Laura Forrest Hopfauf Charles Jeffries Mike Marotte III
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Youngblood
BUSINESS OFFICE
Hagerstown Publishing 6 N. East St., Suite 301 Frederick, MD 21701
SEND MAIL TO: P.O. Box 2415 Hagerstown, MD 21741
“With inflation spiking the last few years (and the possibility it may get worse before it gets better), do you have any recommendations for us retirees on a fixed income?”
L.S. – Boonsboro, MD
Imagine walking into your local grocery store with a $20 bill. Last year, that might have bought you a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, and a loaf of bread with change to spare. Today, those same items could cost noticeably different amounts and $20 may not cover as much. This everyday experience demonstrates the concept of purchasing power—how much your money can actually buy.
What Shapes Your Money’s Value?
Your purchasing power changes as the economy changes, influenced by various economic factors. Inflation and purchasing power are inversely related— when prices rise, the amount of goods and services you can purchase with the same amount of money decreases. And, conversely, when prices decrease, you can buy more.
Understanding purchasing power isn’t just about watching prices go up and down, however. It’s about learning how economic changes affect both your spending and saving strategies. This helps you make smarter decisions to protect your money’s value in the years to come.
Making Your Savings Work for You
One way to counter inflation and preserve purchasing power is through smart savings choices. Traditional savings accounts offer accessibility, but interest rates can vary widely. High-yield money market accounts, for example, often provide significantly better returns than
standard accounts, while government securities, such as Treasury bills or savings bonds, offer other secure savings options.
For instance:
• If you had $10,000 in a regular savings account earning just 0.1% annually, after five years, you’d earn around $50 in interest.
• By contrast, in a high-yield money mar ket account earning 4% annually, you’d earn about $2,166 in total interest over the same period.
A financial advisor can help you explore savings options that best fit your goals, making it easier to protect your purchasing power over time.
Planning for a Comfortable Retirement
When planning for retirement, understanding purchasing power becomes especially important. A lifestyle that costs $50,000 per year today will likely cost a different amount in the future.
Over a retirement that might last decades, changes in purchasing power could mean that what seems like ample savings now might cover far less in the future. A financial advisor can help you create a retirement strategy that aims to keep pace with rising costs, especially for essentials like health care.
Career Development and Income
Potential
Career growth is another way to help protect your purchasing power. For instance, if you start with a $50,000 annual salary, adding certifications or new skills could
boost that to $75,000 or more—helping your income keep up with rising costs. Continuing education, professional certifications, and skill development allow you to stay competitive and command higher earnings.
Taking Action
Start with these steps to better manage your purchasing power:
• Track Key Prices: Choose your top 10 most-purchased items, track their prices for six months, and adjust your budget as needed.
• Shop Around for Savings: Check savings account interest rates every January to see if higher-yield options could help grow your savings.
• Invest in Your Skills: Identify certifications or training that could boost your earning power and set a timeline for earning them.
• Adjust Your Budget Regularly: Review your monthly budget each quarter to reflect changes in prices and spending patterns.
• Meet with a Financial Advisor: Review your long-term financial strategy on a regular basis to ensure that it keeps pace with changing economic conditions.
Taking small, consistent steps can build up to significant results over time. While you can’t control the economy, you can take control of your financial future by staying informed and proactive.
32 Historic Hagerstown
While our city is on the move forward, we take a pictorial look back at the heyday of Hagerstown, a time when downtown was full of residents shopping, eating, and enjoying the arts.
28 A Secret Garden
Somewhere in town, on a side street behind an ivy-covered fence, sits a beautiful garden, carefully tended and full of color and small wildlife.
FROM THE EDITOR
REMEMBERING OUR DOWNTOWN HERITAGE
WITH SO MUCH ATTENTION BEING PAID TO THE UPWARD DIRECTION OUR CITY IS MOVING AS WE HEAD INTO THE FUTURE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DON’T FORGET OUR PAST. OCCASIONALLY, IT’S NICE TO JUST STOP AND TAKE A MINUTE TO LOOK BACK. WITH THIS ISSUE OF HAGERSTOWN MAGAZINE, THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE DECIDED TO DO.
We’ve gathered glimpses of our past and collected them into a pictorial essay so we don’t forget things like the grand times of the Alexander Hotel; so we remember that the downtown Christmas tree used to be lit right in the middle of the Public Square; or that in the days before malls and big-box stores, downtown was full of quaint shops, inexpensive five-anddime stores, and locally owned mega-department stores that specialized in everything from every day needs to major appliances.
Hagerstown’s impressive history dates to well before the era of photography, but we can only read about that era. Thanks to the archives of Raup Photography, photo editor Mark Youngblood was able to filter through images, mostly from the mid-20th century, to assemble a photo essay about the heyday of downtown Hagerstown.
Most Hagerstown residents these days are too young to remember places like Eyerly’s Department Store, the Keystone Luncheonette, or the Lovely Dame candy shop and ice cream parlor. There were dozens of small businesses that gave downtown character. But most gave way to national retailers. Take a look through our pictorial and see if anything jogs your memory. If you recall an interesting story about the old Hagerstown, shoot me an email. I’m always curious about the past.
As always, we have an interesting glimpse into Hagerstown and Washington County on the following pages with profiles of citizens, businesses, and goings-on. For our home delivery readers, you see we have included our annual agribusiness supplement with this issue. It, too, is full of interesting stories about local people and businesses involved in agriculture. As Washington County becomes a more urban environment, we tend to forget our agricultural roots. Farming remains a huge part of our county. It remains financially significant and embedded in our heritage. As you’ll see by reading this publication farming goes way beyond just raising crops and livestock.
I hope you enjoy both publications.
–JeffThoreson jthoreson@hagerstownmag.com
LONG SILENT, THE CANNONS USED IN THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM STILL STAND AT ATTENTION AS A SPRING SUN rises again over the site of America’s bloodiest day. On September 17, 1862, Sharpsburg became the stage for the harrowing battle, which saw more than 22,000 casualties in that single day. The story is ingrained in the history of Washington County and America as the brutal fight marked by devastating losses on both sides. The Confederates were ultimately forced to retreat, though neither side could claim a decisive victory. The aftermath of Antietam, however, proved a turning point, as President Abraham Lincoln used the Union’s strategic success to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, altering the course of the Civil War and the nation’s future. Today, the stillness of the battlefield serves as a solemn reminder of the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and union.
This is Washington County
Hub City Brewery Debuts a New Concept in the Old Farmers’ Market Building
LONG ANTICIPATED, THE HUB CITY BREWERY IS AT LAST ON tap and pouring local craft brews. After three years of hard work, the brewery opened in the heart of Hagerstown in the old Farmer’s Market Building at 25 West Church Street at the end of 2024.
Founded with the mission of fostering a vibrant craft beer and spirits culture, Hub City Brewery offers beer and cocktail enthusiasts a destination for quality local beer and signature cocktails with spirits from the brewery’s sister company, Church Street Distillery, known for its artisanal approach to spirit-making. The opening of Hub City marks a significant milestone for the brewery, which has spent the last three years transforming the iconic space into a welcoming, community-centered venue.
Owners, Jake and David Blackmon, former owners of Smoketown Brewing Station, are excited to bring this one-of-a-kind concept that features a full bar stocked entirely with craft beer and spirits and featuring cocktails that are made with hand-juiced and hand-made syrups and products. Hub City Brewery reintroduces the former farmer’s market space with new energy and aesthetic while keeping a lot of the original features of the building intact.
“We’ve poured our hearts into this project, and we are beyond thrilled to finally share it with the community,” said Jake Blackmon. “Hub City Brewery is about more than just great beer. It’s about creating a space where people can come together to enjoy local craft beverages and food. We’re also excited to spotlight our sister company, Church Street Distilling, by featuring their craft spirits on our cocktail menu.”
Hub City Brewery is another step in the revival of downtown Hagerstown’s efforts to bring locals and tourists into the heart of Hagerstown regularly. As new residents of Hagerstown, their aim is to
bring something new and exciting into town that complements the array of historic and impactful businesses that highlight Hagerstown.
Diego’s World, a local food truck that offers a variety of delicious cuisines, will also be expanding to have a kitchen inside the taproom to add a great culinary option to the space. The historic Farmers’ Market Building, a staple in Hagerstown for more than a century, has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve its classic charm while offering a modern, inviting atmosphere for guests.
The spacious taproom boasts stunning views of the brewing equipment and plenty of seating for visitors to relax.
Hub City Brewery’s opening is the culmination of a three and a half-year journey to bring this vision to life. It represents a key milestone in Hagerstown’s growing craft beverage scene and provides a new space for locals and visitors alike to discover something special.
Adna “Ad” Fulton Named Chamber’s First Legacy Award Winner
IF HAGERSTOWN HAS A RAGS-TO-RICHES STORY IT WOULD BE
that of Adna “Ad” Fulton. Born in 1937, his father died when he was 2, leaving his mother to raise him by raising chickens and truck farming to try to piece together a living.
From that beginning, Fulton, now 88, grew into one of Hagerstown’s most successful businessmen, and as a result he has been named the Chamber of Washington County’s first Legacy Award winner.
Looking back, Fulton considered himself just an average student but was a youngster ambitious to work and earn money. He bought his first truck at 15 and began working for Don Ardinger in 1956. Ardinger founded AC&T, which began as a home heating fuel delivery company, with Phil Castle and Dutch Tedrick, and Fulton joined them later as a business partner. Eventually, Fulton and Ardinger were the only two owners, until 1986 when Fulton bought Ardinger’s share of the business.
“I wanted to grow. I was pretty ambitious, I guess,” Fulton said in an interview with the Hagerstown Herald-Mail in 2017. “I never really had much. You kind of work night and day and do what you think is best.”
From that point on, Fulton ran the company until he turned responsibility over to his three sons, Brad, Steve and Mark Fulton. They continue to keep the business diversified to ensure that the company remains viable. They are generous to their employees, offering good benefits, as well as educational scholarships for their families.
AC&T offers many different services in the Tri-State area, including heating fuel, propane, convenience stores, portable toilets, mobile
storage, petroleum products, liquid waste handling, transport services, plus heating and cooling.
