WEATHER 41/28 SPORTs forecast

Partly to mostly sunny /A2

8 a.m. 33 5 p.m. 38 9 p.m. 33

Five-day
TODAY

Partly to mostly sunny.

Partly sunny Partly cloudy Mostly clear

41/28 to use /B1

Teams put iPads

/A3

46/32
Partly to mostly cloudy.

SUNDAY

42/29
Mostly sunny.

MONDAY

www.carrollcountytimes.com

75

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Homeland Security

44/33
Partly cloudy.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

44/31

Slight chance of rain.

YESTERDAYS PRECIPITATION As of 5 p.m. Friday . . . . .0.47 in. Total for the month . . . . . 3.78 in. Normal month-to-date . .2.47 in. Total for the year. . . . . 55.80 in. Normal year-to-date . . .41.06 in. YESTERDAYS TEMPERATURES High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Normal high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Normal low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Record high . . . . . . . . 69 (1990) Record low . . . . . . . . . . 0 (1960) POLLEN FORECAST The pollen season has ended in the area. Forecasts will begin again in the spring.

Program launching at FSK

Students will be able to graduate with certification in information systems
BY ALIsHA GEORgE
TIMES StAFF WRItER

MOON PHASES
NEW FIRST QTR FULL LAST QTR

DEC. 24

JAN. 1

JAN. 9

JAN. 16

Suzanne Shea, left, helps Cristi pick out clothing during the SALT Christmas Celebration at the Old Sunrise today . . . . .Bradford . . . . 7:26 a.m. Sunrise tomorrow . . .Friday. . . .7:27 a.m. Armory Building in Westminster
Sunset today . . . . . . . . . 4:48 p.m. Sunset tomorrow . . . . . .4:49 p.m.

SUNRISE AND SUNSET

DAVE MUNCH/STAFF PHOTO

Helping out
crafts for children, donated clothing for both adults and children and gift bags for the taking, according to SALT cofounder Abby Rutter. SALT was formed for college-aged students to worship with one another and grow in their faith together, Rutter said. After noticing homeless individuals on the streets of Westminster, the group decided to do something to serve those in need. Stephen said, Why dont we give them a Christmas? she said. The ministry hopes to host the Christmas celebration annually and have more gifts available in future years, Rutter said. Cristi Bradford, of Westminster, said she saw a ier for the event and decided to go enjoy the night with friends. The celebration is a safe, free event for her to attend, which made it appealing.

Christmas celebration held for less fortunate in Westminster

BY ALIsHA GEORgE
TIMES StAFF WRItER

Christmas music played in Westminsters Old Armory Building as visitors enjoyed hot food and beverages while talking to friends, family or even complete strangers. The Share a Living Testimony, or SALT youth ministry held its rst Christmas Celebration event Friday night, which was focused on helping those less fortunate but was open to anyone in the community. More than six churches and other organizations helped the youth ministry serve food, such as soup and cookies as well as hot cider and other drinks during the night of worship and fellowship. To remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas, thats our main goal, SALT co-founder Stephen Davis said. The event also featured activities and

It makes us feel better, she said. We dont have a lot of money and its something fun for us to do. Bradford enjoyed picking out a new coat for herself and a blanket and pajamas to give to her 12-year-old daughter, who is coming to the area from Virginia to visit for the holidays. Its getting to be a better time, Im getting my own apartment [soon], Bradford said. Its going to be great. Bob Gurganus also attended the celebration to share some Christmas spirit and enjoy the holiday. The Westminster resident enjoys spending time helping others. I changed my life and became a Christian, he said. I see thats the way it should be. Gurganus was glad to see children at the Please see Celebration, A10

