Vbs

Vacation at hand Well, it's finally here! Summer vacation is so close I can already smell the suntan lotion! What a great time of year, the beginning of summer break! Only a half-day to go! Essay winners Recently, Joseph C. Herbert Unit 222 American Legion Auxiliary of Clear Spring honored its essay winners with a dinner and awards. Recipients read their winning essays for family members and the auxiliary. Winners for the grades 3 and 4 were: first place, Ashley Ardinger; second place, Samy Brandt; third place, Lakyn Elwood.

During the recent Memorial Day observance, Trinity Lutheran Church offered a Litany for Veterans. Many veterans in the congregation wore their uniforms to church on May 27. The service was held to honor those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country. Fundraiser held to benefit St. Jude Mount Nebo Christian Preschool recently held a trikeathon to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Participants pedaled their hearts out for a great cause.  Brooke Mellott, 4, raised $580.

Greetings, neighbors Hope all is well at your house!  From what I hear, vacation plans and camp arrangements are plentiful! Schmidt named Brigitte Schmidt has been named coordinator of religious education for St. James Parish in Boonsboro. She will oversee the parish's youth-faith formation for grades kindergarten through eighth grade, with approximately 120 youths enrolled. Other activities include the parish Vacation Bible School, Christmas pageant and annual All Saints Day parade in downtown Boonsboro.

Calvary Grace Brethren Church, 115 Bryan Place, Hagerstown, June 17-22 from 6 to 9 p.m., ages 3 through 6th grade, theme - Avalanche Ranch, for more information, call 301-733-6375. Presbyterian Faith Center,â^? Warfordsburg, Pa., June 17-21 from 7 to 8:45 p.m., ages 3 through teenage years, theme - Take the Plunge. For information, call 717-294-3068 or 717-573-4114. Evangel Baptist Church, 17922 Broadfording Road, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the Vacation Bible School carnival with hot dogs, drinks, chips, snow cones and cotton candy; Rescue Zone meets June 18-22 from 9 a.m. to noon, closing event on June 24 at 6 p.m. St. John's Lutheran Church, 141 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, June 18-22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., theme - Take the Plunge.

Zion Assembly of God, at 13814 Village Mill Drive in Maugansville, will hold its vacation Bible school today through Friday, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your children, ages 5 to 10, to enjoy "Cosmic City: Explore the Awesome Wonder of God. " For more information, call 301-739-3888.

The Polar Extremes Vacation Bible School will be held June 15 to 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at Evangel Baptist Church. The program is for kindergarteners to teens. The program includes lessons, games, snacks and prizes. The event is free. The church is at 17922 Broadfording Road in Hagerstown. For more information, call 301-733-6711.

Haven Lutheran Church, 1035 Haven Road, will host its Vacation Bible School July 26 to 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The theme this year is "Sail the High Seas. " There will be a light supper. Be prepared for a fast-paced program as there is much to charter. The event is free to all youth, from 3 years of age to fifth grade. To register, call 301-733-5056 or drop by the church office. The church is on Haven Road off Pennsylvania Avenue.

St. James Brethren Church , area churches planning to present Group Publishing's Athens: Paul's Dangerous Journey To Share the Truth this summer will receive hands-on training from a Group VBS representative Saturday, April 20. To register call 301-582-3333 or go to group.com/vbsfunshop .

National Pike Days begins Friday in Clear Spring with the encampment of the wagon train at Plumb Grove, the historical home built in 1831 and restored by the Clear Spring District Historical Association. Plumb Grove will be open from 5 to 8 p.m.  The wagon train encampment is free and open to the public.  There will be food available for purchase  and music. On Saturday, the wagon train departs at 9 a.m. The wagon train stops at Wilson's Store and the bridge on U.S. 40 above Conococheague Creek.   The next stop is at the Wacohu Grange at Huyetts Crossroads at approximately noon.   Plant sale The annual National Pike Days plant sale by Clear Spring Garden Club will be Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. in the lawn area of St. John's UCC. Indoor yard sale St. John's United Church of Christ in Clear Spring will host an indoor yard sale and bake sale during National Pike Days Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.