Gift Baskets

Consider a theme when creating food gift baskets Gift baskets of food get an especially warm welcome during the holidays. To create healthful holiday gifts of food, start with nutritious recipes. Sugary sweet confections and high-sodium, high-fat snacks abound this time of year. However, they don't help much if you are trying to select a healthful food gift for calorie-conscious friends. Select recipes that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat. As you pack your holiday food basket and/or gift bag, use the recipe to help create a theme for your gift.

Trinity United Church of Christ will host a spring bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the church, 29 East Ave., State Line. The bazaar will feature soups, sandwiches, baked goods, homemade candies, gift baskets and floral arrangements. There also will be a silent auction. Call 717-597-0585.   

The Washington County Homemakers are holding its specialty auction for its annual scholarship fundraiser Friday, April 25, at Elks Lodge 378, 11063 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for thesilent auction, followed by the live auction at 1 p.m. Local businesses as well as individuals have contributed furniture, gift baskets, gift certificates, tools, toys and antique pieces. For information, call Helen Clark at 301-797-7890.

On May 10 at North Hagerstown High School, the annual Principal's Citizenship Awards were given to fifth-graders chosen by their teachers for their outstanding performance in the classroom and in school activities. The students also showed pride and respect toward students and adults, and also for the school and its rules. The students receiving the award from Salem Avenue Elementary School were Sydney Moser, Christian Mapp-Ellerbusch, Taliah Hodges, Mia DeAgrella and Brian Brown.

The Washington County Homemakers Clubs will hold their Specialty Auction for Educational Scholarships on Friday at Elks Lodge 378 on Robinwood Drive in Hagerstown. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The event begins with a silent auction, followed by a live auction led by auctioneer Ron Hamner. There will be antiques, specialty household items, tool kits, home decor, plants, furniture pieces, themed gift baskets, handcrafts and quilted items. A raffle will be held for items including a trip for two, a Washington County throw, a retired Longaberger basket and a $100 cash prize.

The administration, faculty and staff, parents and students at Broadfording Christian Academy invite the community to attend a dinner/auction on Friday in the school gymnasium. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a spaghetti dinner. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for children 5 and younger. Nearly 150 items have been donated to the auction. Items include a 42-inch plasma television, gift certificates, quilts, furniture, jewelry, NFL items, gift baskets, and more. A list of items can be viewed online at BCA's Web site at www.broadfording.

tiffanya@herald-mail.com WILLIAMSPORT - Families throughout the Tri-State area will receive baskets of food, toys and mittens courtesy of Improved Order of Red Men Conococheague Tribe 84. The organization will deliver the food and gifts today to 76 families in its second annual food basket delivery, said Charlie Boward, chair of the club's House Committee. "I love to see families and children at Christmas having a decent meal," said Robert Cromis, the club's president.

1. Young artists at work Students from Franklin, Adams, Cumberland and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania and Washington County, Md., will display their artwork. The artwork was judged by the college art faculty. Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 9. Exhibit continues through Friday, March 16. Wilson College's Bogigian Gallery, second floor of Lortz Hall, 1015 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, Pa. Call 717-264-4141, ext. 3305, or email philip.lindsey@wilson.edu . 2. Loads of laughs Make Me Laugh Comedy Tour will be Friday, Feb. 10, at Next Dimensions, 132 Old National Pike, south of Funkstown.  Lonnie Davis and Chad Beadle, pictured, will headline; also featuring Chris Ables, KD the comedian and Marcell.

The list of items to be auctioned Saturday at the 2nd Annual REACH Auction at First Christian Church in Hagerstown is growing. Doors at the church, at 1345 Potomac Ave., will open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction that will continue after the live auction gets under way at 6:30. Items available for the live auction include gift baskets, souvenir cards, a personal chef dinner package, a recliner, art, eight hours of handyman service, a kitty condo, glassware and small appliances, bicycles, movie tickets, a ceiling fan, two carved walking sticks, antique linens, an imitation fox fur coat, a comforter, gift certificates, framed prints, Gorham candy dishes, a camping package, a dog basket, a Harry Potter game, two strollers, quilted pillows and wall hangings, hats, T-shirts, and gym memberships.

Name of business: Jacqui's Preemie Pride Owners: Ralph and Suzanne Regan Address: 3 Maple Ave., Smithsburg Opening date: Oct. 10, 2005 Products and services: Premature infant clothing, diapers, pacifiers, micro preemie (0-3 pounds) clothing, gift baskets, gifts for mom and dad, sibling gifts Market area: United States How did you get into your business, or what motivated you to start it? "Our daughter, Jacqui, was born two months early, She spent five weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Trinity United Church of Christ will host a spring bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the church, 29 East Ave., State Line. The bazaar will feature soups, sandwiches, baked goods, homemade candies, gift baskets and floral arrangements. There also will be a silent auction. Call 717-597-0585.   