Fulton has shared his success with the community over the years, supporting organizations such as Saint James School, United Way of Washington County, volunteer fire departments, The Maryland Theatre, Mason-Dixon Council of the Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Washington County Agricultural Education Center, Benevola United Methodist Church, Hagerstown Community College, and Breast Cancer Awareness – Cumberland Valley.
His wife, Barbara Fulton, loved to cook and fine-tuned the beloved home-cooked menu offered at the chain of AC&T convenience stores. Barbara passed away from breast cancer in 2006. AC&T now matches funds raised for Breast Cancer Awareness in her honor.
Fulton has left a resounding positive impact on Washington County throughout his life, and his charitable nature has provided many individuals with opportunities, education, financial support, and assistance during difficult times.
The Chamber of Washington County feels that a Legacy Award is an important addition to their Business Awards program. The award will be given when warranted to recognize individuals who have left a significant impact on Washington County through their career achievements and community service. Legacy Award recipients encompass leadership and an exceptional work ethic and have consistently performed above and beyond normal expectations throughout their career.
Adna “Ad” Fulton (blue shirt) surrounded by sons Brad, Steve, and Mark.
Maryland Rockers Turn It Up to Help Others Recover
WHEN SOME OF MARYLAND’S MOST SUCCESSFUL ROCK ‘N roll musicians gathered for a benefit concert in Hagerstown earlier this year, it wasn’t to celebrate their own sobriety but to help others with theirs.
Guitarists Brian Forsythe (KIX, Rhino Bucket), and Bob Paré (KIX, Ever Rise, Sun Dogs), drummer Shannon Larkin (Wrathchild America, Back Alley Gators, Godsmack) and bassist Brad Divens (KIX, Wrathchild America, Back Alley Gators) performed a two-hour set at the Maryland Theater and raised more than $60,000 for Ladders to Leaders, a Washington County sober-living organization.
Alicia Divens, president of the board of directors of Ladders to Leaders, spearheaded the concert. Her husband reached out to three of his friends. All four have struggled with addiction and all are now sober (Paré and Larkin for eight years, Divens for six and Forsythe for 26 years).
“When I had the idea for the benefit, I thought it was important to have hometown musicians with lived experience to encourage our community to celebrate recovery and to show that change is possible,” Alicia Divens said.
Ladders to Leaders was founded in 2015 with the opening of one men’s sober living home. In 2021, Eva Kelley became the executive director and has since expanded the organization by opening an additional men’s home and adding a woman’s home.
“Eva strengthened the L2L program by offering intensive peer-based case management and access to outside professional resources, while
still providing a safe, sober living environment,” Alicia Divens said. “She has also established a donation collection program in which hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, and food are distributed to the sober living homes and other community organizations.“
The musicians all donated their time and were happy to do so.
“One of the things that brings joy to my life is to help others during their journey with sobriety,” said Paré. “Whenever I feel like
Maryland rock ‘n roll musicians Shannon Larkin (also below), Brian Forsythe, Brad Divens, Bob Paré.
I’m in a rut or just get down on myself, I turn to helping others in need. I’m beyond blessed to be in a position to do so. That has been one key ingredient to the success of my journey. I learned during recovery that it is imperative to surround myself with positive people and positive situations, and that’s not always possible for some.
“Unfortunately, the disease of addiction is far more difficult for some than others. When the opportunity to perform at the Ladders to Leaders benefit concert presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. I got to play music with my friends, raise awareness for our local community, and raise funds for a program that is extremely meaningful to a lot of people in need.”
The theme of the evening was Recover Loudly, and that hit home with the musicians.
“It was a great feeling to support Ladders to Leaders by celebrating sobriety and recovery,” Brad Divens said. “The money raised from this event will make a difference. Everyone’s story is different, and the journey is not easy. No stigma, no shame. Recover Loudly, to keep others from dying quietly.”
– By Charles Jeffries
From Addiction to Achievement
The mission of Ladders to Leaders is dedicated to helping people transition from alcoholism and addiction, with concern to domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and related mental illnesses into productive member of society by offering housing, employment opportunities, intensive peer-based case management, peer support, access to outside professional resources, and a safe environment.
A Growing City; A New Fire Company TIME TRAVELER |
TIME TRAVELER MIKE MAROTTE III TAKES US BACK IN HISTORY WITH THE HAGERSTOWN WESTERN ENTERPRISE FIRE COMPANY NO. 4. As the city was growing during the mid-1860s, a definite need developed for an additional fire company on the west end of the city.Citizens of the area met to start a new fire company that would be known as the Western Enterprise Fire Company No. 4. This fire company was incorporated on September 19, 1872. This company’s first piece of fire apparatus was a hand-drawn pumper nick named “Big Six.” This hand pumper was used originally by Hagerstown’s Independent Junior Fire Company, and then it was given to the newly organized Western Enterprise Fire Company. Here are four different views from the early 1900s of the Western Enterprise Fire Company No. 4.
This postcard view from 1907 looks west into Washington Square, and to the right you’re able to see the recently built firehouse of the Western Enterprise Fire Company No. 4. This firehouse was built in 1906 and was torn down in 1984 so that a new, modern structure could be built for the company.
In this view the fire apparatus driver leads his team of horses out in front of the quarters of the Western Enterprise Fire Company during the early 1900s. If there weren’t any fire alarms during the day, then the horses were exercised around 5 p.m. Eventually these days would pass as the implementation of the new motorized fire apparatus was coming soon.
The Western Enterprise Fire Company’s first quarters were located on Franklin Street in Hagerstown, and then the new fire station was built in 1906 at Washington Square. This fine structure stood until 1984 at which time it was razed for the new structure that was built at the same location. The fire company will celebrate its next anniversary on September 19, 2025.
Considered the “Pride of the West End,” the fire house was built in 1906, and it was a gem of the community. In the foreground is the driver of the horse-drawn fire apparatus leaving its quarters to answer an alarm in 1911.
Unlock Your Body’s Full Potential at Structural Elements® Orthopedic Wellness Clinic
Have you ever seen the words ‘Orthopedic’ and ‘Wellness’ in the same name? Probably not—because we’re redefining what it means to take care of your body. At Structural Elements® Orthopedic Wellness Clinic in Hagerstown, MD, our existence is rooted in being proactive and preventative, helping people perform at their highest level for as long as possible. Instead of waiting for pain or injury to slow you down, we focus on keeping you moving efficiently and pain-free.
The Reality: Movement Is Medicine
Most health conditions develop or worsen when physical activity declines. At Structural Elements®, we combine the best in orthopedic care and whole-body wellness to support longevity in movement. Our philosophy is simple: Your body functions best when everything is aligned and working together. That’s why we offer a truly comprehensive approach, blending cutting-edge medical treatments with holistic wellness services to optimize your performance, recovery, and longevity.
A One-Stop Shop for Human Performance & Recovery
When you step through our doors, you’ll find a curated set of services designed to keep you strong, mobile, and resilient:
• Orthopedic Evaluation & Joint Preservation Injections – Targeted care to maintain joint health and mobility.
• Acupuncture – A time-tested therapy to reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance recovery.
• Physical Therapy & Massage Therapy—Address dysfunction, release tension, and improve movement mechanics.
• IV Therapy & Health Coaching—Fuel your body with nutrients and expert guidance for peak performance.
• Pilates & Yoga—Strengthen and stabilize your body through mindful movement.
Boots–Cutting-edge tools to optimize circulation, cellular repair, and recovery.
Many call us a one-stop shop for health and performance, and that’s entirely by design. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, training for an event, or simply looking to move pain-free, we’ve built the ultimate space to support your journey.
Personalized Wellness with Our Nurse Navigator
Not sure where to start? Our Nurse Navigator is here to guide you! We understand that everyone’s body and goals are unique, so we help tailor a comprehensive program that meets your specific wellness needs. Whether it’s preventative care, performance optimization, or recovery support, we’ll create a plan that keeps you at your best.
Join the Movement
At Structural Elements®, we believe that movement is the key to longevity. We’re dedicated to helping you stay active, strong, and pain-free for years to come. We offer classes, packages, and memberships, making it easy for you to access the care and support you need on a regular basis.
Take control of your health today! Visit us at Structural Elements® Orthopedic Wellness Clinic in Hagerstown, MD, and experience a new way to move, recover, and perform at your best.
Ready to optimize your movement and longevity? Contact us today to learn more about our services, memberships, and personalized wellness programs.
More than a Pizzeria
MAUGANSVILLE HAS A NEW PIZZA PLACE AS GIO’S PIZZERIA HAS opened on Maugans Avenue just west of the I-81 interchange. The restaurant opened for business in December.
Owners Alisha Resendiz and Efren Trejo Resendiz say they are not just operating a pizzeria. They have a mission to give back to the community that supported them through their son Gio’s cancer journey. “Never on this journey of life alone,” is their motto.
Resendiz has been making pizza for more than 20 years. “Naturally, opening a pizzeria of our own was our dream for quite some time,” Alisha Resendiz said. “We not only want to create a legacy for our family, but also for our team that makes it all happen, and for local cancer families in the area.”
The Resendiz family wants to raise awareness about childhood cancer and support families in the area that are dealing with cancer.
Gio’s Pizzeria owners Alisha and Efren Trejo Resendiz with Washington County Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Frey.
Hagerstown Develops Small Business Incentive Program OF NOTE |
Miss Teen Volunteer Washington County
TRINITY LUTTRELL WAS CROWNED MISS WASHINGTON COUNTY TEEN VOLUNTEER 2026, giving her the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Maryland Volunteer. Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer is a preliminary to Miss Teen Volunteer America, a nationwide service-oriented scholarship program that empowers young women through educational scholarships.
“If given the opportunity to serve as the representative of my state, l will spend my year championing my philanthropic S.E.R.V.E. initiative, St.Judes Children’s Hospitals, and the Salvation Army,” Luttrell said.
The state pageant will be held Aug. 1 and 2 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick. The most outstanding and intelligent young women from across the state will be competing for the title of Miss Maryland Volunteer as well as Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer along with the opportunity to represent this organization for the year.
THE CITY OF HAGERSTOWN HAS DEVELOPED AN INCENTIVE program to revitalize vacant storefronts within the designated Main Street District, which is part of the city’s Sustainable Communities Area. The program will lower the barriers preventing entrepreneurs from opening a small business by increasing their chance of success in the early stages of operation and assisting in filling vacant storefronts in the Main Street District of Downtown Hagerstown.
Grants provide up to $50,000 in support for small businesses comprised of business rental assistance (up to six months of business
rental expenses paid directly to the landlord with a commitment from the business to occupy the space for a minimum of one year) and small business improvements (a one-to-one matching grant that may be used for the renovation, to fit-out of an eligible space, purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment, or business marketing and promotion services). Inquiries can be made to the Department of Community & Economic Development at (301) 739-8577 ext. 111 or dced@hagerstownmd.org.
Good, Good, Good Libations
GOOD LIBATIONS, AN INNOVATIVE CONCEPT OF AN ALCOHOL-FREE BOTTLE SHOP PROVIDING A welcoming space for the community, has opened on South Potomac Street downtown. Owner Diane De Laet says Good Libations is the only entirely alcohol-free bottle shop in Western Maryland. The shop provides a broader selection of beverage options for those who have chosen an alcohol-free lifestyle and offers safe space for those in recovery.
“The concept has been growing across the country,” De Laet said. “As our society is becoming more mindful and health-conscious, we felt that this was a very much needed element that was absent from our growing city.”
Good Libations also provides a selection of games and mocktail accessories including mixers, mixology tools, and garnishes. The downtown boutique also has a tasting room and event space for small gatherings. In addition to alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirits, popular beverage items include seltzers, cold brew coffees, and craft sodas are available.
The shop will also host a variety of events, including paintand-sip classes, tastings, and game nights. Good Libations is committed to supporting the community and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
“Whether one is in recovery, sober-curious, chooses an alcohol-free lifestyle, or just wants to consume less alcohol, we have something for everyone,” De Laet said.
The shop is open between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Annual Seventh Grade Career Day to be Held March 10-11
THE ANNUAL SEVENTH GRADE CAREER
Exploration Day connects more than 1,700 seventh graders from Washington County Public Schools with local employers, helping to ignite their interest in various fields and professions. The career event will be held at Hagerstown Community College March 10 and 11.
Students throughout the county were given a survey to identify the specific careers that interest them most. That survey was used to create a diverse list of job titles to identify the type of presenters needed for the event, better allowing organizers to connect students to careers that interest them.
Organizers hope to have 40 or more presenters each day to engage with students about their career, the skills needed, and the necessary coursework and training they should take. Each day will feature two 25-minute classroom presentations during which local employers can present information to the students.
The
House on Jonathan Street will Continue to be Televised
THE DISCOVERY OF the history of this cabin on Jonathan Street triggered a documentary that airs nationally on PBS.
The documentary film The House on Jonathan Street will continue airing nationally until this time next year. The flim’s producer, 3 Roads, has renewed its distribution agreement with PBS. To date, there have been 407 broadcasts of the documentary nationally, including at least one broadcast in 23 of the largest 25 TV cities. Look for it locally on WHUT, the PBS station at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The one-hour documentary uses the accidental discovery of the significant history of a modest dwelling on a traditionally African-American street in Hagerstown to trace the roots of middle America’s racial, economic and social interactions. Through the lens of this house, the rise and fall of the African-American community in small rust-belt towns and cities across America is told. And how its discovery, renovation, and renewal may portend a change in the fortunes of the street and the larger community.
Now Ham-ing it Up in Hagerstown
THE HONEY BAKED HAM COMPANY HAS OPENED A LOCATION at 1580 Wesel Boulevard, the newest branch of the family-owned company’s more than 400 retail location in 40 states.
Founded in 1957 in Detroit by Harry J. Hoenselaar, the Honey Baked Ham company became legendary for using the highest quality smoked ham and special curing and cooking procedure to bring out its signature taste. Featuring a sweet, crunchy glaze and spiral-slicing process, Honey Baked Ham is the easy-to-serve centerpiece and an instant staple at holiday
dinners and celebrations. The company also offers classic roasted turkeys, desserts, and side dishes.
“The quality of our products, the brand awareness, along with the quality of life that a Honey Baked Ham store offers our staff and my family make growing our footprint and operation the right decision to make,” says owner Matt Davis.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-to 6 p.m.
CALENDAR
march to april
March
15
Quad State Beer Fest: ShamRocked!
Washington County Agricultural Education Center
7313 SHARPSBURG PIKE, BOONSBORO
The biggest St. Patrick’s Day party and true beer fest around, ShamRocked has live music by South of Sobriety, Gaelic Mishap, and High Voltage. More than 30 regional breweries and more than 150 craft beers as well as ciders, spirits, and wines. Dozens of vendors, great food, wild games, and more. 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. www.quadstatebeerfest.com.
March
28
Terry Fator: On the Road Again
Maryland Theatre
21 SOUTH POTOMAC STREET, HAGERSTOWN
Terry Fator: On the Road Again is a 90-minute once-in-lifetime experience for anyone who loves comedy, music, and classic variety with a modern twist, all brought to the stage by America’s Got Talent winner Terry Factor. 7 p.m. 301-790-3500 or www.mdtheatre.org.
April 26
Beatlemania Magic (The Beatles Tribute)
The Capitol Theatre
159 S. MAIN ST., CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
BEATLEMANIA MAGIC, a national-touring tribute band to The Beatles, recreates the “magic” behind the craze of “Beatlemania,” encapsulating the early Beatles concerts with identical costumes, equipment, and spot-on harmonies, from songs “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “I’m Down.” By using Vox amps as well as Gretsch, Hofner, and Rickenbacker guitars made famous by The Beatles, their look and musical prowess is uncanny. 7:30 p.m. 717-263-0202 or www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
March 8
Blues/Hard Rock Band - The Cold Stares
Live at Hub City Vinyl
28 EAST BALTIMORE STREET, HAGERSTOWN
For almost 10 years, The Cold Stares had toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the U.S. and Europe with a fierce, blistering live show that belies their bare bones, guitar-and-drums setup. In 2023 the band began embracing a whole new kind of chemistry and launched into their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the classic power trio sound they grew up on with their explosive acclaimed album, “Voices.” 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.liveathubcityvinyl.com.
Natural Woman: A Tribute to Carol King
March 15
Irish Happy Hour 2025
Capitol Theatre
159 SOUTH MAIN STREET, CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
With live music from Across the Pond, this will be a Celtic jamboree you won’t want to miss, featuring delicious Irish foods, Irish drinks, and much more. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 717-263-0202 or www.capitoltheatre.org.
March 20
The Beat Goes On
Luhrs Performing Arts Center
475 LANCASTER DRIVE, SHIPPENSBURG, PA.
Enter the enchanting world of “The Beat Goes On,” an international tribute sensation starring American singer/actress Lisa McClowry as the iconic Goddess of Pop, Cher. This Broadway-style show authentically pays homage to Cher with live vocals, capturing every detail from speaking voice to mannerisms.
7:30 p.m. 717-477-7469 or www.luhrscenter.com.
Culture & Cocktails: 18th Century Crime and Punishment
March 11
Natural Woman: A Tribute to Carol King
Maryland Theatre
21 SOUTH POTOMAC STREET, HAGERSTOWN
Katie Pinder Brown is introducing the music of Carole King to a new generation with her dynamic voice and charismatic presence. Known as a “vocal chameleon,” a “human jukebox,” and a musical “Jill-of-all-trades,” she has garnered many accolades throughout her career, and has performed alongside the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and for American troops overseas. Her one-of-a-kind tribute show features jaw-dropping covers of King’s biggest hits, like “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” “Where You Lead,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and more. 7:30 p.m. 301-790-3500 or www.mdtheatre.org.
March 14
Culture & Cocktails: 18th Century Crime and Punishment
Miller House Museum
135 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, HAGERSTOWN
Matthew Wedd, executive director of the Conococheague Institute in Mercersburg, Pa., takes the audience back in time to explore 18th century crimes and their punishments. This month’s drink is Convict’s Punch, an 18th-century punch featuring dark rum, citrus, and nutmeg. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 301-797-8782 or www.washcohistory.org.
March 22
HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis
Luhrs Performing Arts Center
475 LANCASTER DRIVE, SHIPPENSBURG, PA.
The evening begins with world renowned hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie from “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” to improvise the rest of the show while hypnotized. HYPROV is “hilarious and fascinating” (says Time Out New York) and is “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality,” (The Wall Street Journal).
7:30 p.m. 717-477-7469 or www.luhrscenter.com.
march to april
April 11
Culture & Cocktails: Samuel Ringgold Jr. Washington County’s Forgotten Hero
Miller House Museum 135 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, HAGERSTOWN
Guided by the expertise of Maryland Park Service ranger Rob Ambrose, learn about the network of frontier forts that shaped Fort Frederick. This month’s cocktail is the Cherry Bounce, a favorite drink of George and Martha Washington.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 301-797-8782 or www.washcohistory.org.
April 12
Quad State Brunch Fest
Washington County Agricultural Education Center 7313 SHARPSBURG PIKE, BOONSBORO
The 2025 Quad State Brunch Fest will blow your taste buds away with an amazing variety of brunch foods and drinks. From Bloody Mary’s and mimosas to coffles and cronuts. And look out for bacon overload. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.ifg-events.com/brunchfest.
April 16
Jim Lauderdale & the Game Changers
Live at Hub City Vinyl
28 EAST BALTIMORE STREET, HAGERSTOWN
At any given time, you’re likely to find Jim Lauderdale making music, whether he’s laying down a new track in the studio or working through a spontaneous melody at his home in Nashville. And if he’s not actively crafting new music, he’s certainly thinking about it. Operating under his own label, Sky Crunch Records, for the first time since 2016, Lauderdale recorded “Game Changer” at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville, co-producing the release with Jay Weaver and pulling from songs he’d written over the last several years. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.liveathubcityvinyl.com.
The Beat Goes On
April 24
Josh Turner
Luhrs Performing Arts Center
475 LANCASTER DRIVE, SHIPPENSBURG, PA.
With timeless songs like “Long Black Train” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Josh Turner’s global reach has surpassed 5.8 billion global streams, 6.5 million album sales and almost 12 million track sales worldwide. Turner’s five No. 1 singles include “Your Man,” of which the official music video surpassed 223 million views. Turner’s album Long Black Train celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 and was certified platinum by the RIAA with nearly 1.5 million album sales, 1.3 million track downloads and almost 315 million life-to-date streams. 7:30 p.m. 717-477-7469 www.luhrscenter.com.
