticulture educator for the University of Maryland Extension in Washington County

Wednesday is the last day of school

June 3, 2013

Can you believe that we are a half day away from the end of the school year? Tomorrow is a half day for our Washington County students. This year has flown by. 

School concerts scheduled

May 20, 2013

As the school year winds down, it’s time for the concerts that the schools’ choral groups have been preparing for this spring. 

House and garden tour

May 14, 2013

The Women’s Club will sponsor a house and garden tour Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Antietam Watershed group to host speakers

May 7, 2013

The Antietam Creek Watershed Alliance will host the following speakers at Funkstown Town Hall, 30 E. Baltimore St. The events are free and open to the public:

Hubcaps to perform

April 29, 2013

The Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown will present the Fabulous Hubcaps in concert Friday, May 17, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Robinwood Drive east of Hagerstown.

Boy Scouts to host spaghetti dinner

April 22, 2013

Boy Scout Troop 23 in Funkstown will hold a spaghetti dinner Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Funkstown fire hall. 

Boy Scout Troop 23 growing in Funkstown

April 15, 2013

Boy Scout Troop 23 in Funkstown more than doubled in size the first year.

Welcome, warm weather

April 9, 2013

Well, hello, beautiful weather!

Spaghetti dinner

April 1, 2013

The Funkstown Volunteer Fire Co. invites the community to a spaghetti dinner Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The menu includes all-you-can-eat spaghetti, along with Caesar salad, garlic bread, iced tea and coffee.  There will be desserts available for purchase.  Carry-out will be available.   

Snowy spring

March 25, 2013

Ah, what a beautiful spring. How I adore the buckets of snow and the sound of snow plows.

Pet adoption campaign

March 19, 2013

The Humane Society of Washington County is hoping to increase adoptions through its March Madness adoption campaign this month.

Attiya Latif wins Legion state oratorical contest; nationals are next

March 12, 2013

Attiya Latif of Smithsburg High School won the state title in the Maryland American Legion High School Oratorical Contest on March 3 at Towson University. 

National Little League plans tryouts

March 4, 2013

Can you feel it in the air? No, I am not talking about the impending snow. I am talking about baseball. This is the weekend to dig out the gloves and bats and head over to National Little League, behind Potterfield Pool for tryouts.

Remember your pets

February 26, 2013

As we say goodbye to February and hello to March, let’s remember to keep our furry friends warm and safe because I am sure Mother Nature has a few more days and nights of less than desirable weather planned for us.

Scholarships available

February 18, 2013

The South Hagerstown High School Alumni Association will award three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to this year’s graduating class. 

Chorus offers singing valentines

February 12, 2013

We are almost halfway through February and just a few days away from Valentine’s Day. Are you in need of something fun for your sweetheart? 

Oratorical contest

January 28, 2013

If you find your evening of Monday, Feb. 4 in need of a boost, I suggest you make your way to the ballroom of the American Legion ballroom in Funkstown and watch as Washington County high school students in grades nine through 12 compete in a patriotic oratorical contest. 

Hello winter

January 21, 2013

I knew Old Man Winter would eventually find us. Make sure to bundle up and keep an eye on your elderly neighbors and furry friends. 

Flu shots available

January 16, 2013

The Washington County Health Department is offering flu clinics this week and next to help combat the epidemic. 

Blood drives planned

January 7, 2013

The Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross is planning blood drives in the days ahead. 

Welcome 2013

January 1, 2013

City Farmers Market celebrating the season

December 17, 2012

The City Farmers Market will celebrate the season Saturday with gift giveaways, treats and activities for children. Beginning at 8 a.m., customers can enter for an hourly drawing for gifts donated by vendors. 

A night to remember

December 11, 2012

Good morning, friends. Is it beginning to sink in yet? The holidays are upon us and last Friday was a great way to embrace them.

Finishing touches

December 6, 2012

It’s time to put the finishing touches on your home decorations and get together your luminarias for Friday evening’s Old Tyme Christmas celebration in Funkstown. Additional kits are available at Town Hall if you are missing yours. 

Old Tyme Christmas

November 28, 2012

The agenda for Funkstown’s Old Tyme Christmas on Friday, Dec. 7, has been announced.

Busy week ahead

November 20, 2012

Good morning friends. Such a busy week. Turkeys are thawing, pie recipes are ready, decorations are being moved from storage and families are preparing for a day of food and reflecting on all of the blessings for which we are indeed thankful. 