Tickets are on sale for the second annual Leap Out of Cabin Fever Auction taking place Sunday, March 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cortland Mansion in Hagerstown.  Lou Scally will emcee the frog-themed event.  The event will feature jazz performed by Kerensa Gray, food stations, a sponsored bar and live auction.  The auction will feature NASCAR tickets, a week's stay in Williamsburg, Va., a Dr. Seuss cake (March 3 is his birthday) and other items. Hundreds of silent auction items will be up for grabs, including restaurant gift certificates, household items, gift baskets, electronics, children's games and jewelry.

The Sharpsburg Lions Club still has 10, 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam five-color, 48-by-68-inch throws for sale. The throws are designed by Sharpsburg artist Mark Kretzer and feature 14 buildings and monuments in Sharpsburg and the surrounding area. Five of the oldest houses in Sharpsburg are pictured on the throws, as well as other local attractions of historical interest such as a canal boat, Dunker Church, Maryland Monument, Bloody Lane, the Great Spring, Old Main Street and the “Wounded Lion.”  The throws, made in the U.S, sell for $60 (including tax)

Broadfording Church of the Brethren, at 14010 Greencastle Pike, welcomes those who do not have a place to go for the holiday to attend a community Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17.  If you know of someone who would like a Thanksgiving meal, meals will be available for carryout between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.   Country western dance The Country Western Dance Association will hold a dance to celebrates...

On May 10 at North Hagerstown High School, the annual Principal's Citizenship Awards were given to fifth-graders chosen by their teachers for their outstanding performance in the classroom and in school activities. The students also showed pride and respect toward students and adults, and also for the school and its rules. The students receiving the award from Salem Avenue Elementary School were Sydney Moser, Christian Mapp-Ellerbusch, Taliah Hodges, Mia DeAgrella and Brian Brown.

The Hagerstown Branch of American Association of University Women will hold the AAUW Used Book Sale April 19 to 21, at the Arc of Washington County building, at 1000 Florida Ave. in Hagerstown. Twenty-thousand books, sorted into dozens of categories, including old and rare, current and choice, children's, and collectibles, will be displayed on tables for the shoppers' convenience. Books on tape, videotapes, CDs and DVDs will also be available. Most hardbacks cost $1 to $3 and small paperbacks cost 50 cents.  Hours are: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, the books will be sold at half price from 9 a.m. to noon, and at $5 a bag from noon to 3 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will provide scholarships for local students.  For more information, call 301-733-2007.

Trainfest Winter 2012 Model train sale for railroading and model railroading. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Washington County Agriculture Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, south of Hagerstown. $4; free for ages younger than 12. Call 301-800-9829, email hmrrm@myactv.net or go to www.antietamstation.com . Appalachian Trail Short Film Festival Three groups of short films provide a glimpse of different aspects of the Appalachian Trail. Movies at 10 to 11 a.m., noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. today.

Senior Friendship Club meeting set for Tuesday Maugansville Senior Friendship Club members invite the community to join them Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Hibachi Buffet (formerly TOPS Restaurant) for a Dutch treat lunch at noon.  After lunch, there will be a meeting and the speaker will be from the Washington County Commission on Aging. Members are asked to bring Valentine's decorations and flea market items. Friends and visitors are welcome. If schools are closed and roads are icy, there will be no meeting.

1. Young artists at work Students from Franklin, Adams, Cumberland and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania and Washington County, Md., will display their artwork. The artwork was judged by the college art faculty. Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 9. Exhibit continues through Friday, March 16. Wilson College's Bogigian Gallery, second floor of Lortz Hall, 1015 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, Pa. Call 717-264-4141, ext. 3305, or email philip.lindsey@wilson.edu . 2. Loads of laughs Make Me Laugh Comedy Tour will be Friday, Feb. 10, at Next Dimensions, 132 Old National Pike, south of Funkstown.  Lonnie Davis and Chad Beadle, pictured, will headline; also featuring Chris Ables, KD the comedian and Marcell.

Linda Sue Renner, owner of Universal Hair Studios, is hosting Cuttin' for Critters to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County.   Universal Hair Studios will donate 100 percent of its proceeds from the two-day event, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, to the shelter. The salon is at 1826 Dual Highway, and its hours for the event are Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday from noon to 7 p.m. "I love animals and wanted to celebrate the anniversary of my business's grand opening in conjunction with the HSWC's 90th birthday," Renner said.