(Mayor and Council Continued)

Bob Edgell Retires

Christmas Parade Councilmember Happersett invited the Mayor and Council to ride in the Christmas Parade. HUD House Mayor Ballas advised that the town will purchase 115 Greenridge Road from HUD for $1.00 and then sell the property to a non-profit who would then sell this property to a first time homeowner at market value. The only cost to the town would be $1.00 and the closing cost would be waived. The money would be placed in escrow if the transfer can not be done at the same time of the HUD Sale. Mrs. Shirley Johnson asked if the Mayor and Council could find out if the property at 304 Academy Avenue could be handled in the same manner. MRWA Richard Colburn advised that effective December 10th, he resigned from the Maryland Rural Water Association Board of Directors where he served as President, due to time restraints. Adjournment A motion by Councilmember Hutson seconded by Councilmember Ballas and unanimously approved by a vote of five to zero to adjourn at 9:08 p.m. Submitted by, Shirley A. DeShields Clerk/Treasurer




Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Co.

TEEN DANCE Sat, January 17th - 7 to 11 PM There will be a teen dance at the Fire Hall on Saturday, January 17th for ages 12 to 17. .DJ and refreshments available. Closed door policy is in effect during the dance. Tickets are sold at the door for $4.00. SUNDAY BREAKFAST TO RETURN IN JANUARY Beginning January 25th, and every fourth Sunday of the month, the Federalsburg VFC will be hosting a Monthly Breakfast at the Fire Hall at 208 North University Ave., from 7AM to 11AM. They will feature fresh eggs, purchased from a local egg producer, cooked to order; scrapple and sausage from Charlie’s Butcher Shop of Preston; pancakes; toast; assorted juices and coffee. Cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 ages 3 - 12, and under 3 free! No reservation is needed; proceeds will benefit the Federalsburg VFC. Carryouts will be available.

Thanks for 23 years of service to Federalsburg! ShoreGood Water™ Company, located at 101 Frank M. Adams Industrial Way, Federalsburg MD 21632, is pleased to announce its partnership with Pepsi-Cola of Delmarva. Effective Nov. 3, 2003, Pepsi-Cola of Delmarva will become a regional distributor of Great Blue™ Premium Purified Bottled Water on the Delmarva Peninsula. ShoreGood Water™ bottles various sizes of single-serve purified water from 8 oz. to 1.5 Liters. According to Dennis Kellough, President of ShoreGood Water™ Company, “We are extremely excited and happy to be partnered with the premier distributor of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages in this region. We feel that Pepsi’s execution and expertise in the selling and distribution of beverages and the quality of ShoreGood Water’s™ Great Blue™ Premium Purified Bottled Water, we will quickly reach the goals set forth in this relationship and delivera refreshing, value-added product to all businesses on the Delmarva Peninsula.” For more information on ShoreGood Water™ Company or Great Blue™ Premium Purified Bottled Water call 1-410-754-5888. Dennis Kellough at the Grand Opening Celebration for ShoreGood Water™ Company on October 29th.

Bob Edgell, who has worked for the Town of Federalsburg since October 20, 1980, has retired. Friday, December 5th was officially his last day, although he will still work some part time hours for a short period of time. Bob has served as the Water and Sewer Administrator but he has been much more to those who have worked with him. He knew many of the residents and was very familiar with their water and sewer billing and individual concerns. It will be difficult to replace that kind of experience. He was very friendly and helpful to all; he will certainly be missed. We wish Bob and his family many happy years ahead!

Santa presents a 1302 foot long Scroll for the 1229th to Maj. General Bruce F. Tuxill, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard. In December, H. George Jackson Jr. received from the Maryland National Guard in Easton the Maryland State Commendation Medal for his 21 years bringing Santa to their facility and for all his work putting together the scrolls which are sent to the troops overseas. These troops are far from home, family and friends for long periods of time and the certainly appreciate seeing a message from caring individuals who write messages reminding them that Americans are still thinking about them, are praying for them and most especially men and women who protect and defend our freedom. Please pray for our troops, especially during this holiday season! God Bless the USA! God Bless our Troops!