A program being launched at Francis Scott Key High School next year will allow students the opportunity to graduate with the same certication that they could receive at institutions such as University of Maryland University College or Towson University. In todays world, the best thing you can have is a college degree and a marketable skill, said FSK Principal John Baugher. This years 10th-graders will be eligible to enroll in FSKs Geographic Information Systems and Technology Program, which begins with the rst of its four courses next school year. The four-course program will be taken by students in their junior and senior years and has an emphasis on homeland security. The programs course sequence includes Foundations of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Spatial Technology and Remote Sensing course one and two, STARS course three and four, and culminates with an internship or a independently student-designed project. During the program, the students will complete a portfolio assignment that is sent off to be graded by instructors at NASA. Its geared for kids from all walks of life, Baugher said. The program is a way to increase rigor at the school and make students both college and career ready, he said. When students complete the program, they can obtain a STARS certication, which is an entry-level Geographic Information System certication. It has been identied that 130 companies in Carroll County could benet from GIS, according to Ted McNett, Assistant Supervisor of Career and Technology Education. Careers in the eld are seemingly endless, he said. They include academic research, environmental monitoring and protection support, and risk management and analysis, according to a document received by the Times. The independently student-designed project or internship can be tailored to a students Please see Program, A10

Woman recalls divine Christmas

Skateboard the perfect gift for child
BY CARRIE ANN KNAUER
TIMES StAFF WRItER

TOdaY in tHe Times

Christmas is a time for sharing, and Eldersburg resident Judy Butler said there was one Christmas when her family was able to share with others that she will never forget. Back in the early 90s, Butler and her husband Fred and their three young sons didnt have a lot of extra money, but they still wanted to adopt a family through the Carroll

County Neighbors in Need program, she said. The family they received included a single mother with a young BUtlER daughter and a son, who had requested a skateboard. Butler said her mother had never let her ride a skateboard

because she thought they were too dangerous, and she didnt let her sons have skateboards either. But rather than disappointing this little boy, she decided to go forth with buying him a skateboard and a helmet, to keep him safe. After purchasing several other gifts for the family, Butler found herself in a store looking at a display of skateboards. Unfortunately, they were much more expensive than she had anticipated. She

stood in the store trying to decide what to do, and decided to pray about it. I said, God, if you want me to buy these gifts for this young man, youre going to have to help me out here. I really cant afford them, she said. All of a sudden, the skateboards, which had been standing upright and were packed close together, fell over without anyone touching them, until there was only Please see Gift, A10

Attacks in Syria
Suicide bombings kill at least 44. A2

Holiday Hope
Amount raised so far:
$72,781

Goal: $75,000
$65,000 $55,000 $45,000 $35,000 $25,000 $15,000 $5,000

Donations near $75,000 goal

Thirty-one donations totaling $3,220 have brought the amount raised in this years Holiday Hope campaign to $72,781, a little more than $2,000 shy of our goal of raising $75,000 by Christmas for Carroll County Food Sunday, Neighbors in Need, Carroll Hospice and The Shepherds Staff. Among the latest donations was $200 in memory of James Greene, $150 in memory of Zachry Family, $125 in memory of Gladys Beaver, Jack Moores, Lester and Thelma Spencer, Thomas

STAFF REPORT

and Margaret May and William Rhoten, $100 from John Fisher Sr. in memory of Dorothy Marie Fisher and May White, $100 from Curt and Faye Snyder in memory of Curtis and Goldie Snyder and Gilbert and Alice Gesell, $100 from Bud and Dorothy Rhoten in memory of numerous family members, $100 from John and Pam Wood in memory of John and Suanne Wood and Harry and Marie Cunningham, $100 from Orville and Diane Green in memory of Paul Green, $50 from the Michels in memory of dogs

of Christmas past, $50 from Dennis and Pat Clifford in memory of Mary Sheppard, $50 from Darrell Sr. and Joyce Jones in memory of Darrell Jr. and Craig Jones, $50 from Glenn Goff in memory of Joshua Halley, $50 from Justin Eckard in memory of Gary Eckard, $50 from Tom Lockatell in memory of Joyce Lockatell, $25 from the ONeill family in memory of Msgr. Joseph Antoszewski, $25 in memory of Walter Please see Donations, A10

Prep Sports Join the high school sports community online at www.carroll varsity.com.

Dow + 124.35 Nasdaq + 19.19 See Page A6

INSIDE

2011, Carroll County Times

Business Classied Comics Nation/World

A6 B7-10 B5 A2

Obituaries Opinion Puzzles Sports

A4 A8 B5 B1-4, 7

Westminster, Maryland

Page A10 Saturday, December 24, 2011

LOCAL/REGION Celebration

Carroll County Times of Gettysburg. If you have extra, why From Page A1 not share it? she said. We event enjoying themselves. came to share the Bible Christmas is for kids, verses about the greatest thats what its about, he gift of all: Jesus. said. Another attendee agreed Reach staff writer Alithat giving to the less fortusha George at 410-857-7876 nate is important, because alisha.george@carroll any of us could be in need or one day, said Suzanne Shea, countytimes.com.

