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Volume I Issue #35 August, 2014 C. David Copenhaver, Editor

Welcome to our latest issue of the ACC eNews. This eNews has been developed in an effort to reach out to the residents of Abingdon.
Our purpose is to provide you an opportunity to become more informed and to encourage more participation at our
monthly meetings! Please share this eNews with your neighbors. Why not plan to join us at our next meeting on
Monday, August 25, 2014 from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road,
Abingdon, MD 21009. Join us and participate; take that leap of faith, you may find it rewarding!
(For additional information, contact me at abingdoncc@gmail.com.)

(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove.)
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Abingdons Treasures: St. Francis de Sales
(St. Francis de Sales is located at 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, Maryland 21009)

On July 9, 1866, shortly after the Civil War, ground was broken to begin construction of the first Catholic church in
Abingdon. Local stone that had been dug up from the corn and bean fields was transported to
the church site by horse and wagon. There the stone was cut, fitted, and set by the men of the
parish under the supervision of George Lochary. Lochary, who was a parishioner of St.
Ignatius, also donated a sizable sum of $600 towards construction costs.

The Aegis and Intelligencer, a local newspaper, reported in its July 12, 1866, issue: The
Church stands on the west side of the public road leading from Bel Air to Abingdon and
directly on the top of the hill, but a short distance northwest of the town. It is to be
substantially built of stone, and will, when finished, be quite an improvement to that part of
the county. The pot on which it stands was donated by Mr. William F. Pannell, and the stone
work, we understand, is under the supervision of Mr. George Lochary. The building already is in progress of erection, and
it is contemplated to have it done in the fall. This improvement to the vicinity of Abingdon will, when finished, be a great
convenience to the members of the Church in that locality, who are now compelled to attend at Hickory, or forego the
satisfaction of attending church altogether.

On July 12, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. Francis Gibbons, who could later wear the cardinal hat. With favorable
weather and dedicated laborers, construction was completed within five and one-half months. At 5 a.m., on Christmas Day
1866, OConnor celebrated the first Mass at St. Francis. Late arrivers might have had difficulty finding a seat; the tiny
church could accommodate only 100 people.

Until 1964, St. Francis was considered a mission - albeit one of the largest missions in the region. That changed when His
Eminence, Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, Cardinal Archbishop of Baltimore, bestowed parish status on St. Francis on
Saturday, June 6, 1964. Rev. Maurice J. Wolfe, the curate at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, was installed as the first pastor of
the new parish in Abingdon.

Wolfe, a native of Washington, D.C., attended Gonzaga High School and later Mt. Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg. He
also attended St. Mary's Seminary and later was ordained by Archbishop Curley.

Today, Rev. Charles M. Wible (Fr. Chuck) serves as pastor for Saint Francis De Sales. He is a Baltimore native, and a
former Conventual Franciscan Friar. He also has spent time with the Camaldolese Benedictine Monks. Previous to coming
to St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Chuck was Associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Hydes, St. Joseph, Cockeysville, and
Sacred Heart, Glyndon. Fr. Chuck is a teacher, youth minister, musician and writer. His published works include
contributions to the Connect and Connect Jr High Religious Education Programs (Silver, Burdett & Ginn); I Do and
Beyond: A Guide to Planning the Catholic Wedding Ceremony (Cathedral Foundation Press) and Bible Stories That
Speak to Our Heart (Paulist Press).

Under his leadership, the parish has experienced much growth since the 1960s; St. Francis De Sales built a multi-purpose
building in 1971 and a new church in 1991. Presently they are working on a Master Plan for parish improvements.
(Source: http://stfrancisabingdon.org/id23.html: The Church on the Hill)
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Abingdon Community Council eNews
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Harford County DPW Bureau of Highway Engineering is
on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/HarfordCountyHihways )

The Bureau of Highways Engineering is a major division within the Department of Public Works. Its responsibilities are
to provide engineering design and technical support for roadway and bridge projects throughout
Harford County.

In addition, the Bureau of Highways Engineering provides the review/design and subsequent
approval of subdivision/related roadways, traffic analysis, including but not limited to
intersection improvements, future roads, speed studies, traffic calming measures, storm drains, and bridge facilities, which
when completed, become part of the Harford County infrastructure.
(Source: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/.Some changes were made.)
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The Search is on for Harfords Most Beautiful People
(Nominations are due by August 2, 2014)

The Harford County Department of Community Services and Volunteer Harford are searching for local unsung heroes
who selflessly assist people. They are volunteers of any age whose acts of goodwill have gone
unnoticed. These beautiful people volunteer above and beyond, donating their time and
talent to make a difference in Harford County.