Page 7 Federalsburg Christmas Parade Held December 8th Thanks to everyone who made this year’s parade a grand success! The parade included about sixty entries from local fire companies, school bands, churches and day care centers, businesses and car clubs. A special thanks to the following: Santa Claus Committee: Wayne Cole, Parade Chair, David Whaley, Treasurer and Betty Ballas MTS Broadcasting’s live broadcast breakins with Troy Hill and staff Dynamix Pro Audio* DJ’s Milt Nagel and Billy Greenage who provided music and commentary during the parade Grand Marshall: Libby Fluharty Judges: Diane Mowbray, Cathy Toomey, Rick Garner, Jennie Garner, Ernie and Barbara Quillen, Amber Czyz and Amy Allendorf. Federalsbug Police Department and Public Works Department for maintaining an orderly and enjoyable parade for all. This year’s winning entries are: High School Marching Bands: First Pl - North Dorchester High School Second Pl - North Caroline High School Antique/Classic Cars: Oldest Antique Car - Rudy Plutschak Best Appearing Antique Car First Place - Rudy Plutschak Best Appearing Classic Car - First Place - Frank Adams Commercial Floats: First Place - Caroline Nursing Home Second Place - MTS Broadcasting Third Place - Crystal Cove Meats Non-Commercial Floats: First Place - Union Nursery School Second Place - Cornerstone Child Care Third Place - First Church of God Non-Performing Marching Groups: First Place - Federalsburg Cub Scouts Motorized Vehicle Clubs: 1st Pl - Lower Delaware Mustang Club 2nd Pl - Lower Dela. Late Model Club Queen Competition: Big Miss First Place - Miss Greensboro Big Miss Second Place - Miss Ridgely Little Miss 1st Pl - Little Miss Farmette Little Miss 2nd Pl - Little Miss Greensboro Fire Company Competition: Best Overall Appearing Co - Bridgeville Best Appearing Piece of Equipment Hurlock Traveled Farthest - Ridgely Best Antique - Secretary Best Pumper First Pl - East New Market Best Pmper Second Pl - Bridgeville Best Tanker 1st Pl - Eldorado/Brookview Best Tanker Second Pl - Sharptown Best Brush First Pl - Hurlock Best Rescue First Pl - Bridgeville *Dynamix Pro Audio is available for your special event! Call DJ’s Milt Nagel 410-754-3206 or Billy Greenage at 410673-2954.

Page 8 Ted DiBiase, The Million Dollar Man An assembly was held at Col. Richardson High School’s auditorium on November 6th for middle and high school students with guest speaker, Mr. Ted DiBiase. I wondered what this past World Wrestling Federation personality could share with today’s youth? This “bad guy” character would wear robes with dollar bill signs and tout that “everybody’s got a price”. What he had to say this day was that everybody pays a price for the choices they make. Speaking to the youth, he said the choices made will greatly impact the rest of their lives and he particularly referred to choices on drugs, alcohol and sexual activity. He challenged the audience “to be all that you can be. We live in a country in which you can go from abject poverty to become President. Too often, kids internalize their problems – parents divorcing, family abuse, alcohol involvement or whatever. Kids think it’s their fault bad things happen. Kids, it’s not your fault.” Like playing a card game, you learn to play with the hand that’s dealt to you. It’s up to you as to how you play your hand – how you respond. No matter what you want to be, it will take hard work and determination to be successful. He shared his story about how he got involved with wrestling. His mother divorced his biological father and later remarried Mike DiBiase, a professional wrestler whom became his father and role model. Mike’s parents were immigrants and had taught him the value of hard work and setting goals. If he was to make something of himself and go to college he would have to work hard. Even when the “cool kids” would laugh at him for working so hard, he said “it took a lot of guts to stand alone – not to follow the crowd.” He began to excel in athletics, but when he was fifteen his father died on a mat in the ring. His whole world caved in. His family moved to Wilcox, Arizona, a small town similar to here, and they moved in with his grandparents. His Mother gave up on life and became an alcoholic. He said every alcoholic was a quitter who used excuses and lacked strength of character. Moving to a new place, he wanted to be accepted. But the cool crowd in school either revolved around clothes, cars or music. “That’s all on the outside, but what’s important is on the inside – your character.” The cool kids laughed because he had a goal. He wasn’t going to let his father’s death get him angry and stomp off saying “why did this happen to me! If I do that, I’m just as foolish, as weak as she (his mother) is! So I chose not to do that.” Statistics say that MTV is harmful to today’s youth and cites that the rapper, EMINEM, won’t even let his own kids listen to his music. “He doesn’t care if it ruins you; he’s a hypocrite.” Mr. DiBiase admits he’s been to too many funerals – 35 of his wrestling co-workers have all died before the age of 45 from drug and alcohol abuse, including the beautiful Elizabeth, Randy “Macho Man” Savage’s wife. “All thought it wouldn’t happen to them. They thought they were cool. Oh, they’re cool now; yeah, they’re cold. According to the statistics, a good number of you in the room today are already on your way.” Kids say, you don’t know what I’ve had to live with, but he says you can rise above your circumstances if you want. Walter Peyton, one of the most celebrated running backs in Football, grew up poor and black in Mississippi. All his life, people told him he wasn’t big enough to play football. He played for Jackson State and excelled where the bigger schools said he wouldn’t make it. Today, people don’t talk as much about his football career, but of his strength of character; not of the game he played but of the man he was. He hears the youth today saying “I’m not going to work in McDonald’s” but they’re really saying “I don’t have enough strength of character.” He knows someone who began at McDonald’s and now owns three McDonald’s, but it took a long time and hard work. In his case, he refused to cave in to peer pressure and to listen to those who said it couldn’t be done. In his senior year, he was called out of class and told he had been offered a full football scholarship to Arizona University. When he came back, the teacher shared this with the class. He said it wasn’t because he was exceptional, but that he was willing to pay the price to work hard towards a goal he had set for himself. Mr. DiBiase asked the audience “What do you want said about you when you die? I want to be known as a good husband, a good father. Who cares? You need to start caring. Don’t be like a sheep that just eats and baa’s. Be a leader; have courage. Drugs and alcohol - it’s a killer. The choice is yours.”

