Did you feel it? It was still dark when folks in West Carroll heard or felt what some thought was an approaching storm. But, the pre-dawn sky was full of twinkling stars with no sign of threatening weather. It was later in the day that an earthquake was reported, with its epicenter at Oak Orchard, just over the Frederick County line, 5 miles from New Windsor.
"It sounded like a bomb exploding," said Robert Burleson of New Windsor. And the 88-year-old veteran would know, as he served in World War II.
The United States Geological Survey reported a 2.2-magnitude earthquake at 5:51 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. It was reportedly heard or felt by people in New Windsor, Westminster and Mount Airy.
"I heard a rumble. I thought it was thunder," Mike Pine, of Mount Airy, said.
The Maryland Geological Survey maintains an online site, "Earthquakes and Maryland," that explains the measurement of earthquakes. A record of all Maryland earthquakes since they were first recorded in 1758, is also presented. Union Bridge appears on the list four times between 1902 and 1903, with earthquakes ranging from 2.4 to 2.7 magnitudes on the Richter Scale. This objective measure of seismic energy is measured by seismographs. The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale is a subjective measure of an earthquake's intensity based upon eye witness reports. Saturday's quake was classified as II on the MMI scale which ranges from 0, to XII.
You can contribute to the MMI measurement of this quake by visiting the USGS site earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ld60020503#dyfi.
The questionnaire takes just a moment to complete, asking for information such as whether the earthquake awakened you or if you felt or observed movement. Seismograph charts, maps and more information are there for the finding. Look for "Did You Feel It?" and click on "Tell Us."
Church yard sale
Uniontown Methodist Church will hold a yard sale at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Search for household items, furniture, books, bake sale items and more. Vendor tables are available for $10. The event is rain or shine.
Uniontown Methodist Church is at 3405 Uniontown Road. For more information or to reserve a vendor table, call 410-775-7054.
Sportsman drawing and dinner
The Union Bridge fire company will sponsor a Sportsman's Drawing and Dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the fire hall, 8 W. Locust St., Union Bridge.
The menu includes hot roast beef, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, ice cream and beverages.
Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased by calling 410-756-2613.
Meet and greet
The New Windsor Lions Club is a service club that provides help to the local community through scholarships; social events such as the annual New Windsor Halloween party; recognition of local veterans, farmers and teachers; sponsorship of neighborhood Christmas decorating contests; community projects; and support of Leader Dogs for the Blind and Vision Research.
Men and women who are interested in learning more about the club and their neighbors who are members are invited to a "Meet and Greet" from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. This "Friendship Night" will be held at the New Windsor Lions Club Park pavilion on Maple Avenue. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 410-635-6360.
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Gift card bingo
The Union Bridge Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor a Gift Card Bingo tonight. Doors to the Union Bridge fire hall at 8 W. Locust St., will open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. For more information, call 301-418-0539.
