Antietam Lodge 197 meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at their Masonic Temple at 7 S. Main St. in Keedysville. All Masons are invited to attend and those seeking information on this Lodge or Freemasonry in general may contact the Lodge secretary at 301-432-5324 or by e-mail at msh1862@yahoo.com.
Students raise money for Outdoor School
When Sharpsburg Elementary School fifth-graders went to Fairview Outdoor School in February, they brought back more than just increased knowledge about the outdoors. They brought back a big challenge!
During the time the students were at Fairview Outdoor School, a rare red fox was hit and killed by a passing automobile. Sharpsburg students decided to conduct a campaign to raise money so they could pay a taxidermist to mount the fox and place it among the many other animals on display at Fairview School.
Students worked industriously to collect $600 through a coin drive and two bake sales. They held a voting contest and named the fox "Sharpy." Fairview Outdoor School staff members John Evans and Barbara Cosner visited Sharpsburg on May 31 for a special presentation to receive the money. In appreciation, Evans and Cosner presented the students with a plaque to reward their efforts.
Church to hold VBS this week
Chestnut Grove Bible Church will hold a Vacation Bible School from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 26-30. This year's theme is "Set Sail! Spread the Good News." Kids won't want to miss the puppet skits and nightly visits from Capt. Shipwreck and his first mate, Seaweed. The children will have fun together learning about God's love for us with craft times, snacks and prizes every night.
On Thursday, June 29, there will be a special "Gospel Magic Show" with the "Magic of Michael T." Bring all your friends for this special week of Vacation Bible School at Chestnut Grove Bible Church. For information, call 301-432-4073. Chestnut Grove Bible Church is at 3636 Chestnut Grove Road, Keedysville.
Battlefield to salute Independence
The Antietam Salute to Independence Celebration will be held Saturday, July 1, at Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg.
Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Zambelli International Fireworks for a special Independence Day commemoration.
The two-hour concert begins at 7:30 p.m.; the fireworks display will immediately follow the concert. Due to this special event, the Visitors Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several of the park roads will not be available to tour after 3 p.m.
Town of Sharpsburg to celebrate Sharpes Burgh Founder's Day
The town of Sharpsburg will celebrate its 243d birthday Sunday, July 9. The Sharpsburg Historical Society is planning events to commemorate the occasion and invites visitors to join the celebration Saturday, July 8.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Historical exhibits and displays and a birthday cake at the Town Hall
1 to 3 p.m. - Colonial music by Whipoorwill. Town Hall.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Colonial Kids Camp at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike (advance registration required because of limited space.)
3rd Annual Colonial Kids' Camp - Area youth and their families are invited to once again participate in a living history camp July 8. This year's theme is Archaeology and the group will explore colonial as well as pre-colonial Maryland. Members of the Monocacy Archaeological Society will join Living History Interpreters to present the following:
The Role of Archaeology in Studying our Past;
Archaeology - Tools of the Trade
Colonial Medicine and Health Care
Flint Knapping - Turning Bones and Stones into Practical Tools and Weapons
Eastern Woodlands Indians: Pre- and Post-Contact Culture
Northeastern Native American Pottery
The Potamac Indian Dancers will present special entertainment. Period crafts and snacks will be available. This is a free event, but space is limited, so advance registration is required.