Picnic

WOLFSVILLE, Md. - The annual Garfield United Methodist Church picnic will be today, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The picnic area is on Garfield Road at the intersection of Brandenburg Hollow Road, north of Wolfsville, Md. If it rains, the picnic will be at the church on Stottlemyer Road, about one mile from the picnic area. There will be entertainment and food available throughout the day. There also will be baked goods and a white elephant table. The public is welcome.

The Hagerstown Lioness Club will hold its annual family indoor picnic Thursday, Aug. 2, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 601 Washington Ave., Hagerstown. The patriotic theme will be "Hail to the Red, White and Blue. " Parking will be available across the street in the church parking lot adjacent to Girls Inc., 626 Washington Ave., as Washington Avenue is a one-way street. Social time begins at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet at 6:30 p.m. The picnic is for Hagers-town Lioness Club members, family members living in the same residence, houseguests, and grandchildren.

Washington County Republicans got a sample of two elections on Wednesday - this year'sU.S. Senate race and the 2014 Maryland governor's race. The guest speakers at their annual picnic were Daniel Bongino, who is trying to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen.Benjamin L. Cardin, and Blaine R. Young, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in two years. The Washington County Republican Club picnicked this year at the North American Rod & Gun Club near Hagerstown. The menu included hot dogs and hamburgers off the grill and freshly cooked corn.

BOONSBORO The South County Democratic Club picnic had a unified message Wednesday: Government is broken and Democrats can fix it. The Democrats called for change in all levels of government. Several candidates for federal, state and local offices attended the packed picnic at Shafer Memorial Park, hoping to win the votes of fellow Democrats. While duck wasn't on the menu, a huge cutout of the bird placed in the bed of a pickup truck reminded attendees of Andrew Duck, one of the candidates running for U.S. Congress in Maryland's 6th District.

Dear Lynne: Can you give me some ideas for food to take on a picnic? I'm romancing a man who loves to eat and I really want to make an impression. Any thoughts on something easy to pull off, but interesting? -- Christina from Austin Dear Christina: You are a wise woman, as there is nothing more romantic than a picnic. And for those looking for their first spring revel, this is about as easy to pull off as it gets. Nearly any food is portable, of course, though I think we often overlook the obvious -- the sandwich.

The John R. Marsh Cancer Center hosted its 21st annual cancer survivors picnic June 1 at the Williamsport Red Men Lodge. More than 700 attendees came out for a picnic lunch, entertainment and the opportunity to meet other cancer survivors. Susan Lopp, administrative director of the John R. Marsh Cancer Center, said that many attendees come year after year. "The picnic is an event many look forward to because it is an opportunity to celebrate an appreciation for life, and to find and share hope with others who understand their journey," Lopp said.

SMITHSBURG - The skies were gray, but the hundred or so Republicans who gathered Wednesday night at Smithsburg Community Park for the annual GOP picnic were optimistic about their chances of staying dry. "We usually get pretty lucky here. I don't think we'll have any problems," said Maryland state Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, who attends the event every year. As workers from Hoffman Catering rushed to get dinner ready early to avoid the impending storms, Munson moved slowly around the picnic area, shaking hands and chatting with anyone who wanted to talk.

By MARLO BARNHART Staff Writer Work, friends, recreation, emotional support - these are vital components of life for all people, including the mentally ill. That was illustrated Wednesday when the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Washington County held its annual summer picnic for clients, staff, board members, families and health care professionals. "These kinds of activities are important, for all of us," said Connie Pauley, the new president of the organization.

by Ric Dugan / staff photographer enlargement A few raindrops and wind gusts weren't going to keep the more than 500 people at Washington County Regional Park from enjoying another day of life. "We're here to have fun, to enjoy the entertainment, and to enjoy our survivorship. Even if it rains, to us, it's a lovely day," said Brenda Rosenthal, a breast cancer survivor for 10 years and co-founder of Y-ME of the Cumberland Valley. Rosenthal spoke to a crowd of 175 cancer survivors, their families, friends and health care professionals at the fifth annual National Cancer Survivors Day Sunday afternoon.

CLEAR SPRING - Joseph C. Herbert American Legion Unit 222 is sponsoring a steak feed Friday, Aug. 22, at the Clear Spring American Legion Picnic Grounds. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Those who would like to purchase tickets may contact the Post Home at 301-842-3741. Proceeds will benefit veterans, and local programs for children and youth.