April 26
Annual Thurmont Business Expo
Thurmont Event Complex
13716 STRAFFORD DRIVE, THURMONT
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to the Thurmont Business Expo held at the beautiful Thurmont Event Complex. The Thurmont Ambulance Company will be selling its delicious food during the event. The expo is a great event showcasing the Thurmont Business Community’s products, services, and innovations. A fun way to explore your local businesses. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 240-626-9980 www.thurmontmainstreet.com.
Josh Turner
Helping Women in Need
By Crystal Schelle
For more than a century, the Women’s Club in Hagerstown has been helping women from all types of backgrounds
It is fitting that a woman purchased the land at 31 South Potomac Street back in 1837. Susan Hughes paid $288 for the land on the hill overlooking the streets below and built the majestic house a year later. In 1931, the Women’s Club purchased the buildings and, after a restoration, moved into them.
Today, the building still stands on the same land Hughes purchased and for almost 100 years the club has been helping women from all types of backgrounds in Hagerstown. But even a Grand Dame needs a little facelift every century or so.
This year, the building has undergone a few nips and tucks to ensure that the organization can continue offering a haven for women who are in need of a safe space. And the Women’s Club marches on, toward its second century, with its mission to help women.
Women’s Club president Carol Brashears sitting in front of a portrait of club founder Mrs. Emmett Gans.
THE BEGINNING
Women’s Club board president Carol Brashears said during World War I, a group of prominent Hagerstown women formed the Forward Club, which helped with relief projects.
“We actually have a little evidence that they were also suffragists,” she said. “We have a couple of tidbits that really suggested they were part of the movement.”
Those forward-thinking women supported the Women’s Suffrage. The early members even made sure there was language to say they were independent.
“Basically, it says we have been emancipated, and we do not want to be domesticated again,” Brashears said. “Those women were so clever in their wording.”
Formal Club members emphasized that they wanted to help the war efforts and their “Boys in France.”
Following the end of World War I in 1919, a group of women wanted to continue helping others. In 1921, Mrs. Emmett Gans founded what is now known as the Women’s Club and served as its first president.
To become an organization, Brashears said, the women had to go before the all-male chamber of commerce, which told them they had “to acquire the services of a woman who would help them organize, so they got in contact with this lady, Mrs. Marion B. Wilson.”
The club still has the flurry of telegrams asking for her help. “Women’s clubs were a very popular trend at that time throughout the country, so they acquired her services,” Brashears said.
Wilson did assist the women in setting up their organization over a luncheon, which cost $1 each. “I’m tickled to death that we still have all the telegrams,” Brashears said.
The first rosters of the Women’s Club included some of Hagerstown’s most influential women, one of whom was Daisy Derby Whipple, who founded the Humane Society of Washington County in 1921.
Those accepted into the Women’s Club were any woman over 18 years of age “who is in sympathy with the purpose of this organization is eligible for membership,” Brashears quoted from the early charter.
RESTORING A BEAUTY
Significant renovations had to be made to the building before the club officially moved in. Brashears said the women took out a $40,000 loan, which today equals nearly $700,000.
The renovations took between six and eight months. Brashears said that the original home was an L-shaped house, but construction of the area where the stage and dining room are now was added. A commercial kitchen was added and bedrooms were added to the second floor.
The bedrooms were a practical means to an end. “They wanted to rent rooms to women, to have a steady stream of income for the upkeep of the house,” Brashears said.
The Women’s Club was rented to single, childless professional women who often worked in one of the businesses in Hagerstown. Some of the women would catch the trolley to get to and from work. And, Brashears said, they would take their meals at the club. The club even boasted on-site laundry where women could “press their blouses” read one advertisement.
When the Depression hit, the Women’s Club started the Ways and Means Committee. Brashears said the women were divided into 18 groups whose job was to come up with $100 a month to help keep the club going.
“We continued ever since with activities,
events, renting rooms to women,” she said. “And that’s never changed.”
THE FUTURE
As Brashears said, the Women’s Club has continued to help women. Today, the house has 14 bedrooms. Twelve are upstairs, and two are efficiency apartments with shared bathrooms. There are also three shared baths and a communal kitchen.
Four years ago, the Women’s Club entered into what Brashears calls “a relationship” with Brooke’s House, a residential addiction treatment center for women near Downsville Pike. Now, she said, four of the rooms are reserved for those who graduate from Brooke’s House as they transition to sober living.
“We’ve found, as many of the other rooms have opened up, many of the Brooke’s House women have asked to stay here,” Brashears said.
Joyce Siwarski, a board member, said many of the women who rent from them have jobs and have the means to support themselves. The rent is set not on a sliding scale but on what is in the room.
The rent, which is an average of $260 a month, includes utilities, Wi-Fi, kitchen privileges, laundry facilities, and trash removal. And Siwarski said the club also cleans the common areas.
The house on South Potomac Street was originally purchased by Susan Hughes and is now the home of the Women’s Club.
The idea is to make the areas feel comfortable for their renters.
“We want to make them feel welcome,” Brashears said. “We want to make them feel safe and secure.”
THE BUILDING
The Women’s Club building has faithfully served its women, but the group has had to reinvest money to keep it here for another century. Like many older homes, members of the club realized that the building needed work.
Brashears said two years ago they received a grant to replace a handicap-accessible door off the back of the large room with the stage. Then,
she said, they noticed that the walls were bowed requiring a structural engineer.
“They found that the beams supporting the building were compromised and cracked so that we could no longer have a function in here,” she said while sitting in the large room.
The whole area of the building had to be rebuilt, she said, in order for it to be safe and functional. They were in the middle of a big gala, to celebrate the Women’s Club’s 100th anniversary and found themselves without the use of the section of the building.
Brashears said they started renovation in September 2022 and opened again in May 2023. The cost was $515,000.
“We had a number of very generous local businesses who helped us complete this; we would not have been able to complete this restoration and renovation without the help of our business community,” Siwarski said.
It is the women members—around 250 today— whose dedication to the community and their women has kept the Women’s Club relevant today.
“We have an incredible membership,” Siwarski said. “When we ask our membership for anything, people step up.”
WOMEN’S CLUB ADVISORS
Wells Fargo Advisors
Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home
Younger Toyota
Smith Elliot Kearns and Company (SEK)
The Holzapfel Group at Stanley Morgan
Augustoberfest Charitable Foundation
John M. Waltersdorf Family Foundation
Fletcher Foundation, Inc.
CNB Bank
Fridinger and Ritchie Plumbing and Heating
The John R. Hershey Jr. and Anna L. Hershey Family Foundation, Inc
Fulton Family
Blue Ridge Risk Partners
God’s Grace Fund
Gaye McGovern Insurance Agency
Hamilton Family Foundation
R. Bruce Carson Jewelers
Middletown Valley Bank
Ewing Oil, Blackie and Ginny Bowen
Sheehy Hagerstown
Callas Charitable Ttust
Mary K. Bowman Foundation
Alexander Charities
Washington County Gaming Commission
IA Secret Garden
Somewhere in the city, this beautiful garden blooms from spring to fall
Story and photography by
Nick Martin
f you were walking the lane past a tall wooden fence covered in vigorously growing dense ivy and Virginia creeper vines, you probably would not know that on the other side is a beautiful garden, an enchanting space, designed and landscaped with daylilies, wildflowers, and native plants. This is a secret garden. Few neighbors even know it exists.
As late winter ends and the sun awakens, the yellow and purple winter crocus blooms appear as the daffodils push their leaves from the warming ground. The bright yellow daffodil trumpets announce that spring is here. As the earth warms, soon purple lilacs will profusely bloom with their fragrant perfume. Bright red, yellow, and purple tulips will appear through out the garden. These flowers herald the awakening of the earth and the revival of magnificent flower colors parading in a flower garden hidden from view. The secret garden comes alive.
After the tulips bloom, the large round puffy flowers of alliums appear looking like giant purple dandelion puffs. Sweet Williams (Dianthus) with their sweet and spicy scent in a corner near a
A few thoughts for planning your own secret garden
• Before you start, check what USDA zone you are in on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map online. Purchase plants that will grow in that zone.
• Create a garden map. Note where the sun shines and shade locations. Some plants grow only in sun. Some grow in sun and shade. Some grow in shade only.
• Consider planning your garden to be a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. (nwf.org)
• Remember, not all garden plants are pet friendly.
rosebush and peonies with their large showy flowers blossom in intense red and pinks showcase the “mock orange” shrub. The mock orange gets its name because the snowy white flowers are similar to orange blossoms.
Creating an informal cottage garden with balance, contrast and harmony takes planning. In this garden, there are more than 60 different species of eye-catching colorful daylilies that bloom early, mid-season, or late season, filling the yard with captivating hues such as velvety wine, peach, reddish purple, orange-gold, yellow, and vibrant orange. Many of these flowers joyfully model their multiple colors, some petals with ruffled or piecrust edges. Growing among the daylilies, are native plants like Black-eyed Susans and coneflowers (Echinacea). The lush growth rewards the gardener and the visitor. Daylilies multiply each year as most are hardy and prolific growers. Depending on the season, when opening the garden gate, the visitor is greeted by the blossoming pinkish-red flowers of redbud trees or bearded iris. Red, yellow, blue, purple, and deep purple bearded iris fill the garden with their intense color and fruity or spicey fragrances. Iris are one of the showiest flowers in the spring garden.
Tiger lilies with black rosettes on each petal, Asiatic lilies, oriental lilies, Turk’s cap lilies, and tree lilies appear in the gardenscape. Some of the tree lilies are seven feet tall. The blooming of these perennial lilies is followed in the summer calendar with the purple buddleia of the butterfly bush, red and purple Crepe Myrtles, and orange umbrellas of the Milkweed also known as “butterfly weed.” Butterflies, especially Monarchs, are attracted to Milkweed because of its color and nectar. How can a butterfly tell there is “butterfly weed” below when flying in the sky? The secret garden hosts plants with diverse blooms and displays brilliant colors throughout spring and summer seasons. It is almost time for late summer Hostas with two-toned foliage to bloom with white
or purple flowers. After a clear, calm twilight, dozens of fireflies decorate the evening air. The dew drenched morning followed causing plants to sparkle in the rising sun.