Polls are open

November 6, 2012

Hopefully, you have already made it to the polls or have it on your agenda for today to cast your vote in today’s election.   

Halloween parade to step off Thursday

October 24, 2012

All Funkstown children are invited to dress in their costumes and participate in the Funkstown Halloween Parade Thursday. 

Fundraiser for South Hagerstown club

October 16, 2012

The Texas Roadhouse will hold a fundraiser for the South Hagerstown High School Touchdown Club from Oct. 22 to 25 from 4 to 10 p.m. each night.

Soups and pies

October 8, 2012

With the crisp mornings, I tend to crave soups and pies. 

Homecoming weekend is near

October 1, 2012

It is a big week for football and school spirit at South Hagerstown High School.

Barbecue is Saturday

September 24, 2012

The leaves are turning as quickly as the pages on the calendar. Funks-town is bustling with activities and squeezing in a few before October.

Scholarship seminar planned for Sept. 27

September 17, 2012

The Community Foundation of Washington County is offering a free scholarship seminar for high school juniors and seniors Thursday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the foundation headquarters, 33 W. Franklin St., suite 203, in Hagerstown.

Fall-like weather is nice

September 10, 2012

Hello dear friends, and welcome fall. I simply adore the chill in the mornings, and the ability to open the windows and let the outside in.

Women's Club offers membership

August 28, 2012

Now that school is a routine and most colleges are back in classes, some area moms are left with some time on their hands.

So long, summer

August 20, 2012

Good morning, dear friends. And good-bye to summer. I know that August is not quite over yet, and I’m sure it’s too early to start putting away the flip-flops and bathing suits. However, it is time to grab the backpacks and No. 2 pencils and head out to the bus stop. Schools in Washington County open Wednesday, so please be extra careful when driving. Parents, remind the children to be cautious when walking to school and at the bus stop. Teachers, thank you, thank you, thank you.

School is almost here

August 7, 2012

Good morning, dear friends.

Make way for boys of summer

August 1, 2012

Let’s go from the dog days of summer to the boys of summer.

Taking baseball

July 31, 2012

Let’s go from the dog days of summer to the boys of summer.

Thanks to everyone who made weekend re-enactment come to life

July 23, 2012

After the smoke cleared and the cannon fire quieted, the Union and Confederate soldiers went back to their jobs as accountants and mechanics and plumbers after last weekend’s Battle of Funkstown re-enactment. 

For a good cause

July 18, 2012

The county is deeply embedded in summer and all the wonderful things that come with it —  picnics, swimming, ball games and vacations.

Let¿s hope for milder weather for re-enactment of Battle of Funkstown

July 10, 2012

Extreme heat, severe storms — well, yes, friends, it’s summer. 

Take care of your pets

July 3, 2012

Good morning and happy Fourth of July, a day early. 

Scouts to hold recruiting day

June 25, 2012

Calling all young men entering grades one through five. Funkstown Cub Scout Pack 23 will hold recruitment day at the Funkstown Park pavilion Sunday, July 8, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be games, food, crafts and a 30-foot climbing wall.

5K run on Saturday to aid Children's Village

June 18, 2012

Children’s Village of Washington County Inc. will host its inaugural 5K run and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run Saturday at its campus at 1546 Mount Aetna Road in Hagerstown.

Bible school set for June 18 to 22

June 11, 2012

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Funkstown will hold its vacation Bible school from June 18 to 22.

South High alumni association announces scholarship recipients

June 4, 2012

Now that the school year has come to a close, there is a bit of business to tidy up.

School ends Friday

May 28, 2012

Can you feel the excitement in the air? Do you realize that Friday is the last day of school for area students? Just half a day (technically, it’s a 2 1/2-hour-early dismissal) and then school is out for the summer. The two most exciting days of the school year were the first day and the last. Please be sure to be extra cautious to be aware of bike riders, kickball games and other summer staples as you drive in the area.

Hello, spring

May 23, 2012

Good morning friends, and hello spring and all the beautiful weather that follows.

The graduates

May 16, 2012

Funkstown resident Elsie Evans has some bragging rights this spring. Two of her grandchildren recently graduated with degrees in education.

School daze

May 8, 2012

As we embrace May and all the beauty it brings, we have a number of things to put on our calendars before the school year ends.

Remembering Bob Kline

April 30, 2012

The town is mourning the loss of past mayor and friend of Funkstown, Bob Kline. 

