Christmas Tree

They'd been planning for some of Santa's magic. What they got was Murphy's law. Fort Ritchie Community Center, One Mountain Foundation and PenMar Development Corporation teamed up to sponsor a tree lighting at Fort Ritchie in Cascade. The army used to host such a celebration before the base closed in 1998. Bill Carter, chairman of the board of directors for One Mountain, said the planning committee envisioned a dramatic scene in which children would sing carols around a tree.

The city of Hagerstown will host this year's City Park Lighting Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Christmas tree on the lake and silhouettes on the water will be illuminated and a reception will follow at locations in City Park. The new lighted display is sponsored by the Columbia Bank, Hagerstown Trust Division and Verizon Wireless. Approximately 1,500 luminarias will lead the trail through the park. Hospice of Washington County is selling luminaria, or candles in bags, to remember loved ones.

Although you might think I am jumping the gun a little, I know that before the Thanksgiving turkey was cold thousands of folks were flooding the shopping malls and Christmas tree lots.   Thus, many families will celebrate the holidays with the fragrance and beauty of a real Christmas tree. The first recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century. In Strasbourg, on the border of France and Germany, families both rich and poor decorated fir trees with colored paper, fruits and sweets.

The city of Hagerstown will host the annual tree lighting in Public Square today at 5 p.m., followed by the 22nd annual Hollyfest at The Maryland Theatre at 7 p.m.   The master of ceremonies for the events will be Lou Scally. The events are free and open to the public. The tree lighting begins at 5 p.m., with the North and South Hagerstown High School bands performing in Public Square, and members of Girls Inc. will serenade onlookers with Christmas carols. Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Parents Guild will be painting faces while waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus.

The Top Five Mad, funny men The show features Chris Abeles, Gregg Stevens, CJ Stottuth and Howard G. 9 p.m. Friday; doors open at 7 p.m. Next Dimensions Restaurant, 132 Old National Pike, south of Funkstown. $12 for the first 100 people; $15 at the door. VIP passes available. Call 240-367-5052 or email makemelaughchad.com . Books and authors Light refreshments, music and silent and live auctions. Local authors Gail Barrett, Susan Donovan, Lauren Carr and Tim Rowland will be on hand to meet and talk with attendees.

1. Here comes Santa Claus Hagerstown's annual tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Public Square, downtown Hagerstown. Free. Call 301-739-8577, ext. 183. Event features local school bands and singing groups being the evening's activities which end with the arrival of Santa and his elves and the lighting of the Christmas tree on the square. 2. Holly, Jolly Christmas Holly Fest will be held following Hagerstown's Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. Monday,  Nov. 21, at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., downtown Hagerstown.

Just about the time I was ready to give up on and get rid of our old Norfolk pine, I read about an even older plant belonging to David “Ink” and Mae Bowers. The Bowerses received their plant as a wedding gift on Aug. 3, 1968, according to Janet Heim's story published Monday, Aug. 15, in The Herald-Mail. The plant is still thriving after 43 years. They've kept the plant on the fireplace mantle. The plant has been a backdrop for family photos. What a nice story. I wonder how many families can relate to having a plant with a history.

I still get this complaint every so often, as does pretty much everyone who works here, I imagine: "You guys over at The Herald-Mail are just trying to sell newspapers. " I always tell them, "Oh no, no, no ... No. Selling newspapers is the furthest thing from our minds. Really. See, we in the newspaper industry are of the sincere opinion that the nation's landfills are in critical need of extra mass, so we are merely manufacturing the bulkiest product we can think of in order to address the shortage.

Robert Goldsack Hospitality Architect LLC Robert Goldsack Hospitality Architect LLC of Hagerstown has announced the opening of the new Bungalow Ale House in Woodbridge, Va. It was the sixth Bungalow Ale House designed by Goldsack. Also under construction is the new Pita House Restaurant in historic downtown  Alexandria, Va.  In addition, the new Bungalow Ale House in Sterling, Va., is under construction. Robert Goldsack Hospitality Architect LLC, along with ASCRIBE studios, an urban design firm, have been active in redeveloping areas of downtown Hagerstown.