HANCOCK'S Resolution, the 18th-century farmstead in Pasadena, will be celebrating the "good old days" Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with music, a spinning demonstration and a display of Hancock family artifacts.
Gail McClusky, of the Misty Mountain Fiber Workshop in Annapolis, will demonstrate spinning techniques that would have been used by 18th- and early 19th-century American farm families to turn flax and wool into cloth.
Jim Morrison, president of the Friend's of Hancock's Resolution, said that seeing the process of turning raw wool and flax into fibers that are then woven into cloth gives visitors a new appreciation for our modern life. "It took quite a bit of effort to turn the raw material into a new set of clothing," he said.
The Christian Chimers, a bell-ringing group from Pasadena United Methodist Church, will play patriotic and old-time hymns throughout the day. Bill Blanchard, a longtime church member, directs the group.
Ed Calvert, a descendant of the farmstead's owners, will display a selection of items that came from the Hancock house. "Mr. Calvert's grandmother was born in the farmhouse and he has been instrumental in sharing his knowledge of its history," Morrison said.
In addition to the extra attractions offered Sunday, there will be tours of the restored farmhouse and surrounding property. "It's a historic jewel in this area," Morrison added.
The historic farmstead dates to 1785 and has one of the few remaining stone buildings of the period in the county. Ownership of the property remained in the Hancock family until 1962. It is owned by the Historic Annapolis Foundation and leased to the county.
The Friends volunteer group operates the farmstead and has been instrumental in helping to save the site for future generations.
Other events planned at Hancock's over the next few months include an old-time camp meeting next month, Grandparents Day celebration in September, a craft day, and a blessing of the animals in late October.
The farmstead is at 2795 Bayside Beach Road, about 2 1/2 miles from the intersection with Fort Smallwood Road.
Hours are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays only through Oct. 27. Admission is free, but donations to help with improvements at the site are accepted.
Information: 410-255-4048 or 410-222-7317.
Fire Museum trip
Families are invited to join the Orchard Beach Volunteer Fire Department on a trip to the Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville Aug. 3.
A pizza lunch is included.
Jan Huffman, trip organizer, said that the museum gives children and adults a chance to learn more about the history of firefighting, safety and prevention.
"Our tour will include a walk through the history of the Maryland Fire Department, dating back to 1806," Huffman said.
The museum has almost 40 pieces of firefighting apparatus, ranging from an 1875 horse-drawn wagon to motorized vehicles on display.
A reconstructed "alarm office" shows visitors the system for dispatching equipment used by most large American cities from the 1920s through the 1960s.
There are also displays on the history of fighting fires, including the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904, a large ensemble of badges and uniforms, and a Discovery Room that allows visitors a chance to sit in the driver's seat of a 1939 Mack pumping engine.
The cost for the tour and lunch is $10. The group will leave from the fire hall at 10:30 a.m.
Information: 410-255-0921 or 410-360-1257.
Academic achievers
A bit of good news about the accomplishments of middle schoolers in Pasadena fell through the cracks a few weeks ago. These pupils competed in the educational challenge contest created by County Councilwoman Shirley Murphy and her Business Advisory Board for Pasadena Schools.
The contest, in its second year, rewarded grade improvement with a school-day field trip to a luncheon held in their honor. So many accepted the challenge (more than 500 out of 3,605) that two luncheon luaus, with entertainment, were held.
The first luncheon, for pupils who raised three out of four grades or who had perfect attendance, took place at Kurtz's Beach on May 7. A second luncheon, for pupils who made the Principal's Honor Rolls for earning straight A's during the third marking period, was scheduled for May 28. Pupils who made the grades and who had perfect attendance got to ride to the luncheon in a stretch limousine.
With the end of school and a holiday, this group of high achievers was overlooked.
For the second time this year, Chesapeake Bay Middle School had the largest contingent of achievers, with fourteen pupils whisked away to the luau.
Those riding in style included Samantha Cook, Lindsay Krebs, Heather Ritchie, TataSahadeo, Christopher Pumphrey, Rebecca Boettcher, Samantha Chan, Jeffrey Hyatt, Emily Neal, Heather Smith, Tarah Tarleton, Fred Hughes, Amanda Schwarzmann and Megan Wickless.
At Marley Middle School, 13 pupils accepted the challenge. The riders included Essence Ellis, Stefanie Feeley, Allen Garber, Meghan Good, Zuleima Hidalgo, Emily Kuzmiw, Cynthia Langford, Tyler Maher, Kendra Shillen, Sarah Sperry, Jacklynn Swann, Christopher Wyatt and Emileerose Zaide.
George Fox pupils Christina Gregory, Miranda Marvel, Chelsea Baranoski and Lauren Zeitschel earned a ride.
After a brief break, Murphy and her advisory board will be back at work planning next year's challenge. "It's just the biggest thrill to see these great students at the luncheons," Murphy said. "I hope that we are making a difference in their lives."
Blood drive
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 8615 Fort Smallwood Road, is having a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 28.
Donors must be age 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and must not have donated within the past 56 days.
Appointments to donate may be made in advance. Walk-ins are welcome. Information: 410-255-4141.
Vacation Bible school
Pasadena United Methodist Church, 61 Ritchie Highway, will have its vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon, Aug. 5-9. The theme of this year's school is "God's Great Gallery."
The cost is $3 per child or $5 per family. The program is open to children ages 4 to 11. Information: 410-647-3090.