Legion essay contest winners announced

April 24, 2012

Seven finalists were named in the Funkstown Dixon-Troxell Post 211 American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay Contest. 

Discovery Station to host Earth Day event

April 17, 2012

Earth Day will be celebrated at Discovery Station on Sunday at 3 p.m. 

Miss Elsie marks 95th birthday

April 10, 2012

Happy belated birthday to Miss Elsie (Smith) Evans.

Get out and vote

April 2, 2012

So why are the children not attending classes Tuesday?  Because their schools are serving another purpose. Area schools are closed to students so they can open to voters. If you are a registered voter in Washington County, you should have recently received a notice of your voting location. Do your civic duty, and make your voice heard.

Cerys Evans serves as ball girl at Comcast Center

March 27, 2012

March is known for March Madness, a time for college basketball. Colleges play for titles and brackets are filled out by fans.

Autism awareness workshop planned

March 20, 2012

Providing Relief for Autistic Youth Inc., in partnership with Hagerstown Community College, will hold an autism awareness training program Thursday, April 19.

Girl Scouts mark birthday

March 13, 2012

Girl Scouts mark birthday

Girl Scout cookies are here

March 6, 2012

Some sure signs of spring are all around us. The daffodils are peeking through in our gardens, the baseball diamonds are busy with young men and women getting ready for the upcoming season, and Girl Scout cookies are here. Check with your neighborhood Girl Scouts to score your favorites.

Wagon train to stop here

February 28, 2012

What a beautiful morning. Mild temperatures create great dispositions and I will take every ounce of sunshine that is being offered.

Thanks, Mother Nature

February 20, 2012

And a very pleasant good morning. I need to say a big “thank you” to Mother Nature for sparing us the nasty weather that was forecasted this past weekend and a “thank you” in advance for the mild weather predicted for the rest of the week.

Happy Valentine's Day

February 13, 2012

The day doesn’t have to be about chocolates and roses, although retailers would disagree. 

Weather is teasing us

February 6, 2012

The weather is teasing us as of late. Some days are nothing short of fabulous, while others are regretfully very seasonal. All we can do is hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Maybe if we keep ourselves busy, milder temperatures will be here to stay.

Cold snap

January 25, 2012

Walking in a winter wonderland. That could have been the theme for this past weekend.

January is half over

January 16, 2012

Good morning, dear friends.  

Dinner and a show planned at church

January 9, 2012

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Funkstown will hold a slippery potpie dinner, silent auction and show by the gospel trio Journey of Grace. Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday and dinner will be served at 5:30. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the six youths who will attend the ECLA, or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, youth ministries conference in New Orleans.    

Happy New Year

January 2, 2012

Another 12 months in front of us, full of promise and opportunity. Let’s not waste a moment.

Funkstown Lions Club donates to Doub PTA

December 26, 2011

The Funkstown Lions Club organized a basket bingo fundraiser to benefit local charities.  

Friday is the night for Christmas in Funkstown

December 5, 2011

It's beginning to looka lot like Christmas  — a whole lot like Christmas in Funkstown.

Decorate your house for Olde Tyme Christmas

November 28, 2011

Good morning, dear friends. I trust that your Thanksgiving holiday was blessed. A plentiful amount of food and family were enjoyed and cherished. Christmas decorations are up and shining.  

Decorate your home for Olde Tyme Christmas

November 28, 2011

Good morning, dear friends. I trust that your Thanksgiving holiday was blessed. A plentiful amount of food and family were enjoyed and cherished. Christmas decorations are up and shining.  

Thanksgiving Day starts it off

November 22, 2011

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s true. Turkeys are thawing in the refrigerator, some serious house cleaning is going on and moods are on the upswing.

Craft show this weekend

November 15, 2011

The 28th annual Kris Kringle Craft Show will be Saturday and Sunday at Hagerstown Community College’s Athletic, Recreation and Community Center.

Moller organ dedication Sunday

November 8, 2011

The community is invited to a recital and rededication of the Moller organ Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Funkstown.

Veterans Day wreath-laying

November 1, 2011

On Friday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day, Dixon-Troxell American Legion Post 211 in Funks-town will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at the legion home.

Season of fun

October 24, 2011

Let the festivities begin. I always feel like Halloween is the kickoff for all the holiday fun.  It starts with costumes and candy and continues straight through to the New Year’s Eve countdown. It’s eight weeks of family traditions and memories just waiting to be made.