(Ted DiBiase Continued) The topic changed to relationships and the difference between lust and love. Lust is very physical, hormonal – just getting what you can get. If you (girls) cave in, there’s a 95 percent chance that he’s going to tell all his friends what you’ve done since most guys have blownup egos. “You’re a moron, not a man,” he says to the males. He tears up a piece of paper which represents all the times a young lady gives away her love. “Finally, on your honeymoon you look in the eyes of your husband but you don’t have much love left, since you’ve given it all out.” It should be “I have a gift I can only give one time in my lifetime. If you don’t think that’s not special!” Mr. DiBiase ended by saying “remember what you do in this life will affect you the rest of your life – so please, please make smart choices!” Assembly supported by CSAFE funds and Caroline Youth Strategies funding, through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention and the Caroline County Human Services Council. Special thanks to the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg, Caroline County Public Schools, and the Caroline County Commissioners. Sponsored by Caroline County Recreation & Parks H.E.R.O.S. after-school program, Colonel Richardson High School and Colonel Richardson Middle School Ted DiBiase at C.R.H.S.

Final walk-through on the Federalsburg Industrial Park Entrance and Road Improvements Project: Peter Bourne of David A. Bramble, Inc (the contractor)., Town Manager Richard Colburn, Council Member Betty Happersett, Chuck Hauser of Davis, Bowen and Friedel, Inc. (project engineering), Mayor Betty Ballas and Public Works Director Steve Dyott. Sponsor Developer: Town of Federalsburg Architect or Engineer: Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. A Rural Development project financed by: Rural Utilities Service - U.S.D.A. Additional Funding Provided by: One Maryland Program of the State of Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development and the Town of Federalsburg Caroline County Health Dept. News Injury Prevention - Even if you do not own a gun and your children have been instructed not to go near one, call our office and ask for gun safety information. Gun safety courses and seminars can be taught to individuals at any age. If you would like to be a resource and assist us in gun safety projects, please call 410-479-8080. Tobacco Cessation - Do not think of yourself as a failure if you tried quitting and didn’t. It may take 10 times of trying before you are successful. Our smoking cessation program is modeled after the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minn. Our success rate has been over 1/3. We offer patches, incentives, counseling, and education. Research shows those things are very important in assisting one to quit. When you are ready to quit, or if you would like more information, call us 410-479-8080. We are here to help.

Operation Christmas Child Just before Thanksgiving, 4,320 “shoeboxes” were loaded onto a trailer at Union United Methodist Church. These boxes were delivered to North Carolina and will soon be distributed to needy children around the world in time for the Christmas season. This year, Union UMC agreed to become the drop off point for the entire Eastern Shore. Mary Harding, the Federalsburg Relay Center Coordinator, felt this year’s drive exemplified the true spirit of giving. Even the young people who helped at the site realized the significance of each gift with comments like “Gee, that’s all those kid’s are getting for Christmas!” Many thanks go out to the churches, civic organizations and to everyone who put a box together or assisted with the collection and truck loading at the Relay Center,with a special thanks to Mary for her leadership. It is truly a blessing given as well as received in Federalsburg. Thank you!