Classes help kids discover themselves

Course teaches at-risk children to grow through using the arts
LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
ANNAPOLIS The next time 14-year-old Mary gazes in the mirror, shell have the chance for some true self-reection. Expressions such as smile now, cry never and be yourself, along with the word bright, are painted on the wood frame. There also are many smartly-colored designs. Mary, not her real name, decorated the mirror earlier this week during a unique class at the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. The session was conducted through Rob Levits Creating Communities program, and is one of two offered in a partnership of the organizations. The idea behind the classes is to allow children to grow through the arts. Levit mixes in not only painting, but music, poetry and dancing. The rst group of eight weekly sessions began this fall, and another will kick off next month. Each class runs between 75 and 90 minutes. I really like [Levits] ability to connect with children, said YWCA Executive Director Molly Knipe, who planned the curriculum with him. One of the classes consisted of middle school students in the YWCAs S.T.A.R. Students in Training for Academic Rewards Academy, which provides assistance with social, academic and behavioral issues. It helps me get my artistic skill out more, Mary said. It helps me communicate with other people. The other session was for elementary and middle school-age children who are victims of domestic violence, which is why the YWCA requested the names of the students be withheld. It offers an additional chance for kids to express themselves, said Pam Adderley, the YWCAs counseling department manager. This program offers them a chance to become empowered again. A 13-year-old boy in the second session certainly feels that way. He looks forward to coming to class so much he watches the clock at home until its time to leave. Its very fun and exciting to do creative stuff, he said. To be artistic is really cool. Im energetic and stuff. His mother said her son is more focused and happier since he started the class. And I get the best part, the nished product, she said, referring to the artwork he brings home. The STAR session earlier this week began with some yoga-like exercises to get the students focused and then moved onto drumming. This was a group activity intended to bolster teamwork. The nal part of the class involved painting the afrmation mirrors. Levit, who is assisted by volunteers, always has multiple activities planned. He began the afrmation exercise by asking the 12 students to describe their best qualities. After several replied with funny and one boy said weird, he asked them to think harder. I want you to dig a little deeper, he said. Be thoughtful about this. Dont rush. This is about you and your spirit. Some of the teens began to paint immediately anyway, while others, such as Mary, took considerable time before grabbing a brush. But all of them seemed to be enjoying the experience. This makes me feel good, said a 12-year-old girl, who declared herself bubbly and painted a series of bubbles on top of her mirror and God bless all on the bottom. I can get my feelings out without people making fun of me. This jibes with Levits goal of creating a space where children can explore their emotions and foster their talents. It gives them a safe place to talk about their lives and process their lives, he said. Although he wants the students to consider the exercises carefully, none are meant to be difcult. The idea is to teach them activities they can repeat at home, or show other children. We try to give them a springboard to jump off on their own creativity, Levit said. My whole mission and purpose is to demonstrate how the arts bring healing and understanding and a feeling of accomplishment.

From Page A1

Gift

one left on the display. Butler said she checked the price tag on the lone standing skateboard and was surprised. It was so much less than all of the other ones that I couldnt believe it, and it was just as nice, she said. When her family went to drop off the gifts to their Reach staff writer CarNeighbors in Need family, Butler said she was over- rie Ann Knauer at 410-857whelmed with emotion and 7874 or carrie.knauer@ the feeling of being blessed carrollcountytimes.com.

in being able to share with this family that was not as fortunate as her own. Beyond being able to share the gifts, Butler said she felt God move, and its a memory shell never forget. In my heart, I truly believe that I received divine intervention that day in order to fulll this young mans Christmas wish, she said.