Harfords Most Beautiful People, those who have enriched the lives of our citizens by their
acts of kindness and concern, are honored at a special program in October. It is hosted by Harford County Executive David
R. Craig. The program is aired on Harford Cable Network after the event.

You can submit nominations now through August 29, 2014 for the 28th Annual Harfords Most Beautiful People Awards.
If you know someone who contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Harford
County, please send in a nomination form to honor them at the Annual Harfords Most Beautiful People awards. The
presentation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014, 6pm to 9:00 pm at the Bel Air Church of the Nazarene, 2430
Conowingo Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.

Nomination forms are available online and at all branches of the Harford County Public Library, Harford County Senior
Activity Centers or by calling the Department of Community Services, Volunteer Harford, at 410-638-4444.
See more at: http://www.harfordneighbors.net/index.php?section=1&subtype=81&id=6970#sthash.qPVlteSa.dpuf

(Source: harfordneighbors.net. Some changes were made.)
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Loud Testing Planned Next Week on Post
(Local residents should not be alarmed as this is part of the training exercise.)

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground is
scheduled to conduct a training exercise beginning on or about August 5
th
and ending August
7
th
.

Exercises will be conducted during the afternoon and evenings and will take place in and
around APGs restricted water and airspace. The training exercise will include weapons firing
and the use of water and aircraft.

Residents and boaters in the surrounding communities should be aware they my hear weapons
firing and flashes of light from illumination devices that may be visible off-post. Local
residents should not be alarmed as this is part of the training exercise.

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, a test center under the US Army Test and Evaluation Command provides test and
test support services for authorized customers, within the Department of Defense and outside the DoD, including
government and non-government organizations, both foreign and domestic.
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ATEC plans, conducts and integrates development testing, independent operational testing and experiments to provide
essential information to decision makers. Please direct ant questions to 410-278-1147 or 800-688-8705.

(Source: The Aegis, bzumer@theaegis.com. Some changes were made.)
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Dates to Ponder:

Summer Concert Series
August 3, 2014 (Free)
7:00 pm
Humbert Amphitheater, Shamrock Park. Outdoor concerts in Shamrock Park, featuring music by Bottle of Blues. Bring a
picnic dinner and chair or blanket. Bel Air High School is available if rain or extreme heat causes us to move indoors.
Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. 410.803.9784

Aberdeen Proving Ground: Loud Testing Planned
August 5-7, 2014
Afternoon and Evenings
Exercises will take place in and around APGs restricted water and airspace. The training exercise will include weapons
firing and the use of water and aircraft. Residents and boaters in the surrounding communities should be aware they my
hear weapons firing and flashes of light from illumination devices that may be visible off-post. Local residents should not
be alarmed as this is part of the training exercise.

Edgewood Farmers Market
August 7, 2014
3:00pm -6:00pm
MARC Train Station Parking Lot, intersection of Edgewood Road (Route 755) and Old Edgewood Road across from the
MARC station, 2122 Old Edgewood Road. Visit website for selection of fruits, vegetables, crafts, local specialties and
organic food. www.harfordfarms.com

Maryland State BBQ Bash
August 8-9, 2014
Friday, 4:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday, Noon-10:00pm
The BBQ Bash features live music, top quality BBQ, sponsor displays, crafters, merchant vendors, Farmers Market, and
childrens entertainment, not to mention the Countys biggest beer and wine garden! Sponsored by the Bel Air Downtown
Alliance. www.mdbbq.com 443.823.1797