Page 9 It’s Tax Season and It’s Time to Visit the Library by Jane Terebey (submitted by Car. County Public Library) When the holidays are past, we must settle down to the next, less pleasant, annual ritual of winter - tax preparation season. Caroline County Public Library cooperates with the Internal Revenue Service and the States of Maryland and Delaware to distribute tax forms at all of our three locations: the Central Library in Denton, the North County Branch in Greensboro and the Federalsburg Branch in the southern part of the County. What kinds of help can you expect to find? Before we tell you what we can offer, keep in mind this disclaimer. There is one thing that we definitely cannot do - we are not trained to give tax advice. Librarians can help you find guidance provided by the IRAS in publications, forms, and on their webpage, but it is up to you and your tax preparer to decide exactly how to complete the forms. At tax time, as well as all year long, think of the library first when you need help in finding information. We pride ourselves in taking the time to link you to a current, reliable source to answer your specific questions. 2004 Dog Licenses Now Available at Town Office All dogs over the age of 4 months must have a current rabies vaccine and must be licensed in Caroline County. This includes dogs that live indoors only as well as outdoors. Kennel licenses are available if you own more than five dogs. A current dog license runs from January 1st through December 31st of each year. A license must be renewed yearly and worn on the dog’s collar or harness where it can be visible. If the license tag is lost the owner may obtain a duplicate license from Animal Control for a minimum fee. If you are a new resident of Caroline County you have 30 days to license your dog(s). If you take over ownership of a dog with a current Caroline County license, you can transfer the tag to your name at no charge - please contact 410820-1600. Dog License fees currently are: Spayed/Neutered $3.00 per year Not altered $5.00 per year Kennel License (over 5 dogs) $ 1 5 . 0 0 per year You can purchase dog licenses at local vets, town halls, or at the Humane Society. Payment at the Federalsburg Town Hall may be made by check or money order. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to license your dog can result in fines starting at $50 per dog.

Milestone for Maryland Plastics, Inc. Employees Mary Ellen Currey turned 80 years young on November 27th. She was surprised with a family celebration at Suicide Bridge Restaurant. She was also surprised when 100 birthday greetings, including those from President George W. Bush and the Senate of Maryland, were received last week. It took her over three hours to read the cards and dry the tears as she opened each of them. Early in November Kris Penrod, her boss at Maryland Plastics, had put the word out about Mary Ellen’s upcoming birthday and had asked for people to send a card celebrating this milestone. Mary Ellen wants to thank everyone for their cards and especially Kris for their kind wishes. Mary Ellen, customer service representative for the custom molding department, is a special lady to Maryland Plastics where she began her career on March 3rd, 1942. Allen Penrod, Sr. hired her to sort buttons. She never dreamed at that time that she’d be working there all these years. She has really enjoyed all the people she’s worked with over the years saying that everyone’s been so great and that’s what’s kept her going. And, she’s not ready to retire yet. Having lived in Federalsburg all of her life, she says things were a lot different at the time she began work. On Saturday nights everyone gathered in town and went to the movies. When she first graduated from high school she went to Baltimore and worked for six months but the city was not for her. Her mother and father worked at Excelsior Pearl Works and so she signed on; after a month she transferred to Maryland Plastics working nights sorting buttons. Eventually she worked days, still sorting buttons and later transferred to the packing table and then into shipping. When she returned after her daughter was born she went into the office, first starting as a switchboard operator, then moving into order processing and customer service. She has been there ever since enjoying her work with her fellow employees and customers. Mary Ellen says a lot has changed as Maryland Plastics has gone from a small building into a space covering two streets. Employees are different too and she shared that if younger people would put their hearts into what they’re doing and not jump from job to job, things would be a lot easier for them in the long run. (That’s real wisdom for all of us!) She attributes her success to her ability to keep working and to keep things off her mind. Her husband passed away in 1981 and today she keeps busy with work and her family which includes three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who live locally and in Washington DC. She also enjoys working in the yard. She also has a sister living in Easton. Three years ago, they enjoyed a trip together to Nova Scotia. Anna Mae Meredith is no stranger to Maryland Plastics either. She began her career a few weeks later on March 16th, 1942. Already married and with a son, she worked nights also sorting buttons. She also worked Saturdays at Fox’s five and dime and at Summers Restaurant on the Old Denton road at nights. She’s worked most jobs at Maryland Plastics, Inc. - on the press, in cages and now she’s warehouse supervisor working out of the newly expanded facility on Liberty Road.

Thanksgiving Celebration at the Federalsburg Senior Center November 21, 2003

John Soper, Operations Manager, Mary Ellen Currey, Anna Mae Meredith, and Allen Penrod, President, Maryland Plastics, Inc.