Program
From Page A1

Regional News Briefs

Obama signs bill for Sept. 11 medal
PITTSBURGH President Barack Obama has signed a bill that honors victims of the Sept. 11 attacks with congressional medals. Obama signed the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act on Friday. The congressional

gold medals will be given to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York and the Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Pennsylvania memo rial honors the victims of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Christopher in memory of Jonathan Christopher. Other donations included $500 in honor of all the people who have been there for me, $25 from the Richmond family in honor of Mrs. Mulder, $25 from the Richmond family in honor of Mrs. Kuhn and 10 anonymous donations totaling $1,225. Neighbors In Need,

Shanksville, a rural area her boyfriends mistress. southeast of Pittsburgh. The Washington Post reports Ann Cinnamon was indicted Thursday. The Va. woman 41-year-old allegedly ofindicted in plot fered $500 to a man workALEXANDRIA, Va. A ing as an FBI informant, Virginia woman has been asking him to hire someone indicted for allegedly try- to kill the woman. ing to hire someone to kill Associated Press a woman she described as administered through Human Services Programs of Carroll County Inc., provides holiday help, new gifts and clothing to those who cannot afford to do so for themselves. Carroll County Food Sunday operates food banks for the countys needy from locations in Westminster, Taneytown and Eldersburg. Carroll Hospice provides palliative care and support services to individuals with life- threatening illnesses and their families. The Shepherds Staff is a Christian outreach and support center serving those in need and encouraging pathways to self-sufciency.

Donations
From Page A1 and Theodore Gilner, $25 in memory of George and Anna Horner, $25 in memory of Ryan Theo Deardorff, $25 in memory of Christopher Vaile and Max, $25 from Zach Cover in memory of Ed Huffman and $20 from Bill and Pat

specic interest in the GIS eld. The school is partnering with the Carroll County Ofce of Public Safety and local municipalities and agencies to give the students the opportunity to intern and gain experience using GIS, he said. The program could set students apart from other candidates when they seek employment or admission to college, McNett said. Its one of those valuable skills or certicates that students would be able to apply to any job they get, he said. The program is one of three Maryland State Department of Education approved Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Pathways. The other pathways are forensic science and criminal justice, McNett said. Next years enrollment will be limited to FSK students, but depending on interest and demand, it could be open to students from other county Reach staff writer Alihigh schools in the fall of sha George at 410-857-7876 2013, he said. or alisha.george@carroll Baugher said the program countytimes.com.

is similar to something that is available at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center. There is no required GPA to enroll in the courses and it may be possible for students to obtain college credits for completion. So far, about 10 to 15 students have expressed interest in enrolling, Baugher said. The United States government has put money into these types of programs so the country stays up to date with these new technologies and the growing demand for expertise in the eld, Baugher said. The school has a one-time $24,000 grant from the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative through the Department of Homeland Security, which is going through the Countys Ofce of Public Safety. With the grant and other resources, current teachers are being trained in the Homeland Security Program. They will take the same course and get the certication in order to teach this, Baugher said.

L A ST M I N U TE

e x t e n d e d H oli d a y Sh oppi n g H ou rs
fo r a ll o f yo u r gift giv in g n eeds
W ed 8a m 10pm Thu rs 8a m 10pm F ri 8a m 10pm S a t 7a m - 6pm

W ev e G ot You Cov ered !

SH OP P I N G ...

H OL I D AY

TM

H undreds of C arrol lcountians face a hol iday season w ithout hope. W on t you pl ease give hope to those in need? Y our donation to C arrol lC ounty Food S unday,C arrol lH ospice,N eighbors in N eed,or T he S hepherd s S taff can give food,gifts,hope and joy to fam il ies that otherw ise w oul d have none. C arroll C ou n ty Food Su n d ay collects m on etary d on ation s an d food , an d th en d istrib u tes food to C arroll resid en ts in n eed .C on tact th em at 410-857-7926. C arroll H ospice is you r com m u n ity-b ased provid er of com preh en sive an d com passion ate en d -of-life care, servin g th ose of all ages.C on tact th em at 410-871-8000. N eigh b ors in N eed provid es h olid ay h elp to C arroll resid en ts in n eed w ith gifts an d food given th rou gh th e H olid ay Sh op or b y in d ivid u als or grou ps ad optin g a fam ily.C on tact th em at 410-857-2999. T h e Sh eph erd s Staff provid es em ergen cy aid , a sou p k itch en , person al care d istrib u tion , lau n d ry/ sh ow er facility, you th program s an d free cloth in g. C on tact th em at 410-857-5944. C arroll C ounty F ood S unday C arroll H ospice N eighbors in N eed T he S hepherds S taff
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