A red-tailed hawk was spotted in the redbud tree, eyeing the garden as hummingbirds drank from the bright yellow flowers on the trumpet vines. Goldfinches enjoyed eating the seeds from the “4 o’clock plants.” Bluejays, cardinals, and robins are nested in the trees and bushes. The cottontails left their warren and hopped about in this wildlife habitat. At night, an occasional “house cat size” opossum is seen in the garden. These are just a few of the inhabitants of their hidden paradise, this secret flower garden.
awareness of our environment gives us a sense of our interconnectedness with all living things.
In this flower garden, a habitat for plants, birds, rabbits, squirrels, opossum, and insects (and the occasional garter snake), there are the calming sounds of cascading water falling and a fountain trickling and gurgling. On hurriedly meandering and pollinating the plants prior to the colors of the sunset appearing. You might find a Basenji, after making a sign of relief, lounging, or sleeping in the sun on the red bench by the fountain.
This unique, tranquil garden found in our busy city is where the rush of everyday life stops, and a person can pause to relax and reconnect with nature. In a walk through the secret garden, the feeling of calm and an
The fall garden cleanup includes raking, trimming plants, transplanting perennials, and cleaning then storing garden tools. During late fall and the cold winter months, the gardener revisits the garden map, reads garden and seed catalogs, and plans next spring’s additions and updates.
As the watchful caretaker, the faithful steward fills the bird bath each day during fall and winter in anticipation of the bird’s need for “tipping up.” Although winter strips away the beauty of the garden, the plants and earth need rest. Soon the first signs of spring with longer days and warmer temperatures helps regrow and rejuvenate the plot as the plants come to life.
From November through mid-March, the bird feeder, filled with millet, black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn and safflower seeds, is visited daily by wild birds. Soon after, the garden keeper will cultivate new beds and uncover or renew others.
Although the blossom-filled perennials regrow faithfully each year, which annual plants will flower every year changes. New annual seeds sown in spring, wildflowers planted in fall or spring, and perennial plants transplanted and “new arrivals” from local greenhouses will change the landscape. However, the weather determines the results with the gardener’s help. This delightful, exquisite flower garden is spellbinding and enchanting. So, where is this garden located? That is the secret only its inhabitants know.
Want to see the garden?
If you can keep a secret and want to learn more about the garden, contact secretgardenin hagerstown@proton.me. The garden is open by appointment on Friday mornings in April, May, and June.
As our city continues its progress toward the future with a reinvigorated downtown area, we thought it would be interesting to take a look back to the city’s previous heyday. Some of us still remember places like Everly’s Department Store and some of the West Washington Street shops that were the focal point of downtown. Most are long gone, and the street itself looks quite different, but there are new stores, shops, and restaurants opening and filling the void of the last several decades. Now, as it was then, downtown Hagerstown is attracting residents and tourists to shop, eat, and maybe take in a ball game or a concert. In the new incarnation of downtown, we have parking decks instead of trolley rails, a spanking-new ballpark instead of a rickety old one, and new generations of residents who will bring the city back to its previous glory. Photography editor Mark Youngblood went through the library of Raup Photographic Studios and assembled this look back.
West Washington Street
In the days before shopping malls there were five-and-dime stores like Woolworth’s where folks went to buy inexpensive items (five to 10 cents usually) and maybe grab a burger at the lunch counter; and there were department stores, large, often several-level stores divided into departments where shoppers could buy anything from record albums to living room furniture.
Charles Eyerly and his father, George, started a dry goods store in the late 1880s, and by 1900 George turned everything over to his son who expanded and became the Charles H. Eyerly Department Store. In its heyday, general merchandise manager John S. Bussard said: “Eyerly’s is Hagerstown’s oldest and largest department store. It consistently does the largest dollar volume annually in the Hagerstown area, and that record is possible only because it enjoys the confidence of the local buying public.” Indeed, generations of families shopped
at Eyerly’s, but other local shops like Leiter Brothers, Rand’s Cut Rate, Montgomery Ward, Newberry’s, McCroy’s, and an early People’s Drug Store, drew shoppers downtown as well.
Eyerly sold the store to the owners of the BonTon Department Store and in 1974, when the Valley Mall opened, the institution of Eyerly’s left downtown Hagerstown.
FirSt BUs
The Last Trolley and the First Bus Trollies were a huge aspect of transportation in Western Maryland in the first half of the 20th century. But August 4, 1947, marked the end of trolley service in Washington County. The Hagerstown and Frederick Railway, once an intricate network of tracks throughout Frederick and Washington counties, had dwindled to only the Hagerstown-Williamsport line for passenger service. Buses replaced inner-city streetcars, and the automobile replaced the trolleys that ran between the area’s cities and towns.
The trOllEyLAst
The Elegant Alexander
The invention of the elevator made constructing taller buildings possible, and on St. Valentine’s Day 1929 the 10-story Alexander Hotel opened on the Public Square. A group of Hagerstown businessmen recognized the need for an elegant downtown hotel. Historically, the building attests to the economic strength of Hagerstown in the years before the Depression. Considered a skyscraper in its time, the Alexander was built between 1927 and 1929, an eclectic example of Renaissance Revival influenced architecture.
Celebrities didn’t flock to Hagerstown, but when one showed up (Debbie Reynolds is in the car) they stayed at the Alexander. The hotel, later called the Alexander Inn, closed in 1971. It was renovated in 1978 for residential apartments.
AleXaNDer HOteL
Play Ball!
The early days of Municipal Stadium were barebones for the minor league teams that played there. It was built in just six weeks (hence the plywood outfield wall), opening just in time for the first home game of the Hagerstown Hubs on May 8, 1930. Baseball had been played at Willow Lane Park, but the city needed that land for a new school, so the Field and Athletic Association was charged with finding land and building a new stadium. The association struck a deal with the city to lease the Municipal Stadium site for 99 years for $1 per year. The stadium didn’t quite last for those 99 years. It was razed after 92 years in 2022 to make room for the recreation facility named the Hagerstown Field House. While Municipal Stadium was in use it went through several renovations and by the time the last minor league game was played there in 2020, it had become a historic minor league ballpark. Negro league games were played there, Willie Mays played his first professional game there. George H.W. Bush attended a Hagerstown Suns game there in 1990 and was the first sitting president to attend a minor league baseball game, and by the time the Suns disbanded, Municipal Stadium was one of the three oldest Minor League ballparks in the county.
The Holidays in Hagerstown
From the 1930s to the ‘60s, the holidays were a magical time downtown. The tradition of trimming a 40-foot Christmas tree in the Public Square was one of Hagerstown’s greatest annual events. It still is, although the tree no longer stands in the intersection of Washington and Potomac streets. In these images it’s easy to see how the tree was the centerpiece of the city’s holiday season.
HenrY’s ThEatEr
Historic Henry’s Theater
A focal point of downtown for more than 70 years, the Palace Theatre opened in 1908 as a nickelodeon (it cost a nickel to see a film). Apparently, the original owners ran into financial problems and the Elks Club No. 378 ran the theater for a time in the 1920s. In the early 1930s Henry Weinberg of Frederick took over, hence the name Henry’s Theater. Weinberg and his sister Clara Wachter operated the theater until 1948 when it was purchased by John Miller Sr., who ran the theater until it closed on December 5, 1979. The last film shown in Henry’s was “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring Chaim Topol but over the years most of Hollywood’s biggest films made it to Hagerstown residents via Henry’s. The building is now the Barabara Ingram School for the Arts.
AUtO mOBiLeS
The Automobile Takes Over
The early days of color photography were also the early days of Massey Ford on East Baltimore Street. Jerry Massey started the business in the early 1960s and sold the dealership later that decade. Today it lives on as Hagerstown Ford on Massey Boulevard and Massey’s original building is now Hub City
Vinyl. In the black-and-white days, Sharrett Motors was a primary Ford dealer in town. Long gone now is Yingling’s Auto Works on Frederick Street, which specialized in repairing Pontiacs and always had several for sale on the small lot. The building remains standing on the north end of Frederick Street.
Before the Big-Boxes
In the days before big-box hardware stores smaller shops like Mays’ Hardware serviced Hagerstown residents and their do-it-yourself needs. At 1583 Potomac Avenue (where the Dollar General is now) you could get nuts and bolts, lawn and gardening supplies, lumber and tools to shape it into something. Like many small-town hardware stores that no longer exist, Mays was a place where you could get friendly advice or just hang out with other DIYers. Downtown was filled with such small businesses, like Nowell Electric, Kohler’s Jewelry, Thom McAn Shoes, Semler’s Sporting Goods, and the Lovely Dame, a candy store and ice cream parlor. And while you were downtown you could get a hearty meal at places like the Keystone Luncheonette, George’s Restaurant, or the Savoy Restaurant.
Paramedical tattoos also known as paramedical pigmentation or micropigmentation is a specialized field of tattooing that helps restore a person’s natural appearance after a medical condition, procedure, or even an accident. The tattoo artist needs not just a full knowledge of tattooing but also a deep understanding of medical conditions to help their clients gain confidence and healing on their medical journeys.
Natalie Dziadon of Pigments by Natalie has that deep knowledge and understanding and has been helping her clients heal through her work in paramedical pigmentation.
Dziadon started tattooing in 2017 by microblading to create the appearance of hair and eyebrows for permanent makeup. From there she’s been on a journey that’s lead her to become American Academy of Micropigmenation Gold Board Certified.
“I fell in love with my work and continued my permanent makeup trainings until I found paramedical tattoo. I never knew how much I
could love my work and how rewarding giving the gift of enhancing what people already have could be,” Dziadon says.
Today Dziadon offers 3D areola tattoos to restore a natural look after a mastectomy; eyebrows that replicate hair with shading; 3D naval; scar concealment; stretch and burn mark camouflage; alopecia shading; scar and tattoo removal; and hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
For Dziadon, the procedures she provides go well beyond the physical.
“It’s my goal to help people increase their confidence and possibly restore self-dignity,” Dziadon says.
Her clients agree.
Nearly two years after losing her eyebrows to cancer treatments, Teresa Rodriguez trusted Dziadon to give her a paramedical tattoo to create brows.