When asked about something memorable, she said it would be one of her bosses, Ralph Nagel. “He was stern and wanted the work done right, but he was a good boss”, she says. Also rewarding are the people she’s met and worked with and the fact that she was able to put three children through college while her husband kept the home fires going. She says she’s enjoyed coming to work all these years. Her advice to young people today is simple - if you want something, you have to put your mind to it and not expect it to be given to you; you’ll get a lot farther in life. “The Good Lord has been good to me, my health has been good and I’ve been able to continue working. I also have my children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren living here, in Sykesville Maryland or in Virginia.” Next month, on January 22nd, Anna Mae will celebrate her 81st birthday. Last January her children gave her a party at the Woodland Church where 75 people gathered to celebrate her 80th. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and visiting with her family. She was born and raised in Smithville which used to be a thriving place with a store, a blacksmith shop and a gristmill. She remembers her grandmother giving her a nickel for candy that she purchased at the store. She seldom came to town as a youngster and getting an ice cream cone was a real treat! After she married, they would come to shop on a Saturday night and go to the movies. They attended church on Sunday where she still attends Bloomery Church. She has appreciated working at Maryland Plastics all these years and for what she could do for her children. She wanted to make it easier for them so they didn’t have to work so hard. She still enjoys working and the people. “With the good Lord’s help and other people’s help, I hope to continue here for awhile.” We wish both Mary Ellen Currey and Anna Mae Meredith many more years of good health, good friends and years of successful employment. We also commend Maryland Plastics for their success and for their continued support of these two beautiful ladies.

Page 10 PRESS RELEASE Caroline County Public Schools Calendar Dec 22-Jan 2 No School - Winter Break Jan 19 No School - MLK Jr. Day Jan 23 End of 2nd Marking Term Jan 26 No School, Hi Sch Transitioning Grades Elem/Middle Inservice Grades Feb 2 Report Cards Issued Feb 12 Pre-K Conferences Only (No Pre-K) Feb 13 1/2 Day Conference Day (No Pre-K) Feb 16 No Schoool - Presidents Day Colonel Richardson High School (410-754-5575) Jan 8 Citizens Advisory 7 PM Jan 12 PTSA Exec Mtg 7 PM Jan 12 Budget Forum at CRMS/CRHS 7 PM Feb 9 PTSA Exec Mtg 7 PM Colonel Richardson Middle School (410-754-9922) Jan 12 PTA Fun Night 7 PM Jan 29 College Savings Mtg for Parents 7 PM Feb 6 Valentine’s Dance Feb 9 PTA Social Studies Fair 7 PM Feb 12 8th Grade Field Trip - Ft McHenry and Aquarium in Baltimore

Some of the Home-Based/Small Businesses in Federalsburg Since the last newsletter, we have learned of additional home-based businesses in Federalsburg. They are: Eastern Sheet Metal/Fred Jennette 754-8058 Molly’s Magick/Melanie Pearson 754-8082 Party Light/Janel Burtis 754-5942 (Archetypal costuming, whimsical wear for adults and children and blessed blankies for young and old.) If you are a home-based business and would like to be listed in the Newsletter, please contact Wendy Garner at 410-754-8173.

Federalsburg Branch Caroline County Public Library On Fri, Jan. 23rd, the Federalsburg Branch will host “Memorable Melodies of the 1940’s”, songs and guitar by Debi & Ellis; game shows; Sinatra, memorabilia and sing-a-long. There will be a Greensboro Toy Train and Model Railroad Exhibition at the North County Library at Church & Cedar Streets in Greensboro on Sat. Dec 20th and Sun. Dec. 21st from 10 AM to 3 PM. On Sun, Feb. 15th, Carnival in Caroline will feature Bavarian Dancers (costumes, old Alpine dancing and shoe slapping, Alphorn playing, yodeling and singing) at 2 PM in the CRHS auditorium. For more information, call the Federalsburg Branch at 410-754-8397. Federalsburg Branch Hours: Mon & Tues 12 to 8 PM Wednesday Closed Thurs, Fri & Sat 10 AM to 5:30 PM