Step 'n' Stride event to include Zumbathon

October 18, 2011

Step 'n' Stride event to include Zumbathon

Halloween parade set for Oct. 27

October 10, 2011

Funkstown will hold its annual Halloween parade Thursday, Oct. 27, starting at 6 p.m.

First marking period ends Friday

October 4, 2011

A quick reminder that Friday is the end of the first marking period for the county’s secondary schools. There will be a 2 1/2-hour early dismissal.   

Birthday ball planned at AMVETS

September 26, 2011

The second annual Birthday Ball will be hosted locally by the Marine Corps League Saturday, Nov. 5, at AMVETS Post 10 on Frederick Street in Hagerstown.

South High classes invited to homecoming

September 19, 2011

The South Hagerstown High School Alumni Association invites all classes to participate in pregame tailgating on Friday, Sept. 30, before the homecoming game against Poolesville.  All tailgaters are reminded to use the rear entrance at Maryland Avenue.

E. Russell Hicks student fundraiser under way

September 13, 2011

E. Russell Hicks Middle School’s fundraiser is under way. The students are selling cookie dough and magazines. If a student knocks on your door, you will know it is for a good cause.

Football is back

September 5, 2011

Good morning friends.

Art association to mark 20th anniversary

August 29, 2011

Valley Art Association at the Mansion House Art Center in Hagerstown City Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary Friday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Spaghetti dinner planned on 9/11

August 22, 2011

On Sunday, Sept. 11, Saint Paul's Lutheran Church and Dixon-Troxell American Legion Post 211 in Funkstown are combining efforts for a spaghetti dinner and special program commemorating that eventful date.

South High Class of 1971 to hold reunion Oct. 1

August 8, 2011

South Hagerstown High School’s Class of 1971 will celebrate its 40th class reunion Saturday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Beaver Creek Country Club on Mapleville Road.  

Where has the summer gone?

August 1, 2011

So tell me, what have you done with my summer? To say it has flown by would be an understatement. I feel as though we have already packed an entire summer into the short two months that just passed. Let’s hope that August is just as fun and productive. Before you know it, it will be time for back-to-school shopping and then quiet mornings.

Take care of your pet during summer's dog days

July 26, 2011

Sometimes, phrases that we like to repeat can seem more appropriate than at other times.

Battle of Funkstown to be staged this weekend

July 11, 2011

This is the big weekend for living history and the re-enactment of the Battle of Funkstown.

What July brings

July 5, 2011

Happy belated Fourth of July. With the picnics and fireworks behind us, it's now time to look forward and see what the remainder of the month holds in store.

Fireworks on the Fourth

June 28, 2011

A Fourth of July event is planned at Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown on Monday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Battle of Funkstown schedule announced

June 21, 2011

Hello, summer. It has officially arrived. I am excited to share with you the upcoming summer re-enactment in July for the annual Battle of Funkstown. The dates this year are Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17. Last year, more than 4,000 people came out to experience living history and catch the battles raging in the streets and park. Re-enactors will be moving into their camps to set up beginning at 1 p.m. on July 15. Action starts early on July 16 with street foraging at 9 a.m. Just as they did 150 years ago, troops from the North and South go around town to obtain supplies. Funkstown residents help the cause by displaying a red ribbon to show the troops that their home is donating supplies. While the troops are foraging, the 97th String Regimental Band will play in front of the Hudson House Gallery. Head down to the main street at 10 a.m. and watch the battle begin. Then spend the afternoon in the park enjoying the sights and sounds, and yes, even the smells, of the Civil War encampment. There will be vendors with wares comtemporary and period specific for sale. From noon to 7 p.m., there will be activities for children in the west section of the park. A field battle begins at 4 p.m. and is truly a sight to see. My favorite part of the encampment happens at night. At the pavilion at the top of the park, the String Regimental Band will begin again at 8 p.m. Fireworks will follow. July 17 starts with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. The all-you-can-eat meal costs $6. A church service will be at 10 a.m. in the east pavilion. Sunday¿s field battle begins at 1 p.m. in the east section of the park off Robert Kline Way. All in all, it is a marvelous weekend.

