Clarion Hotel

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - A Charles Town, W.Va., woman, too modest in life to accept accolades for years of community service, was named Jefferson County's Distinguished Citizen of the Year, posthumously. The honor was presented Wednesday on behalf of Sandra Dougherty to her husband, Peter H. Dougherty, and their three children, Megen, Beth and Bryan Dougherty, at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce's 47th annual banquet. More than 100 Chamber members and guests attended the banquet at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Shepherdstown.

The Western Maryland Blues Fest Committee will host a Cabin Fever Blues Bash on Thursday, March 2, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center to raise funds and awareness for the Western Maryland Blues Fest. A City of Hagerstown event in its 11th year, the Blues Fest will be held June 2-4. The Cabin Fever Blues Bash features national blues artist Albert Cummings. Tickets for the event cost $10, and can be purchased in advance on the second floor of City Hall.

Drummer Butch Ballard and bass player Buddy Catlett warm up before The Rhythm of Jazz show Wednesday evening in Shepherdstown, W.Va. Ballard and Catlett, backed up by the Howard Burns Quartet, were to perform in the fourth annual Black History Month Jazz Heritage Concert at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center.

Last week the Council on Philanthropy reported that so far Americans have contributed $1.8 billion toward relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. That's a generous sum, but given that the damage from the storm is estimated at $70 billion or more, it's not enough. That's why The Herald-Mail has agreed to co-sponsor Hagerstown Helps, a community wide fundraising event for the victims of Hurricane Katrina that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Dual Highway in Hagerstown.

The City of Hagerstown is among the sponsors for a communitywide fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Ballroom. The guest speaker is Cathy Parson, head basketball coach at Howard University. At a press conference Tuesday, city officials said entertainers have donated their time and the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center donated the ballroom. Blues band The Rhythm Kings and disc jockeys Supa Dupa Disko and Cary B will entertain.

The 16th annual American Cancer Society Grand Sunday Brunch will be held Sunday at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Hagerstown. Nearly 30 items will be raffled or featured during a silent auction. Brunch hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Clarion's ballroom. Tickets may be purchased at the door and cost $28 for adults and $9 for children, ages 4 to 10. Funds raised will be used for projects and activities that benefit Washington County cancer patients, their caregivers, and the general public.

janeth@herald-mail.com When Lori Thomas' pastor's wife shared details about health screenings she did in Frederick, Md., on 30 to 40 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, Thomas knew she had to do something to help. Within a day, she formulated the details for a fundraising walkathon for the American Red Cross that will take place Saturday, Sept. 24. Thomas, the owner of The Sports Connection at the Clarion Hotel, got permission to use the newly carpeted track above the hotel's indoor pool.

HAGERSTOWN karenh@herald-mail.com A leader, a mentor and model for woman. An advocate for the poor and homeless. At an event Monday night to honor Washington County's first elected female commissioner, friends and business associates heaped praise on Linda Irvin-Craig as she was recognized as the Hagerstown Business and Professional Women's Club's Woman of the Year. Speakers neatly spared Irvin-Craig, who works with Interfaith Housing Alliance Inc. in Frederick, Md., one important adjective, her son pointed out: goofball.

This week, the state of Maryland announced that more visitors flocked here than ever before. More than 21 million people visited Maryland during 2004, an increase of 4.8 percent. This growth is more than double the national average for the tourism industry. In Washington County, 2004 was the best year ever for tourism, and yet 2005 is ahead of last year's record pace, with hotel occupancy at the highest levels ever! So many visitors came to Washington County this year that hotel occupancy set records four months in a row. Tourism means investment in our community (money spent by visitors and also money invested by the owners of attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc.)

The American Cancer Society's 16th Annual Grand Sunday Brunch will be Sunday, Oct. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the ballroom of the Clarion Hotel, 901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown. Adult tickets cost $28; tickets for ages 4 to 10 cost $9 each. A raffle, silent auction and entertainment will be offered throughout the event. Money raised will fund programs and activities for Washington County cancer patients and their caregivers, as well as research efforts. For information or tickets, call 301-733-8272.