New Gym for Women Only Opens “Now open at 332 N. Main Street in Federalsburg, MD (Nuttle building.) This new gym is specifically geared towards a full workout for women and also offers tanning. “Women often feel uncomfortable with men in a gym situation, especially unconditioned women,” owner Bonnie Evans said. “But, here, women can come in and work out with other women and also have a good social time.” ShapeNup uses PACE equipment, which combines strength and cardiovascular training into a 30minute workout. Participants move around the circuit, alternating every 30 seconds between hydraulic strength machines and aerobic stations. For each workout, a woman will make two trips around the circuit. The equipment is adjustable for the most athletic to the most fragile woman. “Everybody can benefit from this,” she said. “from women who are 75 years old to young teens. And you can adapt this workout to anyone.” Evans said a 30-minute workout at ShapeNup can be equivalent to a 90-minute workout in a regular gym and it is recommended that women exercise at least three times per week. Many women will see results as early as four weeks into the program and the staff at ShapeNup will constantly monitor members to make sure they are achieving the results they want. ShapeNup offers two tanning beds as well as measuring and weighing of its clients. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday.” To become a member, there is a sign up charge of $49 and monthly fee of $29; the contract is for a minimum of one year. During the month of January, no sign up charge will be charged if you already belong to a health group. For children able to be unattended during a workout, there are videos and coloring books available. A mother/daughter membership is offered for an additional $10 per month (ages 12 and older.) In the future, Bonnie would like to extend the operating hours in the morning. She is also hoping to open the facility to men only from 7 to 10 PM. Other possibilities include offering a massage therapist. She likes the flexibility of being able to offer these additional amenities that larger organizations are not able to offer. Bonnie was raised in Bridgeville but has lived in Federalsburg for the past 33 years. She had run ShapeNup (a one of a kind gym) for the past two years in Dover but recently closed that one and moved everything to Federalsburg. She has always been interested in exercise - walking, horseback riding, the gym - and believes that the concept of an all women’s gym is the way to go. Membership during the first few days has grown to over 100 members. Bonnie and her assistant, Suzanne Fluharty, may be reached at 410-754-0540.

THE LOCAL SCOOP The sixth Service Trucking Reunion was held October 5, 2003 in Bridgeville, Delaware. Plans are underway for next year’s event scheduled for October 3rd, 2004. Winross Trucks has offered to make 200 collector trucks, molded after one of the Service Trucking Company’s tractors and trailers from the 1950’s or 1960’s. The cost is $35.00 each and should be available in February 2004 (depending on when enough pre-orders are received.) Orders are being taken now. For more information or to order, contact Kitty Windsor at 410-754-9083 or send check to Service Trucking Reunion Committee c/o Kitty Windsor, 305 Maple Avenue, Federalsburg MD 21632. The CSAFE (formerly HotSpots) Community Team will sponsor a Bake Sale at the Town Office on Friday, February 27th. Proceeds to support our Relay for Life Team (the CSAFE Sailors) in Caroline County. Please support this event by purchasing items or donating a baked good. Thank you! The Annual Job Fair, sponsored by CSAFE and the Workforce Investment Board, will take place at the Federalsburg Fire Hall on March 16th from 10 AM to 6 PM. Local businesses will be available for questions, job information and some with application forms. For more information, please contact Betty Ballas at 410754-8157. The Federalsburg VFC will sponsor a Sportsmen’s Show at the Fire Hall on March 13th, from 11 am to 6 PM. Admission is free for all attendees. Vendors in attendance will be selling hunting, fishing and trapping equipment, as well as boat dealers, hunting and fishing guides, framed art work and other outdoors related equipment. The Caroline County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host a Duck Calling Contest at 12 noon and a Goose Calling Contest at 3PM for cash, trophies and firearms for winners. The Tri-County Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be holding a Turkey Calling Contest for cash, trophies and Firearms for winners. Also, raffles, games of chance, kids games for prizes, food, sodas and beer will be available. A Muskrat & Turkey Dinner will be served at 4:30 PM with all the trimmings featuring fresh Muskrat Meats caught locally and donated by the Maryland Fur Trappers Association. Vendor space is available by contacting Norm Browning, 443-786-9057 or email [email protected].

Page 11 Historic Preservation Awards Presented by Mayor and Council At the December meeting of the Federalsburg Mayor and Council, two Historic Preservation Awards were presented which recognized local efforts to preserve the historic character, enhance the appearance, and promote the economic well being of Federalsburg. Mayor Betty Ballas presented the first award to Mike and Janie Eskow recognizing improvements made this year to Framptom Funeral Home P. A., which included the new historic-style clock and the beautiful signs that grace the front lawn as well as the new fence installed behind their property. Another recent change was the business name being shortened in honor of the founding family. The Framptom Funeral Home P.A. has operated continuously in Federalsburg since 1864. We commend the efforts of Mike and Janie and daughter and son-in-law Christy and Roman Coale. (continued at top of next column)

Mayor Ballas presented the second award to Mrs. Mary Holt and her son, Haines Holt, and daughter Bobbie Holt in recognition of the restoration work done to Exeter, a house on Old Denton Road with portions dating back to the 1790’s and early 1800’s. Mrs. Holt and her husband, Robert, purchased the property in 1965 and since that time, land records had been traced back to the original deed from England to Rev. Thomas Dill. Mrs. Holt placed the house on the National Register of Historic Places, the only such property in Federalsburg. Over the years, she had dome some restoration work on the inside and in November of 2002 Rudy Plutschak and son, Alan, began major renovations which included replacing the roof, reconstructing the foundation, repairing or replacing doors and hardware, reglazing and painting all windows and completing other exterior and interior work. The Holt family spent considerable time, effort and money in the restoration process. Every effort was made by the Holts and the Plutschaks to maintain the historical integrity of the house. Rudy and Alan Plutschak also received awards in recognition of their workmanship and dedication to the historic preservation of Exeter. An unsung hero is J.O.K. Walsh and the Caroline County Historical Society for their contribution. They made available to the Holts an Architectural Historian, Mr. Paul Touart, and other experts familiar with historic preservation projects.

A Housewife’s Journal Article written by Carlene Schmick, reprinted from The Federalsburg Times issue dated March 18, 1981 Over the years, I have taken a lot of kidding from the younger generation about my “depression mentality.” When my children were young, I used to follow them through the house (they said), turning off lights, TV sets and radios, and sometimes closing the refrigerator door. “You must think we have stock in the electric company!” was an oft-spoken platitude in those days. They laughed at me when I saved pretty wrapping paper and bows from bridal showers, baby showers and Christmas. (My mother-in-law carried this a step further, so my sisters-in-law tell me, by ironing tissue paper that she saved from various packages. This, of course, was in the days when you ironed with flat irons heated on a wood stove, and did not defeat the parsimony of saving the tissue paper by using electricity to iron it.) Having lived through the hard times of the 1930’s, I could not bear to see anything wasted. They said that I established a record for getting the most cups of tea out of one tea bag. I didn’t carry my economies quite as far as a gentleman of an earlier generation who, it was said, bought clothes a size too large for the oldest of his children so that this child could get two years wear out of them, and then handed the clothing down step by step to his next nine children, without regard for sex or size. Of course, this man wound up being a millionaire, and left his children much money and land when he died. I suspect they would have traded it for one good-looking, well-fitting outfit when they were young. But I found other ways to economize. I would take the children shopping and let them choose the kinds of clothes they liked. Then we would go to the yard goods department and pick out patterns and fabric to simulate the fashions. My daughters complained that they never had a “store boughten” outfit. I even made shirts and pants for my son. When the children were little, I would bathe two of them at a time, thus saving water, soap, time and mother’s back. When they got older and took thirtyminute showers, I would say that the water pump never stopped running. “Do you think we have stock in the electric company?” I save bits of soap, paper bags, scraps from dressmaking, old hair ribbons and pieces of string too small to use. The one thing I didn’t worry much about was gasoline. It was cheap, and it was easy to pump into the car and take children to brownie meetings, Cub Scout meetings, piano lessons, 4-H activities and sundry other things. If I needed a zipper or a spool of thread, I would run into town to buy it. (This was probably false economy even then.) Those days are gone forever. And I notice that the younger generation, too, is becoming more saving-oriented. They clip cents-off coupons form the paper, some of them burn wood stoves to save on fuel and others turn their thermostats down, they ride bicycles, they car-pool, they buy high mileage rated cars, and try to drive less. They experiment with solar heating and talk about root cellars in which to store the products of their organic gardens.

F e d e r a l s b u r g Historical Society, Inc. To celebrate the holiday season, the December meeting included a special program on holly wreath making. According to the Dec. 8, 1939 issue of The Federalsburg Times, “two local brokers here in Federalsburg, John N. Wright, Jr. and R. O. Dean, ship about 25,000 dozen wreaths each year.” Betty Lofland graciously demonstrated how wreaths were made during those times and she and our members reminisced about their familys’ involvement in this project and other Christmas memories. Chuck Planner videotaped the demonstration and conversation. A photo card of Mrs.

Eventually, their “inflation mentality” may rival my “depression mentality.”

Cora Lare making holly wreaths (photograph taken by Jennifer Bodine’s father, A. Aubrey Bodine) were given to all those present. The beautiful wreath completed by Betty was drawn as the evening’s door prize and was won by Jennifer Bodine.

Footnote by Wendy Garner: I am so guilty of much of the above. My family is all too familiar with my saving habits. I suppose I get this from my family who did much the same kind of saving having been alive during the depression and war years. I never thought anything wrong or weird about it - in many cases it made sense to stretch your dollars. However, I’ll admit I carry it to extremes - saving plastic film canisters and cardboard boxes and dozens of other “useful” items. Today we’ve even given a name to it - recycling. My husband would not consider himself much of a saver but one look into his workroom you’d find thousands of assorted screws, bolts and odd pieces of hardware that most likely will never be used in our lifetime. Today’s economy still warrants a bit of “depression mentality.” What’s in your saving space?