Vacation Bible School

June 14, 2011

St. Paul's Church in Funkstown is joining forces with Christ Lutheran Church for this summer's Vacation Bible School. The theme is "Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street" and will be at Christ Lutheran Church, 216 Cleveland Ave., Hagerstown. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6 p.m., and Bible school will be from 6 to 8:30, June 20 to 24. Bible school is open to ages 3 and older, including adults. For more information, call 301-733-3482 or 301-791-1738.

Around Funkstown

June 6, 2011

 The date has changed for the eighth annual Pooch Plunge at Potterfield Pool. This year the event will be Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the pool at 730 Frederick St. in Hagerstown.

Memorial Day weekend

May 30, 2011

What a spectacular weekend! The weather was fabulous and all the storms of earlier in the week just freshened things up for our picnics and afternoons by the pool. Hopefully, you took a few moments to reflect on the Memorial Day holiday and the sacrifices, both past and present, of your neighbors, friends and even strangers who have served so that you may enjoy your freedoms.

The countdown begins

May 24, 2011

Only a few days of school are left, and two of those days are field trips. It is so much fun to watch the youngsters use their math skills to figure out the percentage of how many days equal actual classroom time.  

Mansion House offers evening of art, refreshments

May 17, 2011

The Mansion House Art Gallery at Hagerstown City Park invites the community to visit for an evening of art and refreshments on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m.

Thank you April showers for all of our beautiful May flowers

May 9, 2011

News Flash — Funkstown is blooming. This is the week to take a walk and enjoy all of nature’s glory. Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with love and happy memories. May is a busy month. Graduations are right around the corner, and the school year is closing down. Make sure to check out the Washington County Parks and Recreation Department website for summer activities and camps to keep the freshly out-of-school kids busy.

Lions Club donates $250 to American Red Cross

May 2, 2011

At its April 27 meeting, the Funkstown Lions Club presented a $250 donation to the American Red Cross.

Teams forming for mud volleyball tournament

April 25, 2011

Teams are forming for the 2011 Mud Volleyball Tournament to benefit the Community Free Clinic of Washington County.   

Oratorical competition

April 18, 2011

Abdul Latif of Smithsburg High School won the oratorical competition at Dixon-Troxell American Legion Post 211 in Funkstown.

South High reunion meeting Wednesday

April 11, 2011

The South Hagerstown High School Alumni Association’s Mega Reunion committee will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Funkstown Tavern (back room).

South High to present 'The Wizard of Oz'

April 4, 2011

The South Hagerstown High School theater group will perform “The Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $7 and will be sold at the door.   

Pythian Sisters to hold bingo event

March 28, 2011

Pythian Sisters of Maryland, Potomac Temple 28, will hold a basket bingo Sunday, April 10, at Funkstown Fire Hall.

Easter egg sale

March 21, 2011

Can you believe that Easter is right around the corner? With that comes Easter egg time at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church.

New bakery opens in area

March 14, 2011

There’s a new bakery in the area called The Cake Walk. The specialty bakery features wedding cakes, birthday cakes and cupcakes.

Habitat dinner and auction planned

March 7, 2011

Habitat for Humanity’s 18th annual dinner and auction will be Saturday, April 2, starting at 5 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College’s ARCC.

Soccer clinic set for March 19

February 28, 2011

A free goalkeeper/striker clinic will be Saturday, March 19, at Hagerstown Soccer Complex, 13317 Cearfoss Pike in Hagerstown.

E. Russell Hicks to hold basket bingo

February 21, 2011

The E. Russell Hicks Middle School Band Boosters will hold a basket bingo Sunday, March 20, at the Elks Lodge on Robinwood Drive.

Rebel reunion weekend planned

February 14, 2011

The South Hagerstown High School Alumni Association will host a Rebel Reunion Weekend in June to celebrate 55 years of education at South High.

Teen Idol auditions set for Feb. 15 and 16

February 7, 2011

Auditions for the Teen Idol 2011 contest will be held at Valley Mall (in front of the Bon-Ton) Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and at Port City Java at Long Meadow Shopping Center Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  

Homemakers to meet

January 31, 2011

Funkstown Homemakers Club will meet Friday at the Division of Emergency Management, 16232 Elliott Parkway near Williamsport. Use the lower parking level for easy access to the building.

Doss Baker remembered

January 25, 2011

It is with great sadness that American Legion Post 211 remembers the passing of post commander George Doss Baker at the end of October.  

January moving along

January 11, 2011

January moving along

Superhero day party

January 3, 2011

Welcome January and the New Year! I’m hoping that 2011 will be an awesome and amazing year.