"I've Been Reading on the Railroad"
Now through September 2, 2008 This summer reading program invites children to come and pick up a reading journal from museum store. After reading and recording eight books in their journal, kids can return the journal on or before September 2, 2008 to receive a free book! They will also be entered to win their very own engineer's outfit! For more information, click HERE.
For more information visit www.ecborail.orgor call 410-461-1945. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am - 4pm.
The Washington County Ag Expo and Fair starts today!
Amusement rides will be open 4-10pm weekdays and 2-10pm weekends. Ride tickets are $1 each or $18 for 20 tickets; $15 ride-all-night on July 21. For a complete schedule and info, go to www.agexpoandfair.org/daily_schedule08.htm
Every year the Home School Foundation sends Christmas Cards to those who have received assistance from the Foundation. This Christmas Season the Home School Foundation is hosting a special contest which gives homeschoolers an opportunity to design the artwork for the Christmas greeting card.
2008 CONTEST GUIDELINES
Theme Category 1: Christmas Memories Category 2: Seasonal beauty of God's Creation Category 3: Christ's Birth: The First Christmas
Entrants must choose one of the above categories to submit under. You are limited to one entry per person.
Who
Ages 15 and up (as of January 1, 2008). Adults welcome!
HSLDA members and non-members are both welcome to participate. Eligible applicants must be either a home educated student or a teacher of a homeschool. The Home School Foundation will be using the winners of this contest for its Christmas greeting cards this coming Christmas and is looking for elegant, creative, artwork.
Format
Artwork and photography accepted in digital format (jpg, bmp, gif, tif)
For artwork, please submit as a picture in digital form (for specific instructions, see below)
File size must be a minimum of 300dpi/ppi in a color or black & white digital photograph of the artwork (or scanned photo if you do not own a digital camera)
The artwork should not be framed or matted in the photo
Electronic file of the artwork must be sent to contests@hslda.org with "Christmas Card Contest" in the subject line
Fee
There is no fee.
Entry
One entry per person
Please include the following information in the email with your entry: Name, email, phone number, address, HSLDA# (if applicable), date of birth, and specify which category your artwork is being submitted under
Completely original hand-done artwork or original photography (no tracing or computer-generated artwork). You will be judged on the photo submission of your artwork, however, so make sure that the photograph is clear and of good quality. You may digitally adjust the lighting or focus of the photo if necessary
Timeline
Entries must be received by August 1, 2008
Winners will be notified by letter and/or email and announced on HSF's website and through HSLDA's e-lert service by September 30th, 2008.
Judging
Judges will select three winners and two honorable mentions in each category. Judging will be made based on subject, creativity, and composition. The decision of the judges is final.
Prize
There will be three 1st place winners, one from each category. Each will receive an HSLDA Membership coupon valued at $30.00, and a box of 12 cards with artist acknowledgement on the back.
Other Information
Proceeds from the cards will go to the Home School Foundation's Compassion Fund
Photographs/artwork becomes the property of HSLDA and will not be returned. Entry in the contest constitutes permission for HSLDA to use the prints for publication at its discretion
All judgments are final and interpretations of the guidelines are at HSLDA's sole discretion
Please contact Contest Coordinator at cherise@hslda.org with any questions.
Here are a few events that are coming up in August, in and around Washington County, MD:
- August 1-3 & 7-9 - "Godspell" A Potomac Playmakers production of the classic musical based on the gospel according to Matthew. At the Academy Theatre Banquet and Conference Center in Hagerstown. For info, call 301-797-8181 or go to www.potomacplaymakers.com.
- August 9 - Colonial Family Fun Day at the Jonathan Hager House & Museum in Hagerstown. Registration is required. Please call by Friday, July 25 to confirm your space. Event is 1-4pm, weather permitting. Entry fee is $10/family (1-2 adults plus children; includes tour and activities).
- August 15-17 - 16th Annual African American Cultural & Heritage Festival at the Wright Denny Intermediate School in Charles Town, WV. For details, call 304-725-9610.
- August 16 thru September 28 - 76th Annual Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. For info, call 301-739-5727 or go to www.wcmfa.org.
- August 23-24 - Augustoberfest - A traditional downtown Hagerstown festival in the manner of a German Oktoberfest celebration. Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, 12-5pm. For info, call 301-739-8577, ext. 116, or go to www.augustoberfest.org.
- August 23-24 - Williamsport Days at Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport, MD. 10am-5pm. For info, call 301-223-7711.
- August 23 thru November 2 - Exhibit of the Embroiderers Art 2008 at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. For info, call 301-791-9133 or e-mail eagraff@aol.com.
