While recently cleaning out some old files at home, Betty Christopher, a member of the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights and president from 1942-1946, came across an old photograph taken during World War II.
The photo showed a North American P-51D Mustang Fighter with an inscription painted on its side, "Linthicum Heights Woman's Club -- Md. G.F.W.C." After realizing this photo was of historical interest, she gave it to the current president, Anne Yakaitis, for the club's archives.
The Linthicum club is affiliated with the Maryland Federation andGeneral Federation of Woman's Clubs. In 1944, it was placed on the federation's honor roll in the "Buy a Bomber" bond campaign, one of several major war efforts mounted by the GFWC.
The Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights sold bonds totaling $75,000, the cost of the P-51D Mustang fighter plane. This was one of many planes used during the warthat carried the names of GFWC federations and clubs on their noses.
Forty-seven state federations participated in the campaign, but the Maryland Federation sold almost $11 million worth of U.S. War Bonds -- the largest of any state federation. Total bond sales by GFWC members reached $101,617,750, enough to purchase many fighter planes and heavy and medium bombers.
Maryland resident Sara Whitehurst was GFWC president during the Buy a Bomber campaign.
The Linthicum Heights Woman's Club was founded in 1939 and incorporated in 1940. In 1941, it joined the GFWC and is the oldest club in North Anne Arundel County.
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Get Ready, Ferndale! Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are making an
early appearance in the community at 1 p.m. this Sunday.
They are landing their red sled atop an old fire engine and will be escorted through the neighborhood by a utility truck, an ambulance andanother fire engine, courtesy of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department. At 1:30 p.m., Santa his wife will make a stop at North Glen Elementary School, then at 2:15, they will be at George Cromwell Elementary School.
The couple are giving a little of their precious time to help the volunteers collect canned goods, toys and cash donations for their annual drive to help the needy of the community. Fifteen families and seniors living alone in the Ferndale, Linthicum and Glen Burnie will benefit.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will have candy canes and coloring books for all the boys and girls who come out to greet them.
If you won't be home Sunday, contributions can be dropped off anytime at the Ferndale Fire House, Pepperoni Post in the Ferndale Shopping Center and Hardees at Burwood Plaza. The volunteers will also beoutside the Giant Food store at Cromwell Shopping Center 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday.
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In keeping with the holiday spirit, the Human Relations Committee of Ferndale Elementary School is providing students an opportunity to help the less-fortunate.
A tree was placed in the school lobby Dec. 4, and they are decorating it with new mittens, hats and socks suitable for elementary-age children.
Items are being acceptedthrough Thursday and can be dropped off at the school, 105 Packard Ave., or sent in with a Ferndale student. In addition to the tree, the school children are collecting canned goods for the fire department's basket drive.
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The Linthicum Seventh-day Adventist Church had a very successful canned food drive in October and helped many families at Thanksgiving.
Now, because of the tremendous generosity of Linthicum residents, church members find themselves able to help even more families than they anticipated.
If anyone in the area knows of a family or individual in need, the church members would like to help. Food and clothes in all sizes, children throughadult, are available. Contact the church at 859-0866 and leave a message on the recorder.
Once again, the Linthicum church will be co-sponsors on a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year's Day. The theme this year is "Discover the World of Service." Fifty-thousand roses and other flowers will be used in designing the float. Children will be depicted in the floral scene as doctors, nurses, scouts and other service-oriented positions.
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Is there some exercise equipment lying around your house not being used? The Athletic Department at North County High School might be ableto take it off your hands.
The school is looking for exercise bikes, rowing machines, a table-tennis table and other equipment suitable for aerobic exercise.
If you have something the school might want, please give NCHS a call at 859-5400 and ask for the Athletic Department.
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Virginia Erwin, music teacher at the North Glen Elementary School, wants professional musicians in the area to come to the school to perform informally for one or more music classes.
"We feel it is beneficial for children to have a chance to see different musicians who enjoy performing and wish to share their talent with our children," Erwin said.
An informal explanation of the instrument you play and what music means to you would benefit the children so much. Men and senior citizens are especially encouraged to come. Singersare also welcome. Don't be shy -- share your talent and have a little fun with the children.
Call the elementary school at 766-8316 and volunteer. The school's staff will be glad to hear from you.
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Students in North Glen Elementary School will be "living Christmas trees" tomorrow for School Spirit Day.
Children can come to schooldressed as a decorated tree. They can use any ornament as long as itdoes not interfere with regular school activities. Students must be able to sit and be comfortable. This is a good opportunity to be really creative and have some fun.
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Limited openings are availablenow at the Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church's day care center.
This program is coordinated with the Linthicum Elementary School and provides day care before and after school from September to June for 5- and 6-year-olds in a Christian environment.
Registrations for the 1992-93 school year are being accepted now also. For more information and application form, please call 859-0990.
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The Christmas House Tour in Linthicum two Sundays ago was fabulous. The ingenuity of the decorators and the hospitality of the hosts who invitedus into their homes made for a wonderful evening.
Congratulationsto the tour chairman, Ann Hammersla, and the Woman's Club.