Harford County 1
st
Annual Corporate Spelling Bee
August 13, 2014 (Free)
5:00pm 8:00pm
Richlin Ballroom, 1700 Van Bibber Road, Edgewood, Do you hear that buzz? Its the sound of corporate hives all over
Harford County flexing their spelling muscles in anticipation of Greater Excellence in Education Foundation's 1st Annual
Harford County Corporate Spelling Bee! We invite you to be part of this unique event combining community philanthropy
with corporate team building. Who will bee there? Community leaders, civic organizations, and any group of people who
care about investing in the education of our youth in Harford County Public Schools. What will bee in it for me? FUN
(Bring your cheering section and win the Spirit Stick), Recognition as a supporter of Harford County Public Schools,
Team-building, Networking opportunities, Door prizes - Food Drinks, For the winning team - proof that youre The
Smartest Business working in Harford County! Heres how it works - Participating companies are represented by three-
member teams of spellers. These teams compete against one another in a single elimination spell-off. Each team gets one
chance per round to spell a word correctly. (Spelligans are available for purchase the day of the Bee to buy your team out
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of a word they dont want to spell). The SPELLING BEE is a great way to connect people from across your
organization! It offers many opportunities for team building and for creating new energy and excitement among
employees...not to mention a few friendly rivalries! You get to showcase your spelling skills and compete for the chance to
bring the coveted Spelling Bee trophy home! Dont BEE embarrassed if you cant spell! Well all be there for a good
time and to support the students of Harford County Public Schools. Proceeds will benefit such programs as STEM labs,
Youth Leadership Conference, LEAD for Tomorrow high school leadership, Books in Hand home literacy, and Tools for
Schools Resource Center to ensure every child has the necessary school supplies for educational excellence. Various
registration fees - Enter early. Spaces available for ONLY 24 teams. Find registration and more information online at
www.geefinc.com 410.322.7743 geefinc@gmail.com

Outdoor Movie: The LEGO Movie
August 15, 2014
6:30 pm -9:3 0pm (Free admission and Free Pop Corn)
Shamrock Park, Bel Air. Movie starts at dusk. Grab the kids and pack your blankets for great family friendly entertainment
with movies under the stars at Shamrock Park! Festivities begin at 6:30pm and movies begin at sunset! Sponsored by the
Bel Air Downtown Alliance. www.downtownbelair.com 443.823.1797

Annual Havre de Grace Art Show
August 8/15 - 5:00pm, 8/16 and 8/17 10:00am-5:00pm (Free)
The Havre de Grace Art Show at Tydings Memorial Park, is proud to showcase the talents of artists and craftsmen from
throughout the country, along with fine entertainment and food. www.hdgartshow.com

Summer Outdoor Concert
August 17, 2014 (Free)
7:00pm
Shamrock Park, Bel Air. Music by Cormorant's Fancy. Bring a picnic dinner and chair or blanket. Sponsored by the Town
of Bel Air and the Bel Air Recreation Committee. FREE. For inclement weather, call 410.803.9784.

Outdoor Movie: Brave
August 22, 2014
6:30 pm -9:30pm (Free admission and Free Pop Corn)
Shamrock Park, Bel Air. Movie starts at dusk. Grab the kids and pack your blankets for great family friendly entertainment
with movies under the stars at Shamrock Park! Festivities begin at 6:30pm and movies begin at sunset! Sponsored by the
Bel Air Downtown Alliance. www.downtownbelair.com 443.823.1797

Harford County Commission on Disabilities
August 25, 2014
5:00pm
205 Hays Street (Historic Bel Air Colored High School). The Harford County Commission on Disabilities was
established in 1995 to serve as the voice of the disabled community in Harford County. The Commission is dedicated to
helping the more than 24,000 Harford County citizens with disabilities to participate fully in our community. The
commission meets on the 4th Monday of each month (except May and December). The public is welcome to attend. To
confirm meeting date/time/location and/or to request disability-related accommodations, contact Disabilities Coordinator,
Rachel Harbin at 410.638.3373 voice/TTY disability@harfordcountymd.gov.

Diabetes Support Group
August 27, 2014 (Free)
10:30am - 11:30am
McFaul Senior Activity Center, 525 W. MacPhail Road. (Meetings subject to change). 410.638.4040

Farmers Market
August 9,16, 23, and 30-August 30, 2014
7:00am-11:00am
Mary Risteau Courthouse Parking Lot, Thomas & Bond Streets. The market sells only fresh, local produce and fruit in
season, locally raised beef, chicken, pork, milk, eggs, cheese, flowers and shrubs. Includes three organic vendors.
Specialty vendors to include hummus, salsa, baked goods, jams/jellies, and more. Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air, Bel
Air Farmers Market, Inc., and Harford County Office of Economic Development. For current market information, please
refer to the website at www.belairfarmersmarket.com farmers@belairfarmersmarket.com
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Meeting
August 25, 2014 at the Abingdon Public Library
6:30pm 7:30pm 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD

Special Guest Speaker
Chrystal Brooks, Harford County Auditor




More detail s to come!






Monday, September 22, 2014
5:00pm 8:00pm
Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009




Members:
Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson
C. David Copenhaver Carlin Cook

Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver


Abingdon Community Council