Sign Language

Kids tennis program MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation is holding registration for the 2004 Winter Little Kids Instructional Tennis program. The program is open to children ages 3 to 7. Classes are limited to eight children on a first come, first served basis. Session II begins Monday, Feb. 9, and ends Friday, March 12. All applications must be accompanied with a registration fee of $35. For information, call Ron Fassig at 1-304-279-7599.

Sunday, Sept. 13 Junior dance classes Mary Crowell-Smith will teach fox trot, swing, waltz, tango, rumba, cha-cha and other couples-circle dances to students in grades six through nine.6 p.m. The Women's Club, South Prospect Street, Hagerstown. For information or to register, call 301-739-0870 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Monday, Sept. 14 Sign Language: Basics I Beginner-level course designed to help students build vocabulary as they learn the manual alphabet and standard signing techniques.

marlob@herald-mail.com WILLIAMSPORT - It was anything but quiet recently when the associate pastor and a choir from Christ Church of the Deaf in Baltimore visited with the congregation of Rehoboth United Methodist Church for a special Deaf Ministry Sunday. "There was a bass drum in the front of the church so the choir could keep time with the music," said Rehoboth Pastor Jim Swecker. Choir members signed along with a hearing person, who also helped them stay together in the music.

Foreign language may return to middle schools By DAVE McMILLION Staff Writer A committee of local teachers is proposing that foreign language studies begin in middle schools, saying the courses help students develop their thinking skills and increase their acceptance of other cultures. The Washington County Board of Education accepted a report on the proposal Tuesday night, and one board member predicted foreign languages will be returned to middle schools and elementary schools within two years.

ryant@herald-mail.com New backpacks and water bottles were the easiest things for parents of the former Surrey Child Care Center to get used to Thursday after the center officially changed its name to The Learning Center in a small ceremony. The Surrey Child Care Center, at 535 Summit Ave., primarily has been a child-care center for Washington County Health System employees for the past 20 years, Center Director Charles R. Wainwright said. The Learning Center (TLC)

By MEG H. PARTINGTON / Staff Writer MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Rebecca Leigh Carr was crowned Miss Berkeley County on Saturday night at the Apollo Civic Theatre. Carr, a 19-year-old freshman at Shepherd College, sang "In His Eyes. " She is the daughter of Dan and Vicky Carr of Kearneysville, W.Va. "I was very shocked," she said immediately after the crowning. "I couldn't believe it. " She said her goal in life is to become a contemporary Christian recording artist.

Letters to the Editor 2/2 Jesus will cure drinking To the editor: Alcoholism causes so many problems in our lives and robs us of our families, our jobs, our dreams and most importantly, our peace. Not only does this problem hurt and destroy the person who drinks, but it also affects the ones who love them the most. The pain and suffering loved ones do experience, as a result of someone else's choices, can be devastating. Many people consider this lifestyle as a disease.

The center lawn of Camp Tohiglo is a hub of activity as children play soccer, laugh with friends, run back from the shooting range and line up for lunch. “It's really fun, and I love it,” Sophia Ridge, 9, said as she darted off to a cabin. Ninety-two campers ages 9 and 10 are participating in the Christian camp's junior week through Friday. Other ages will be participating in camps throughout the summer at the 54-acre campus, which hosts retreats in other seasons. Founded in 1978, Camp Tohiglo (short for “To His Glory”)

HAGERSTOWN karenh@herald-mail.com Fixated on the blades of a plastic helicopter, Dillon Corcoran didn't seem to notice as Jeanne Jones took one of his hands and pressed it against a board that changes color with heat. Again and again, Jones pointed to the magical appearance of five fingers on the board, counting them as she compared the image to the identical features on Dillon's hand. The 4-year-old had no reaction. The boy is one of a handful of autistic pre-kindergarten students in a new Marshall Street School program that covers basics such as numbers, colors and shapes.

By TERI JOHNSON Staff Writer Although Bill Engvall's "Here's your sign" line seems to be on everyone's lips lately, the comedian said he's been doing the famous routine for 10 years. According to Engvall, some people should wear "I'm stupid" warning signs. Here's one example: Someone sees a dead deer strapped to the top of a car, and he turns to his companion and says, "Do you think he's been hunting?" "No, they're giving them away with the purchase of every vehicle," the companion replies.