IN SHORT
ALLIES IN HEALTH
Three Maryland Health Systems are entering strategic discussions of collaboration and affiliation. Chief executive officers of Frederick Regional Health System, Meritus Health and Western Maryland Health System and their respective boards of directors have agreed to study and discuss opportunities that will allow each organization to enjoy continued success in meeting the challenges of the current and future health care environment.“ We are beginning discussions that will focus on our shared vision of clinical collaboration, physician services, support services and shared resources to enable us to deal successfully with today’ s health care challenges,” says Meritus Health President and CEO Joseph P. Ross.
BIKES FOR THE WORLD
Otterbein United Methodist Church hosted a bicycle and sewing machine collection in April in partnership with Bikes for the World. Called“ our star collection site” by the growing nonprofit, Otterbein set a goal of collecting 250 bikes this year. Between 2005 and 2012, Otterbein received and processed 2,034 bicycles and 71 sewing machines, along with raising more than $ 4,500 to offset shipping costs. Collected bikes are repaired and distributed around the world to address real human needs— meaning a child will be able to get to school, a parent will have transportation to earn a living and support the family, and medical care workers will be more accessible. Visit www. bikesfortheworld. org.
ONE SQUARE AT A TIME
Hundreds of people from all over Washington County sent in granny squares that are now represented in a one-of-akind handmade Community Afghan. The project, led by Volunteer Washington County, includes squares made by children
Oops! from the Memorial Recreation Center, teenaged boys from Smithsburg High who created a square together, and one by a Hispanic woman who took a bus all the way to the VWC office because it was important to her that the Hispanic community be represented in the afghan.“ I truly believe that, like the squares, when joined together, we as a community can accomplish what we are unable to do on our own,” says VFC Co-Director Bernadette Wagner. The Community Afghan will be used as a special incentive to promote the www. washingtoncountygives. org campaign May 2; the afghan will go to the largest donor over $ 1,000. Visit www. washingtoncountygives. org and www. volunteerwashingtoncountymd. org
Comprised of squares crocheted by members of the community, Volunteer Washington County’ s Community Afghan will be awarded to the largest donor over $ 1,000 to help promote the www. washingtoncountygives. org campaign.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO …
The business community gathered to celebrate its shining stars in February at the 14 th Annual Washington County Business Awards, hosted by the Hagerstown- Washington County Chamber of Commerce and The Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission. Winners this year were Rentals Unlimited, Inc., At Your Service Award; Hagerstown Community College, Going Green Award; Biaera Technologies, Leading Edge Award; The Maryland Theatre, Nonprofit Award;
Olde Homestead at Cronise Market Place, Small Business of the Year Award; and John P. Itell, Business Person of the Year Award. Visit www. hagerstown. org.
CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS FAHRNEY-KEEDY
A delegation from Guangzhou City in China visited Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village in January. The purpose of the visit was to experience a premier senior care provider in Washington County, tour the facilities and discuss how senior care services are delivered in the United States. Six high-level Chinese government officials engaged in conversation through an interpreter discussing a variety of subjects such as quality of care, funding programs and allocation of resources, and the delegation had the opportunity to meet with staff and residents during the tour of the community.
In addition to providing great views of the course and distant mountains, the newly renovated clubhouse at the Greens at Hamilton Run provides food and beverages, an improved pro shop, an indoor lounge and back deck.
IT’ S TEE TIME!
The Greens at Hamilton Run opened for the season in March, welcoming golfers to enjoy the numerous enhancements made to the course over the last year: a remodeled clubhouse with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas, an improved pro shop and a food and beverage area now with beer sales. Nestled
Our sincere apologies for an incorrect byline in our March / April 2013 feature story“ The Accidental Farmers.” Kristin Detrow wrote the story about the Clear Spring homestead of the Cullember family, who— despite having no intentions of actually farming when they moved into the rural property— have established a thriving garden and diverse group of livestock.
16 May / June 2013 Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond