Jane Smith gave the 4-H report. Starr Myklebust reported that $93 was donated at The Great Frederick Fair for Head Start and almost 1,500 books were distributed. She is already collecting books for next year. Since last year, $299.77 has been donated to Head Start.

Lyla Franklin gave her report on the environment, reporting on the invasive long-horn bug, currently in two states in the Northeast. She reminded the board that Frederick continues to be the top contributor for Pennies for Friendship, which helps women around the world.

Martha Moser asked that all new members' names be sent to her as part of the membership committee. Gwen Grant reported on the Spring Annual Meeting to be held April 27.

The nominating committee reported that Michelle Close has volunteered to fill out the remaining term of secretary.

East Frederick Homemakers met Oct. 20. The current project is knitting hats for soldiers and future projects were discussed.

Gambrill Park Homemakers met at the home of Elaine Childs for a Halloween lunch. Marcell Howell read the thought for the day and Ardis Jacobs gave the blessing. Eve Whibley gave the treasurer's report. Sara Eyler warned the seniors to beware of door-to-door solicitations and to be cautious of those demanding money before providing services.

Gathland Homemakers met Oct. 8 with five members. They were saddened by the passing of longtime member Mildred Webber. Jane Leiberman gave a reading and the blessing and Janet Taulton served refreshments.

Glade Valley Homemakers were invited to a Halloween get together by the Walkersville Homemakers. It was a Halloween-themed party with all the decorations and each meal was served by Halloween word descriptions, with lots of games and a contest for the best costume.

Jefferson Homemakers met Oct. 8. President Sammie Hayas called the meeting to order. Theresa Takatsch read "You are My Special Angel" by Bobbie Vinton. Evelyn Fry was awarded a 50-year certificate at the annual meeting. Jane Smith reported on her embroidery demonstration for the club at the Fair. She and Cecil Bussard will coordinate the November Senior Citizens dinner. Jane Smith gave the lesson on the New Frederick Memorial Hospital. Sammie Hayas presented a certificate from the Board of County Commissioners for the club's work at Montevue dated May 21, 2009.

Johnsville Homemakers met Nov. 16. The program was all about scams and crime in Frederick County. Patsy Spurrier brought apple dumplings.

Lewistown Homemakers were hosted by Thelma Ramsburg. New member Barbara Ryva was welcomed. New officers were officially voted in.

Merryland Tract Homemakers met at Luther Chapel on Oct. 15. President Diane Bowers opened the meeting with a blessing. Jane Smith of the Jefferson Club taught the lesson on the New Frederick Memorial Hospital. Edna Myers read a thank you note from Virginia Walker. It was reported that Thelma Grams is a patient at Tranquility. The club welcomed back Lorraine Biser after a long absence.

Mid-Valley Homemakers met Nov. 4 with 32 members and guests. President Devra Boesch opened the meeting. Ruth Ellen Burrier gave the thought for the day. Secretary Carole Krusinski took roll call and gave the minutes. Treasure Inez Foley gave her report. Guest Debra Chucran was welcomed and guest Deanie Warner joined the club. Hostesses Joyce Gregory, Margaret Schroyer and Ruth Ellen Burrier offered dessert. Members signed a get-well card for member Betty Neary. Shirley Duley discussed plans and made assignments for the upcoming "Homemakers Holiday" activity. The lesson on Holiday Cooking was led by Mary Smith and Lindsey Williams. Romelle Warring won the decorated pumpkin, cozy cottage candle and cook books. Joyce Jones won the turkey-themed placeholders, napkin rings and scarecrow centerpiece.

Mount Pleasant Homemakers met Sept. 21 at the home of Carol Norwood for lunch. Betty Brewer was co-hostess. Starr Myklebust read thank you notes from Lewistown and Walkersville clubs for the picnic gala last June. The program was given by Gwen Grant on making "Muggems," which are individual servings of soup or entree that are packaged in a plastic bag and ready to rehydrate and cook in a mug in the microwave. Members met again on Oct. 19 with 12 at the home of Starr Myklebust. She, Gwen Grant and Pam Saylor offered refreshments. The Mount Pleasant Chorus will be reactivated for the Christmas season.

New Market Homemakers were presented with an overview of the new Frederick Memorial Hospital, as well as a glimpse of Ken Coffey's "2020 vision" for the hospital, by June Snowden at the club's Oct. 9 meeting. Visitor Jude King was welcomed. As a result of the Holiday Cooking leader training, members sampled different foods and received recipes at the club's Nov. 6 meeting at the home of Betty Thompson. They also brought an array of gifts for Springfield Hospital Center patients, which June Snowden will deliver. To attend a meeting, call 301 865 5492 for information.

Urbana Homemakers met Oct. 20 at the Araby Church; there were 14 members present. Alex Roth reported that she had 20 shawls ready to go the County Community Project leader. It was also reported that the hospital is in need of more newborn caps; and that the club could "adopt" a needy family for the holiday season.

Walkersville Homemakers' October meeting was a "Halloween Mystery Dinner" with guests from the Mount Pleasant, Lewistown and Glade Valley clubs attending. Several members and guests came in costumes. The evening ended with wise-tales, traditions, and poems of old-time fun.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.