Blood Drive Federalsburg Fire Hall 12:30 to 6:30 PM Jan 14 Feb 18 Mar 17 Apr 14 May 12 Jun 16

Mayor & Council of Federalsburg P. O. Box 471 Federalsburg, MD 21632

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID FEDERALSBURG, MD PERMIT NO. 10

Call for an appointment:

1-888-8BLOOD8 (1-888-825-6638) Lion’s Club Calendars are available at any local business. For more information, contact Frankie Bennett at 410-754-8650. On Saturday, Feb. 21st, from 6 to 12 PM, the Lions Club will host a Casino Night at the VFW. Pit beef, ham biscuits, and other foods provided; cost is $10.00 per person. All are invited. For more information, contact Betty Jean Davis at 410-754-2401.

Federalsburg Area Events: Fri, 1/2 H & R Block Office opens on N. Main Street Sat, 1/17 Teen Dance at Fire Hall Fri, 1/23 7 PM “Memorable Melodies of the 1940’s” at Federalsburg Library Sat, 1/24 - Vietnam Veterans of America Dance w/Barren Creek at VFW Sun, 1/25 - 7 - 11 AM FVFC Breakfast at Fire Hall Sat, 1/31 1st Annual Sportsman’s Conservation Banquet at Federalsburg Fire House Sun, 2/15 2 PM Carnival in Caroline at CRHS w/Bavarian Dancers Sat, 2/21 - 6 PM Lion’s Club Casino Night at VFW Feb, 2/22 FVFC Breakfast Fri, 2/27 9 AM Bake Sale by CSAFE at Town Office Upcoming Events: Sat, 3/6 11 AM - 6 PM Sportsman’s Show at Fire Hall Mon, 3/8 - A Curtis Andrew Big Farm Sale begins at 9 AM Sat, 3/13 - 11 AM to 6 PM Sportsman Show at Fire Hall Tue, 3/16 - CSAFE Job Fair at Fire Hall 10 AM to 6 PM

Sat, 5/1 Loyalty Day Parade Sun, 5/16 March of Dimes WalkAmerica at Marina Fri, 5/14 6 PM Walk to Remember

Presented by the Mayor and Council of Federalsburg to Libby Fluharty Citizen of the Year 2003 Award

Town Office Closings: Thursday, Dec 25 - in observance of Christmas Thursday, Jan 1 - in observance of New Year’s Day Monday, Jan 19 - in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day Friday, Apr 9 - in observance of Good Friday VFW Upcoming Events Wed, 12/31 - N. Y. Eve Dance Fri, 1/2 - Shrimp Dinner 5 - 7 PM; karaoke 8 - 12 Fri, 1/16 - Shrimp Dinner 5 - 7 PM; karaoke 8 - 12 Sun, 1/25 Superbowl # Draw Party Fri 1/30 - Shrimp Dinner 5 - 7 PM; karaoke 8 - 12 Fri, 2/6 - Spaghetti Dinner 5 - 7 PM, karaoke 8 - 12 Fri, 2/13 - Shrimp Dinner 5 - 7 PM; karaoke 8 - 12 Sat, 2/14 - Valentine Dinner/ Variety Show 6:30 PM Fri, 2/27 - Shrimp Dinner 5 - 7 PM; karaoke 8 - 12

December 2003 The award for Federalsburg Citizen of the Year 2003 was given to Libby Fluharty. While Libby lives at the outskirts of Federalsburg, she has touched countless lives in Federalsburg over the years. She and her husband, Leon, raised four children in this area. This past spring, she retired from Caroline County as a school bus driver. Activities she has been involved with include: thirty years with Girl Scouts, 20 years as a troop leader; Boy Scouts; Col. Richardson Band Boosters; CRHS Parent Support Group for Football; Preston E.S. and Col. Richardson PTS and member of Caroline Council of PTA’s; Relay for Life participant, team captain, Chair for three years and Co-Chair for one year. Libby was recently recognized as Caroline County’s “You Are Beautiful Maryland Volunteer for 2003.” Congratulations, Libby! Thanks for all you do!

SEWING OUTLET SEW much for so little ANNIVERSARY SALE Sale Dates Jan. 5 - Feb. 27 Take 20% Off Lowest Price on ALL In-Stock Fabrics for Draperies, Upholstery and Slipcovers Store Hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM Mon - Sat FREE DRAWING FOR DOOR PRIZES RED DOT SPECIAL - 1/2 OFF