- August 24 - 17th Annual Renfrew Jazz Festival - Free jazz event on the lawn behind the Renfrew Museum in Waynesboro, PA. 2-4pm. For info, call 717-762-0373.
- September 13-14 - Sharpsburg Heritage Festival - House tours, historical lectures, craft demos, music, food vendors. For info, call 301-432-4631 or 301-432-8410 or 301-432-8765.
- September 27-28 - Smithsburg Steam & Craft Show - Antique tractors & farm equipment, flea market, craft vendors, food. Smithsburg Fire Hall grounds. For info, call 301-824-1009.
Here is a list of July events in and around Washington County, MD (including some things in PA and WV).
Have Fun!
Joy
- Summer Concert Series (thru August 17) - The Hagerstown Municipal Band's 94th Summer Concert Series continues with Sunday performances at the Peter Buys Band Shell, City Park, Hagerstown. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. Free admission. For info, go to www.hagerstownband.org.
- Totem Pole Playhouse at Caledonia State Park enters its 58th season. For performance info, call 717-352-2164 or go to www.totempoleplayhouse.org.
- Art Glass of the Golden Age at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (Hagerstown) through September 7 - Glassware created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For info, call 301-739-5727 or go to www.wcmfa.org.
- Summer Concerts at Pen Mark Park, every Sunday through October 5. Bands play from 2-5pm. Sponsored by the Washington County Recreation Department.
- July 4 - Fireworks at Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown. Entertainment begins at 6pm, followed by fireworks at 9:30pm. For info, call 301-739-8577, ext. 183, or go to www.hagerstownmd.org.
- Williamsport Community Band Concerts: July 4 - 7:30pm at Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport, fireworks following concert; July 10 7pm at Martinsburg Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV; August 6 - 7pm at Baker Park in Frederick; August 20 - 7pm at Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport.
- July 4 - Waynesboro Summer Jubilee - Annual Waynesboro, PA, summer celebration includes Firecracker 5K run at 8:30am, 4th of July Parade on Main Street at 10:30am, Arts & Crafts vendors from 8am-3pm. Lots of other activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, games, food, and bands. Call 717-762-9118 or go to www.summerjubilee.org for more info.
- July 9 thru August 3 - Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. For info, call 800-999-2283 or go to www.catf.org.
- July 11-13 - "Charlotte's Web" a Potomac Playmakers production featuring a youth cast. At the Academy Theatre Banquet and Conference Center, Hagerstown. For info, call 301-797-8181 or go to www.potomacplaymakers.com.
- July 11 thru September 6 - "Annie Warbucks" - Little Orphan Annie returns in this musical sequel to the hit show "Annie." Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater in Hagerstown. For info, call 301-739-7469 or go to www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com.
- July 12 - Community Yard Sale at Fairgrounds Park Stables in Hagerstown, 7am-2pm; $15/space, one table provided. For info or reservations, call 301-739-8577, ext. 190.
- July 12 - Morning Star Singers 23rd Anniversary Concert at Doub's Woods Arts Pavilion in Hagerstown. Event Time, 1-8pm. Bring lawn chairs. Food will be available. No tickets are required, but a $6 donation is suggested to cover expenses. For info, call 301-733-9365.
- July 12-27 - ChambersFest - This annual festival is held at various locations throughout Chambersburg, PA. For info, call 717-264-7101.
- July 19-20 - Smithsburg Pride Days - Food & craft vendors, entertainment, and fireworks at this annual event. Saturday, 10am-evening; Sunday, 12-5pm. For info, call 301-824-7234 or go to www.we-link.org/smithsburg.
- July 19-20 - Tenth Annual Roundhouse Rail Days, 11am-5pm, at the Martinsburg Roundhouse Center in Martinsburg, WV. For info, call 304-260-4141 or go to www.martinsburgroundhouse.com.
- July 24 - Festival 2008 Celebration Series Concert III - Annual concert series on the Shippensburg University Campus. For info, call 717-477-7469 or go to www.luhrscenter.com.
Maryland Symphony Orchestra 17th Annual Salute to Independence
July 5
Concert begins at 7:30pm
Antietam National Battlefield
Light classical and patriotic music, complete with cannon fire and fireworks. Arrive early and bring a picnic lunch. For more info, go to www.marylandsymphony.org or call 301-797-4000.
Kids 10 and under can earn a free kids buffet (with the purchase of an adult buffet) at Cici’s Pizza each week through Saturday, August 2, by reading 15 minutes or more for five days during the week. Go to http://www.halfpricebooks.com/for_parents_and_teachers.html and then click on the link to download the reading log. Enjoy!
*Thanks to Lisa from the SonLIGHT Homeschool Group for passing on this info!
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