“I have so much more confidence. It is huge,” Rodriguez says of her paramedical pigmentation. “I wish I had known about Natalie and paramedical
tattooing earlier. Now I show off my brows to everyone and recommend anyone who has thin or no brows to get them down and stop hiding behind bangs and worrying about them. I just feel so much better.”
The way her clients feel after their procedures makes Dziadon’s job so much more than just tattooing.
“The most rewarding part of paramedical pigmentation is to be part of someone’s healing journey. I have listened to so many women tell me how much their bodies have had to endure just to be where they are today and exist. It really has taught me how valuable time is, a reminder to make people and self-care a priority and not a convenience,” Dziadon adds.
While taking an oral chemotherapy pill, Patty Detman’s hair thinned considerably, including her eyebrows. When she saw what Dziadon could do through a consolation appointment that included options for shape and colors that would compliment her skin tone along with a discussion of the technique that would be used, she was thrilled. And her experience with paramedical tattooing kept her that way.
“Natalie is very conscientious about sterile technique which is important when doing any procedure that could potentially be a site for infection. Women who are compromised due to medications or treatments may worry about how safe the procedure is. Due to her preappointment directions and post-appointment follow-ups, she stays on top of her clients’ wellbeing. Having someone personally take the time to text or call to see how you are doing is invaluable. She took time with me during the entire procedure and I felt safe and cared for,” Detman says of her experience.
Unlike the permanent ink used in a traditional American tattoo, the ink used in a paramedical tattoo is usually oil based. This means that as a face or skin changes with age, the tattoo can be adjusted to match, allowing the paramedical pigmentation to age right along with their owners.
Some paramedical tattooing is even covered by insurance such as 3D areolas for breast cancer patients and scar camouflage necessitated by a medically required procedure.
“Cumberland Valley Breast Cancer Alliance now has a fund set up to help cover some costs for ladies who want restorative care that is not covered by insurance,” Dziadon adds.
Currently, Dziadon offers on-site consults, works events, and can be found at Illustrative Ink Tattoo Parlor in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. A mobile clinic is also being considered for paramedical tattooing by Cumberland Valley Breast Cancer Alliance. But Dziadon is also easy to reach through her business website, Pigments by Natalie.
At the end of the day, Dziadon’s work is making a big difference in the lives of her clients who have already overcome so much.
“I am blessed beyond measure to have had the courage to do something wonderful for myself,” Detman says.
Rodriguez adds, “Cancer is ugly, but Natalie made me feel pretty again.”
Raising the Bar of the Pub
By April Bartel
Benny’s Pub Celebrates 18 years of music, food, and camaraderie that gives it a true Irish pub feel
Strip malls are usually bastions of grocery and discount stores, maybe with a hair salon or laundromat thrown in. Occasionally, they are home to local restaurants putting their own spin on great food and community spirit. That’s the case with Benny’s Pub at 49 Eastern Boulevard North in Hagerstown.
The place has been an institution at the Centre at Antietam Creek since 2007. With its commitment to live music and hearty, homestyle food made from fresh ingredients, Benny’s epitomizes the pub atmosphere—it’s a community gathering place where music lovers, hungry folks, friends, and families come together for a welcoming and lively experience.
As Benny’s Pub celebrates its 18th anniversary this April, it’s the perfect time to explore
One of the main dining rooms at Benny’s Pub.
what makes this establishment such an integral part of Hagerstown’s vibrant dining landscape.
Owner Bill Skomski’s journey from printer to successful pub owner started with a passion for home brewing. He channeled his love for craft beer into a thriving business when he took over a 57-seat watering hole called Hagerstown Bar and Grill, rechristening it Benny’s Pub. Even as a second career, Skomski didn’t rest on his laurels.
“In 2010, we expanded to 120 seats and in 2011, we went to 190,” he said. He got the license to open Antietam Brewery onsite in 2012, introducing its first products in 2013. “We’ve expanded probably a dozen times.”
The pub’s layout features four distinct areas. There are two dining rooms, a lively
bar, and a gathering spot known as Rockin’ Billy’s Underground that is equipped with pool tables and dart boards. It’s a versatile venue for parties and special events like holidays, birthdays, or wedding parties. Skomski laughs, “We’ve even hosted divorce parties.”
Though the brewery is now an independent business at 140 Western Maryland Parkway, Benny’s continues to offer its craft brews, maintaining a strong connection to the beer culture that originally inspired Skomski’s vision.
Music is a big part of the Benny’s Pub experience. Talented local musicians entertain on Friday and Saturday nights, usually before a packed house. Its strong support of regional music makes it a go-to destination for both performing artists and audiences. Folks can
call ahead for limited reservations on music nights, but most of the seating is first-come, first-served.
In-the-know regulars will start filtering in to grab a bite and a brew in the late afternoon, staking their claim on a spot. Shows start at 7 p.m. Thursday Karaoke nights allow patrons to take center stage, while special events, like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, get the space jumping, too. There’s also a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring Budweiser products, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind.
Beyond music, Benny’s is celebrated for its homestyle menu, loaded with inventively named dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Skomski says he tested plenty of specials over the years.
“We tried to change the menu, adding some higher end food. It just didn’t work for
The Irish burger at Benny’s Pub is a half-pound burger layered with bacon and topped with a fried egg.
my clientele,” he said. So, he reverted to the classics: ribs, shrimp, sandwiches, burgers, and wings. “We are not doing fancy stuff. It is pub food, tasty and kind of fun.”
Comfort food is a staple at Benny’s, with dishes like open-faced hot roast beef sandwiches that harken back to grandma’s cooking. The dish comes with a substantial portion of tender, slow-roasted beef and a side of crispy fries, both swimming in savory brown gravy. True to its roots, pub guests can start with the Mac Cheese Bites or the Cheesy Crab Pretzels, followed by a serving of homemade soup and a Buffalo Chicken Wrap or dig into a half-rack of zippy chipotle-rubbed ribs. The menu includes salads and build-your-own pizzas, too.
The kitchen proudly uses Holzinger’s Meat Market as a provider, ensuring fresh ground beef for every made-to-order burger. House favorites include the indulgent Chesapeake Burger, which pairs a succulent crab cake with a juicy beef patty, and the Fat Bastard sandwich, which is a sweet combination of sliced ham and lump crab meat. The popular Irish Burger is stacked with ribbons of bacon and a rich fried egg, served with a side of potato chips. Adults can pair it with an Irish Trash Can drink (gin, rum, Triple Sec, peach schnapps, Blue Curacao and an inverted can of Red Bull).
Skomski is partial to Benny’s Reuben sandwich, but he loves the wings. Wednesdays are wing night. Every Tuesday, patrons can indulge in a surf-and-turf meal featuring fall-off-the-bone ribs and perfectly cooked shrimp. There are fish fry Fridays and lunch specials, too.
For St. Patrick’s Day there will be Irish classics, like the ubiquitous corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Benny’s version of Irish stew made with Antietam Brewery’s malty milk stout in place of Guinness. Dinner specials run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are dine-in only.
Family and community are big here, too. The place is named for Skomski’s son, Benny, who died of cancer at just 6 years old. His picture and a plaque grace the front dining
A Maryland classic, fries covered in melted cheese and topped with crab meat.
room, a constant reminder of life’s fragile beauty. Skomski’s voice catches while talking about his boy.
“That is why I tell people to count their blessings. I tell people that we tend to be successful because we have an angel looking over us,” he said.
He’s also exceedingly proud of the pub’s tight-knit crew, many of whom have “been with me for a really long time.” In an industry known for high turnover, he counts a fistful of cooks, bartenders, and servers with 13-, 15-, and 18-year tenures. He’s especially grateful to Stacy Gatrell, his “partner in life,” who is now the events coordinator at Antietam Brewery.
“I am lucky,” he insists. “I am thankful for all their hard work and dedication to serving the business, the customers, and the community.”
At nearly two decades, it’s clear to see why the place remains a staple in Hagerstown. Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty
meal, enjoying a craft beer, or singing along to your favorite song, Benny’s Pub raises the bar on hospitality.
Benny’s oven-roasted beef served as an open-face sandwich with fries smothered in gravy.
Rockin’ Billy’s Underground gives Benny’s a true pub feel with pool tables and dart boards.
The Tastiest Treasure Hunt
By April and Andrew Bartel
Something different in food shopping, the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market offers local residents value and variety
Founded in 1946 by Jim Read in California, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is a relative newcomer to the East Coast. Described as an “extreme value grocery retailer” on a mission to “WOW” budget-conscious customers, the company is rapidly expanding. While most of its more than 500 outlets are on the West Coast, the brand is making inroads in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland—thanks to a network of independent owner-operators who bring a personal touch to each location. These local entrepreneurs make their own business decisions, from ordering merchandise and organizing shelves to hiring staff and managing daily operations.
Gerald and Evelyn Eldred in their Grocery Outlet Bargain Market.
Hagerstown residents Gerald and Evelyn Eldred opened Maryland’s first Grocery Outlet store in June 2022 at 1713 Massey Boulevard. As CEO and CFO, respectively, of G&E Grocery LLC, they are both deeply involved in the business. Their photo welcomes customers at the entrance, but it’s just as common to find Evelyn straightening shelves or Gerald bagging groceries.
They even mentor aspiring owners in training, ensuring the next generation of operators is well-prepared. They describe their 13 employees as “extended family” and proudly note that all but two of their original hires are still with them.
Evelyn first discovered Grocery Outlet as a shopper. “I shopped there when we lived in San Diego and loved the prices,” she said. When COVID-related shutdowns forced the couple to change careers, they learned about opportunities to join the company. After more than a year of background checks, interviews, and training, they earned their store keys. They chose Hagerstown for its proximity to family and quality of life.
How does Grocery Outlet Bargain Market keep prices so low? According to company literature, “Grocery Outlet buyers are experts at purchasing products opportunistically—items outside the normal retail channel.” This could mean acquiring product overruns, taking advantage of packaging changes, or securing seasonal specialties at discounted prices.
“Our suppliers offer us great prices on surplus inventory, and we pass those savings along to our customers,” Gerald said.
