Scavenger Hunt

CASCADE - Like a human evolution chart showing the advance of mankind from Australopithecus through Neanderthal to modern man, eight decades of automotive evolution slowly paraded through the former Fort Ritchie on Saturday during Mountain Top Heritage Days. In the early days, there were primitive vehicles, such as the 1927 Ford Model T Roadster pickup of James Miller. By 1950, the buglike headlights and bulging fenders had been absorbed into the body, as in James and Mary Kirby's Chevrolet Deluxe.

By MARLO BARNHART Staff Writer Joan Monninger made it clear Tuesday that the theme of the United Way's 1997 fund drive in Washington County is more than just words to her and her family. "I want people to know how the Washington County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency has helped my husband and me," Monninger said at the Tuesday report luncheon. The theme, "The Power of You," has meaning for the Monningers, who as a family have struggled for years with Gary Monninger's substance abuse, she said.

The Washington County Free Library invites the community to celebrate reading at Washington County Reading Day set for Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley Mall. A free book will be given to children who attend while supplies last. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to Center Court in front of The Bon-Ton and join in an animal parade at 10:15 a.m. Magician and master of ceremonies Michael T will lead the kickoff parade. The parade will wind through the mall and visit the many authors attending this year's Reading Day celebration before returning to Center Court, where the day's activities will be held.

HAGERSTOWN -- The 25-foot blue spruce that now floats in the middle of the lake at City Park once stood in the front yard of Vickie Shirley's home on Englewood Road. "It was too big to string lights on," Shirley said Friday night at the annual lighting ceremony at City Park. Shirley donated her two towering trees to the City of Hagerstown this year -- one for the lake and one that stands in Public Square downtown. "Now, I have all my Christmas lights and you can see them.

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.

WAYNECASTLE, Pa. - Members of the Waynesboro Model Railroad Club believe they had record turnout to their open houses this past weekend. "We've been told this is one of the nicest layouts in the country by people who have seen a lot of them," said Lee Scott, vice president of the club. Free events are scheduled for three weekends in January. On Sunday, club members answered questions and controlled the paths of dozens of trains in "N," "HO" and "O" scale. Many of the visitors were children accompanied by parents and grandparents.

Heritage Academy held its annual retreat at the Skycroft Resort in Boonsboro, Sept. 15-17. The entire high school journeyed on this trip to grow closer to their friends, the faculty, and most importantly, to God! This year, however, was not any ordinary year. Many of the activities were chosen by Athletic Director Kelly Barnes to enhance the retreat. Competitions included Human Croquet, the Bucket Game, Capture the Flag, Wally Ball, Bag Volleyball, Bible Quizzing, Competitive Skits and Video Camera Scavenger Hunt.

HAGERSTOWN - Little did Ryan Mock know when he decided to dress up like a big cow Saturday at Municipal Stadium that he would run into some of his diminutive "relatives. " No sooner had the gates opened for the free trick-or-treat event hosted by the Hagerstown Suns than a youngster came in wearing a cow suit, too. And it happened again and again to other adult characters - a big Scooby-Doo met a tiny replica, and a pint-sized elephant got quite a shock when he saw his larger pachyderm cousin.

HAGERSTOWN Little did Ryan Mock know when he decided to dress up like a big cow Saturday at Municipal Stadium that he would run into some of his diminutive "relatives. " No sooner had the gates opened for the free trick-or-treat event hosted by the Hagerstown Suns than a youngster came in wearing a cow suit, too. And it happened again and again to other adult characters ? a big Scooby-Doo met a tiny replica, and a pint-sized elephant got quite a shock when he saw his larger pachyderm cousin.

HAGERSTOWN - Six-year-old Joseph Wolfe brought his festive Christmas spirit to the right place Saturday night. The Hagerstown resident attended the annual City Park Lighting wearing antlers and a red, blinking nose. "I'm Rudolph," said Joseph, who was persistent in making it clear he was there as Santa's lead reindeer. Joseph also had an opinion of the newly lighted park. "I like best ... the panda bear skating," he said. "It's cute. I like that. " Hagerstown Community Affairs Director Karen M. Giffin said the city has been lighting the park for at least 14 years.