FUNKSTOWN -- Usually the first thing that happens at the annual appreciation dinner for The Salvation Army is the recognition of some special people for their work with the mainstay charity operation in Washington County.
"But you know all of you are extra-special people," said Ward Childerston, a longtime member of the board. He led the applause for the more than 150 people assembled at Next Dimensions Restaurant near Funkstown Tuesday evening.
He did single out one particular bell ringer: "Pappy" Jewell, now 94, was honored as the person/bell ringer of 2008.
"I first met Pappy when I came to Hagerstown and he told me he was our best bell ringer," said Maj. Robert Lyle. And from his post at the J.C. Penney store at Valley Mall, Jewell proved that three years in a row.
Lyle, who with his wife, Maj. Karen Lyle, commands the local operation at 534 W. Franklin St. in Hagerstown, said Jewell also helps with the soup kitchen and even assists with mowing grass.