He estimates that shoppers save an average of 40 percent on name-brand products. Evelyn underscores the point, gesturing toward signs comparing Grocery Outlet’s prices to conventional stores. The Hagerstown store stocks approximately 5,000 items, including 500 in the NOSH category (Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Healthy). On any given visit, customers might discover unique delicacies like vegan “caviar,” dried watermelon, Ramune marble-necked sodas, Korean battered seaweed snacks, and premium frozen dinners from celebrity chefs.
Of course, Grocery Outlet carries staples like milk, eggs, fresh meat, prepackaged deli items, seafood, and produce—competitively priced against larger grocery chains. But the real excitement lies in the “treasure hunt.” The steepest
discounts are often on limited-time products, meaning that if you spot a favorite item, it’s best to stock up—it may be gone tomorrow.
“You need to walk up and down the aisles because you never know what you might find,” Gerald advises.
On a recent visit, we uncovered Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Crème popcorn—two 2.25-ounce bags for just 48 cents (and immediately regretted not grabbing more). Craving plant-based burgers or Irish sharp cheddar? How about pumpkin spice cereal in winter, gluten-free crackers, or sweet aloe marmalade?
You have to look—that’s part of the fun. Our haul included stacks of Pringles ($1.49), vanilla almond milk ($0.99), and name-brand frozen breakfast sandwiches ($2.99 for a pack of four). Shoppers can also browse deals and create grocery lists using the Grocery Outlet app.
Unlike traditional supermarkets,
Above: Gerald Eldred in the NOSH (natural, organic, specialty, and healthy) section of the store.
Below: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market owner Gerald Eldred works with Rodney Morrison.
Above: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market owner Evelyn Eldred inspects produce with Rhonda Marks. Below: Gerald Eldred and Eathan Mellott take inventory in the deli department.
Grocery Outlet doesn’t keep excess inventory in storage. “As soon as we get things, they go straight to the shelves,” Gerald said.
Beyond their store, the Eldreds are active members of the Hagerstown community. They serve on the Salvation Army advisory board, distribute food through local churches, and volunteer at school fundraisers. Meanwhile, Grocery Outlet’s corporate initiatives have raised more than $25 million since 2011 for its Independence from Hunger food drive.
As they approach their third business anniversary, the Eldreds have truly found their “X” on the map. With growing local connections and more shoppers discovering the store, the future looks bright.
Gerald grins as he shares his best shopping tip: “Shop us first so you don’t miss a deal. Then stop back often.”
DINING GUIDE
28 SOUTH
28 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 240.347.4932
Locally sourced contemporary American fare. $–$$$
ALEKOS 2 GO
511 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, 240.313.4976
Freshly prepared and cooked Greek food made daily. $
AMERICAN PIE PIZZERIA
17520 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, 301.582.6281
Family run business that serves not only pizza but several authentic Italian dishes as well. $$
BENNY’S PUB
49 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, 301.791.5915
Relaxed venue serving specialty burgers and other pub grub, plus bespoke beers in convivial surrounds. $–$$
BISTRO 11
13208 Fountain Head Plaza, Hagerstown, 301.733.2222
Relaxed and refined cuisine. Full menu of specialties, steaks, and seafood. $$–$$$
BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE
17318 Valley Mall Road, Suite C, Hagerstown, 240.513.4040
Handcrafted beer, Chicago-style pizza with a Southern California twist, and Pizookies. $$-$$$
BLACK ROCK BAR & GRILL
17301 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown, 240.850.3365
An award-winning steakhouse specializing in Certified Angus Beef steaks served and cooked to perfection by you on a 755-degree volcanic sizzling rock. $$-$$$
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered with a wide selection of sandwiches and entrees. $–$$
THE BROAD AXE
28 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown, 301.733.8454
Daily specials featuring top-notch pub fare and a quickly rotating tap list. $–$$
BROTHER’S PIZZA
75 Eastern Blvd. N., Hagerstown, 240.625.9215
Fresh, fast, and affordable pizza, sandwiches, and Italian classics. $–$$
BULLS & BEARS
38 S. Potomac St., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.791.0370
American cuisine in a New York style atmosphere. $$–$$$
CACIQUE
1101 Opal Court, Hagerstown, 301.739.7207
Fresh, creative, and classic Mexican, Spanish, and Latin American cuisine. $$
CAFÉ DEL SOL
1481 Salem Ave., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.739.3072
Gourmet pizza, flatbreads, and pasta with a California twist. $$–$$$
CAFÉ ITALIA
935 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.420.6677
Classic Italian dishes, and they offer one of the biggest pizzas in town. $–$$
CHIC’S SEAFOOD
300 Summit Ave., Hagerstown, 301.739.8220
Daily specials featuring some of the freshest seafood around. $–$$$
COLONIAL SPORTS BAR AND GRILL
14130 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.203.6206
The best game-day food at the best prices around. $–$$
THE DOG HOUSE CAFÉ
53 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 240.850.2883
Family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in dozens of unique hot dog creations, great fries, and more. $
DISTRICT PROVISION & SUPPLY CO.
6 Rochester Place, Hagerstown, 301.791.1717
Open for breakfast and lunch, featuring gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups. $
DOLCE PIZZA GOURMET
792 Frederick St., Hagerstown, 301.745.6300
Italian flavors complemented by Eastern European dishes. $–$$
EL CASTELLO PIZZERIA & TEX MEX
15616 National Pike, Hagerstown, 301.582.4727
Pizza, salads, lunch specials, and a spicy array of Tex Mex. $–$$
EL RANCHERO MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
1481 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown, 240.420.2842
1715 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.797.7589
Fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine using the highest-quality ingredients available. $$
FAJITA GRANDE MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
12818 Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown, 240.707.6333
Where the fiesta never ends. $
FOSTER’S ON THE POINT
1437 Salem Ave., Hagerstown, 301.739.7182
Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a rotating list of entrées and specials offered in an inviting rustic atmosphere. $$–$$$
FRATELLI PIZZERIA AND GRILL
120 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, 301.393.8733
Italian specialties like pasta, pizza, in addition to Mexican options. $–$$
FREE RANGE CAFÉ
520 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, 240.513.6070
Food that makes you feel good! $-$$
FUJI ASIAN FOOD & SUSHI BAR
11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Suite 205, Hagerstown, 301.393.9099
Authentic traditional Chinese cuisine options and sushi. $–$$
GREENLEE’S FIRESIDE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1716 Underpass Way, Hagerstown, 301.733.4800
A full menu of steaks, seafood, and other American specialties. $$–$$$
THE GRILLE AT RUNWAYS
18421 Henson Blvd., Hagerstown, 240.707.6996
Traditional American dining with a quiet and relaxing view of the airstrip. $–$$
HAGERSTOWN FAMILY DINER
431 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 240.707.6330
Great hidden gem of Hagerstown. $
HOFFMAN’S ALL AMERICAN GRILL
18203 Mason Dixon Road, Hagerstown, 240.707.6600
Casual dining at its finest featuring burgers, steaks, salads, and seafood. $$–$$$
HONG KONG CHINESE RESTAURANT
1075 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, 301.733.1292
Veteran eatery serving familiar Chinese dishes in an informal setting. $$
HOUSE OF KOBE
757 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.797.6979
Fine dining featuring sushi and hibachi cooking right in front of you. $$–$$$
HUB CITY DINER
190 Railway Ln., Hagerstown, 240.707.6638
Comfort food served hot and fresh in a family friendly atmosphere. $
HUMMUS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
11205 John F. Kennedy Dr., Unit 108A, Hagerstown, 240.513.6020
A blend of authentic Mediterranean recipes with modern flavors. $–$$
J’S DINER
43 Eastern Blvd N, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301.745.3091
Innovative breakfast destination for those in search of an unpretentious place to begin the day. Everything they offer is made from scratch, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. $$
LEDO PIZZA
1423 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, 301.766.4900
Creative flavor combinations and lots of sandwich and gluten-free options. $–$$
LOS AMIGOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
29 N. Burhans Blvd, Hagerstown, 240.420.8000
18330 Spark Dr., Hagerstown, 240.707.6250
The finest authentic Mexican food prepared just the way you like it. $
LOTUS MOON CAFÉ
16 Conococheague St., Williamsport, 240.366.1335 Unique sandwich and salad creations to please any taste. $-$$
MANGO GRILL INDIAN & THAI CUISINE
11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Suite 201, Hagerstown, 240.707.6220 Experience the flavors of India and Thailand with daily lunch buffet deals. $$
Dine in and carry out Vietnamese cuisine. Small venue but the portions are authentic and large. $
POKÉ & SUSHI
11347 Robinwood Dr. Hagerstown, 301.393.8833
Refreshing Asian alternative. Choose your own ingredients for soups, Poké, rice bowls and sushi. Boba (bubble) tea. $$.
PRETZEL & PIZZA CREATIONS
20 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, 301.733.7795
Calzones, sandwiches, hot dogs, and of course pizza featuring pretzel dough as the star. $–$$
PRIMANTI BROS.
17301 Valley Mall, Hagerstown, 301.228.0933
High-piled sandwiches equipped to quell the heartiest of hungers. $
PURA VIDA COFFEE
14035 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, 240.707.6540
Costa Rican inspired coffee shop/restaurant featuring craft coffees/teas, onsite baked goods, breakfasts, and lunches. $
RAD PIES
10210 Governor Lane Blvd., Williamsport, 240.366.8634
Unique, wood-fired pizza options for the adventurous. $$
REAL DEAL JAMAICAN RESTAURANT
71 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown, 240.513.6393
A concise menu of classic Jamaican comfort foods & soft drinks amid casual digs. $
RHUBARB HOUSE
12 Public Square, Hagerstown, 301.733.4399
Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and soups with a unique touch. $–$$
RICE THAI DINING
40 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 301.766.9559
A taste of authentic Thailand, without needing a passport $$-$$$
RIK’S CAFE
1065 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown, 301.302.7541
California-inspired contemporary American cuisine featuring sandwiches, hearty soups, small plates, and salads. $$–$$$
ROCKY’S NEW YORK PIZZA
907 S. Potomac St., Suite 1, Hagerstown, 301.791.6810
Great pizza in addition to other classic Italian fare. $–$$
ROCKY’S PIZZA ROBINWOOD
11351 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, 301.790.3853
Delicious Italian cuisine at an affordable price $-$$
ROOSTER MOON COFFEEHOUSE
Longmeadow Shopping Center, 1551 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown, 301.790.5040
Fine coffee, espresso drinks, organic teas, with a full breakfast and lunch menu. $
SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
102 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 301.393.8680
Part Japanese steakhouse, part sushi bar, featuring hibachi dining. $$–$$$
SARDI’S POLLO A LA BRASA
100 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 240.382.1214
Casual Peruvian chain serving charbroiled chicken, ceviche, and other traditional dishes. $–$$$
SCHMANKERL STUBE
58 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, 301.797.3354
Old World-style Bavarian dining with an emphasis on German traditions. $$$
SCHULA’S GRILL AND CRAB HOUSE
11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown, 301.714.1397
Seafood and sandwiches are served in a casual setting with polished wood tables and a bar. $$–$$$
SILK THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR
1580 Wesel Blvd. K, Hagerstown, 240.267.2142
Spreading good vibes of Thai culture by introducing the wonderful food and scenery of the land of smiles. $$–$$$
SITAR OF INDIA
110 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 301.733.8223
A contemporary atmosphere that complements their traditional Northern Indian specialties. $-$$
STADIUM TAVERN
401 S. Cannon Ave., Hagerstown, 301.714.0849
Crabs and steam buckets, shrimp, and oysters, and don’t forget the wings. $–$$
TACOS CARLITOS
Food Court, Valley Mall, Hagerstown, 240.452.1888
100% authentic genuine Mexican food – the best in town! Daily specials and delivery available. $
TASTE OF REGGAE
40 E Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, 240.513.1101
Authentic Jamaican restaurant specializing in made-to-order Caribbean and Jamaican food. Packed with flavor and cooked the way it is done in Jamaica. $$
TAQUERIA JALISCO AUTHENTIC MEXICAN GRILL
1037 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown, 301.797.2000
Authentic Mexican cuisine with the experience of being in Mexico. $
THE CRAB 99
116 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 240.452.1937
Tasty seafood dishes with a wide range of flavors. Make your own seafood combinations. $$
SENIOR LIVING CALENDAR
Every Wednesday
OF EVENTS
CONTEMPORARY RETIREMENT
9:06 a.m. to 10 a.m., WJEJ Radio
Tune in for topical discussions on issues affecting retirees.
Wednesdays, March 5, and April 2
NEW TO MEDICARE WORKSHOP
1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 6 p.m to 8 p.m. 535 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown
Hosted by the Washington County Commission on Aging. To register call 301.790.0275.
Tuesdays, March 4, and April 1
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Somerford Place
Hosted by Somerford Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care. For more information, call 301.791.9221.
Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 and April 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
HEALTH MATTERS RADIO SHOW
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., WJEJ radio (1240 am)
Tune in for information on health topics that matter. Call 301.739.2323 during broadcast times with your health questions.
Thursdays, March 6, and April 3
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., Western Sizzlin Steakhouse, 17567 York Road, Hagerstown
Parkinson’s Disease patients and caregivers meet to hear a variety of speakers and enjoy lunch and conversation. Call Judy Fiery at 301.797.7373 or visit www.hagerstownparkinsonsupport.org.
Mondays, March 3, and April 7
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
2 p.m. to 3 p.m., LIFE Lutheran Services, 840 Fifth Ave., Chambersburg, Pa.
Covers a new topic each week. Free; light refreshments served. Call 717.709.2342.
Mondays, March 10, and April 14
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
7 p.m., Breast Cancer Awareness — Cumberland Valley, 12916 Conamar Dr., Suite 201, Hagerstown Call 301.791.5843 or visit www.bcacv.org.
Mondays, March 17, and April 21 SPINAL CORD INJURY SUPPORT
3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 201
Education and support for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury and are now adjusting to their disabilities. Call 301.714.4070.
Tuesdays, March 18, and April 20 SMART SENIORS
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Diakon Senior Living— Robinwood Campus
Educational forum about topics of interest to older adults; sit-down meal served. $9. For reservations, call 240.420.4119.
Tuesdays, March 18, and April 22
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA
6 p.m., Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 129
Open to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, MDS or myeloma. Call 301.665.4650.
Family and friends of those suffering from dementia are invited to network with others who are experiencing similar situations in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Call 301.733.3353.
Lunch and educational seminar for people ages 55 and UP. $13. Call 301.790.8907.
GROW IT ALL
WHEN TO PRUNE (OR NOT)
Spring is approaching and the garden is waking up, beckoning us outdoors and stirring our senses. Grab the pruners and head outside, since March is an ideal time to prune. Don’t worry, pruning is quite invigorating to plants, encouraging growth and demarcating plant shape.
The number one plants to prune are shrubs. But what do you actually do?
Most non-flowering shrubs (along with trees, perennials, and ornamental grasses) are pruned now, before leaves emerge. Healthy young shrubs may only need a ‘haircut’ trim. Others may merely require dead, crossing, or wayward branches cut out.
Problems arise because shrubs grow–and mature size wasn’t anticipated. Those small green shrubs planted under a window when you moved in, for example, may now be five-foot-tall behemoths blocking the view.
Follow the safe pruning “1/3 rule” to reduce height: evenly cut out 1/3 of the total tip branches back to an interior bud – or – (preferably), remove 1/3 of the largest branches, cutting back to the base of the plant. This opens the canopy, triggering new growth.
Old overgrown shrubs need the three-year plan: Each year (over three years total), prune back 1/3 of the largest stems to ground level, reducing the rest 50 percent in length. It seems brutal, but results in a renewed, healthy plant.
Certain overgrown plants can be quickly yet drastically renewed (specifically holly, butterflybush, dappled willow, spirea, smokebush, red/yellow-twig dogwood, shrub roses) by cutting all stems back to six to 12 inches from the ground simultaneously.
By Deborah Smith Fiola
Flowering shrubs, however, are pruning nonconformists, with rules that can cause brain fatigue. Instead of complicated decrees, simply remember: ‘PRUNE AFTER FLOWERING.’ This means wait until the flowers drop before pruning, no matter what time of year they bloom. For example, azaleas are pruned in May or June, not now. Why? Pruning now would cut off all the flower buds, resulting in no bloom. Accordingly, wait until flowers drop and prune within three weeks. This dictate applies to any spring blooming plant: forsythia, lilac, mockorange, redbud, rhododendron, viburnum, weigela, etc.
Flowering plants that bloom in summer or fall are pruned now. These bloom on new growth (“new wood”), so pruning in late winter stimulates new growth for more flowers. Yes, they can be pruned in the fall but waiting until now prevents potential winter injury. Butterflybush, cotoneaster, crepe myrtle, hibiscus, potentilla, pyracantha, roses (except climbers), smokebush, and wisteria are pruning fair game now.
Note: Some plants, like spirea and hydrangea, include varieties that bloom in spring and others that bloom in summer. Simply ‘PRUNE AFTER FLOWERING.’ Google your plant cultivar for precise timing.
While outdoors, consider locating a large shade tree on the south or southwest side of the house (approximately 20 to 30 feet from the house) to protect your house from the heat of the late afternoon summer sun. If you have room, plant three shade trees. Another energy consideration is to plant two or three evergreen trees on the NW corner, in order to block the winter winds.
Remember to loosen up old mulch before applying more; only two or three inches is needed, spread to the outer branch edge. Do not over-mulch and do not mound mulch up tree trunks (since “mulch volcanoes” can gradually kill trees).
Deborah Smith Fiola is a professional horticultural consultant who lives in Keedysville. A former university professor/Extension agent, she has a B.S. in horticulture and an M.S. in entomology/pest management (from the University of Maryland). Email your questions to: landscapeipm@gmail.com.
I’m in the process of cleaning out my basement, which has been quite amazing.
Five years ago, my husband and I were traveling full-time living out of a truck. Everything we owned would have fit in a single room in my house without needing to be stacked. Now all the stuff I want to throw away would fill a single room of my house, wall to wall, stacked to the ceiling.
I’m not really a stuff person. My father passed away over a decade ago and everything I have left of him fits inside a shoe box. All my grandparents are gone, and the possessions I have that belonged to them are even less.
I’m allegiant to what I like. I’ve worn the same brand of sandals and only had two pairs of them in the past two decades. Just this winter I replaced a hand-me-down vest that belonged to my mother in the 1980s. I don’t collect anything. I use the library instead of buying books, and I’m a writer so most of what I do ends up online or in magazines that I keep stacked inside a tote.
I’m not completely sure how I’ve managed to accumulate all the things I have–but I have an idea.
Unlike five years ago, I’m now a mom of two young girls with a third to join us shortly. Suddenly all the things that I used to part with easily carry more meaning. The onesie they wore home from the hospital is an important keepsake. I should have dozens of candles, extra blankets, and a hundred water bottles on hand that I can fill in case of emergency.
The toys they don’t play with anymore have to stay because they may still want them. There’s a really dirty blanket on the floor that I can’t figure out how to properly wash but can’t throw it away because I bought it from a beach shop on an island off the coast of Mexico, and it reminds me that I used to be so carefree I would dive into the ocean without worrying what was underneath the surface.
But the truth is what’s collected in my basement isn’t as bad as what’s collected in my mind. I’ve got a room up there where I keep all the things that have hurt me or scared me, tainted me or angered me.
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
I hoard them as if keeping bad memories can protect me from the world; like having a collection of things that have gone wrong can protect me from the things that may go wrong in the future.
That room in my head though, it keeps me from the present like the cluttered basement in my house keeps me from having a home gym. It takes up energy that could be used laughing with my children and husband. It sucks joy from conversations with people who have wronged me in the past. It makes me scared to walk through fast-food parking lots because someone once backed into me very slowly in one, and I had to yell “Hey” as their bumper hit my hip while I was carrying my takeout cup.
After a lot of time ignoring all the basements in my life, I’m tired of carrying around too much. Maybe there’s a spider lurking inside an old box or maybe there’s a photo of my father holding me as a baby. Either way, I’ll survive what I find. I already did once.
It’s hard work to let things go. Without stuff and the lessons I’ve created out of the things that have happened to me, what am I? What have I done? How can I prove it? Where will I go?
I don’t know the answers to all of that. But I know that a clean space where a new moment can exist now feels better in my soul than a dusty box holding things that don’t serve me anymore.
